Knowing how to do a little preventative maintenance and knowing what to expect will make your life a little easier when it comes to owning or renting a home. Here are 8 simple DIY home maintenance solutions that will help you along the way.
No Power
Check the fuse box for tripped breaker switches which is usually located in the closet or outside on the side of the house.
Reset the breaker by moving it to the full “off” position and then back to “on.”
Check appliances. Unplug all of them in the unit. Press reset button on GFCI, plug in one appliance at a time to find the faulty appliance.
No Hot Water
Check if hot water tank is leaking
If it’s a gas water heater, check to see if pilot light is out, if you can’t turn it on, call your gas provider for instructions or assistance.
Garbage Disposal Not Working
Reset the garbage disposal switch underneath the bottom of unit under the sink cabinet.
Check for blockage in the sink around the blades. Before putting your hands or utensil down the sink, make sure the unit is turned off. ** Never put these items down the disposal: chicken bones, onion peels, potato skins, carrots, and other firm items.
Clogged or Slow Sink (without using harsh chemical drain cleaners)
Pour a pot of boiling water down the drain, pour in ½ cup baking soda then pour a mixture of 1 cup white vinegar and 1 cup of hot water before letting it sit for 5-10 minutes. For best results, flush one more time with a pot of boiling water.
For clogged bathtub and shower drains-pour boiling water down the drain to unclog hair and soap build-up.
Clogged Toilet
Use a plunger with short, quick motions.
Pour full bucket of water to create suction force
...read more.