Home Maintenance Basics

Home maintenance basics. Home maintenance and repair work can be dangerous.  Before going ahead on your own, weigh the risks to your house, yourself and your family, if you are not clear about the problem and how to fix it, if you are unfamiliar with tools or uncertain of the skills need, by all means hire an expert.  Even if you don’t do the work yourself, hire a professional contractor.  If you do choose to proceed on your own, pay attention to the safety advice offered in the manufacturers manual and wear appropriate footwear and protective gear.  Always consult the manufacturer’s instructions before undertaking maintenance or repair work on equipment.

Maintenance Tool Kit

I recommend that you keep a small tool box with a few basic tools and supplies for everyday use. Here are a few tools and items to include in your tool box.

• Medium-sized wrench
• Pliers
• Screwdrivers
• Hammer
• Hand saw
• Assorted brads, nails, and screws
• Utility knife
• Plane
• Interior and exterior caulk
• Matching interior and exterior paint and different sized paint brushes
• Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
• Other tools can be rented or purchased as you have the need for them 

Become familiar with the following:

• Dishwasher shutoffs:  
  Look under the kitchen sink for a reducer coupling and shutoff valve leading to the dishwasher on the ½ inch hot water sink supply line.  It could also be between floor joists just below the appliance if you have a basement.
• Electrical panel/breaker box:  
  Show the entire family where the panel is located and how to shut off main breaker in an emergency, or flip any circuits back on after an overload.  If the breakers are tripping on a regular basis, consider hiring an electrician to inspect the panel and wiring.
• Gas shutoff valve:  
  Show entire family where the gas valve is located and how to shut it off.
• Shut off valves:  
  Review with family members the location of all of the shutoff valves in your home so you and your family will be prepared for emergencies.
• Sink shutoffs:  
  Beneath the sinks or within the cabinets are a couple of handles; the one on the left is usually for hot water, the one on the right for cold.
• Smoke detectors, CO2 detectors and fire extinguishers should all be checked at least every six months to ensure they are operating properly.
• Toilet shutoffs:  
  Show your entire family how to shut off the toilet by turning the ribbed oval handle under the tank if it ever starts to overflow.
• Whole-house water shutoff valves:
  The main shutoff should be beside th meter if you are on City water. If you use a well, the shutoff will be on the house side of the pressure tank.  You should also cut power to the tank.

Above are just some of the home maintenance basics that you should become familiar with, future articles will go into specific tasks that should be performed on a regular basis to keep your home running efficiently and safely.