Congratulations on the purchase of your new home. Whether you are a first-time buyer in Melbourne, FL or a real estate tycoon, there’s always something incredibly special about finding the right home perfectly suited to the needs of your family and all for the right price. A Mother’s Touch Movers of Melbourne, FL knows a thing or two about homeownership. We have had the honor of assisting so many of you with your Brevard County moves. We know all the work you’ve put into finding your dream home and now your job is to keep it that way. Right? If you have owned a home in the past, you know a lot of work goes into maintaining and even improving the home. First-time buyers who have previously been renters, whether it be in apartments, condominiums, or homes, need to know that owning a home requires a basic skill set. When something goes awry now, you don’t have the pleasure of calling maintenance or the landlord for a fix. You’ve got to have some tricks up your sleeves. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are 10 things every homeowner should know how to do.
- Change Air Filters
Your HVAC system is crucial to the comfort of your home and the cleanliness of the air you breathe. The first line of defense is the air filter so make sure you find the correct filter for your needs and change it every 3 to 6 months. Here’s a quick tutorial for those of you who aren’t sure exactly what to do.
- Bucket Flush
In the event of a power outage that shuts down supply to your pump or a cut to the water supply, you can still flush the toilet. All you have to do is fill a gallon sized bucket and dump one or two gallons in. In this case, it isn’t whether or not you can fix a leaking water heater. It is knowing WHEN to call in the pros.
- Monitor the Water Heater
If your water heater is leaking, you need to be able to determine why. A leak coming from a relief valve or the drain line isn’t a huge concern and can be fixed. However, if you notice leaking from the tank itself, you are in big trouble. Don’t wait to call in an expert.
- How to Shut the Water Supply Off
All too often, homeowners go out of town on vacation and come back to a massive water problem in their homes. This can be easily solved by shutting off the main water supply BEFORE you leave for a few days. The first step is to locate the main water shutoff valve. In most warmer climates, this is located outside either on an exterior wall or underground. Before you head out, simply turn the valve off.
- How to Unclog Drains
Nothing is worse than a backed-up sink or shower drain, right? In most cases, you can use a chemical to dissolve the clogged drain. If this does not work, you can use a drain snake to get the job done.
- How to Reset the Circuit Breaker
Circuit breakers prevent a whole host of issues by cutting power to overworked circuits. Without them, the fire risk is immense. They are vital to the modern home. They cut power to certain areas of the home when they are alerted to a power issue. To reset yours, all you have to do is locate the main circuit breaker in the house. If you lose power to a certain area within your home, unplug any devices or electrical items before you head to the breaker. Open the circuit breaker and look for any breaker that is in the center position. Turn it to off first and then back on. This should fix the problem. If it does not, call in an electrician who is qualified to handle the issue.
Homeownership is a great thing! We are so excited for your new adventure. Knowing how to do these simple things will help keep your home in great shape and save you tons of money. As always, if you need assistance with your Brevard County move, whether it be in Palm Bay, Merritt Island or Viera, be sure to contact us. We are here to help you start to finish.
