5 Things Every Homeowner Should Know
Most new purchases that you make come with a manual explaining everything that you need to know about the item you have purchased. If it doesn't, there is usually a link to an online manual that you can access. Unfortunately, when you buy a home at the Lake of the Ozarks, no one is going to hand you a manual. You may not be aware that you should know how to take care of something until it breaks and you have to learn the hard way.
Any Lake of the Ozarks real estate agent should be happy to answer any questions that you might have, but you need to know the right questions to ask. As a child, you probably had no idea that your parents changed the air filter, and when you took a tour of your new home before buying it, the water shutoff valve probably wasn't something that was highlighted. This blog offers a few pieces of advice that every homeowner should know, and also some easy fixes that can save you money.
If the water heater is the thing that is leaking, you will want to shut it down completely until repairs can be made. If it is heated by gas, twist the dial on the top of the thermostat to off. If it is electric, switch the circuit breaker for the water heater to the off position. Turn the handle on the water valve clockwise until it stops. If that doesn't completely stop the water, shut it off at the main water valve as described in #1.
Over time, caulk around doorways, windows, sinks, tubs, and many other places in your home can get old and worn. It may stop blocking leaks, or it may just get so grimy that you want to replace it. All you have to do is scrape away the old caulk, then squeeze the new caulk in it's place. The hardware store can once again help you to determine which type of caulk is best for the area you are sealing.
Those are 5 good things to know when you own your own home. There isn't a landlord to call when things go wrong anymore. Knowing how to take care of small things like these can save you lots of money in the future. If they are not taken care of regularly or at the first signs of a problem, major repairs could end up being needed. Stay on top of these things and your house will remain in tip-top shape for many years to come.
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Any Lake of the Ozarks real estate agent should be happy to answer any questions that you might have, but you need to know the right questions to ask. As a child, you probably had no idea that your parents changed the air filter, and when you took a tour of your new home before buying it, the water shutoff valve probably wasn't something that was highlighted. This blog offers a few pieces of advice that every homeowner should know, and also some easy fixes that can save you money.
1. How to locate the main water shutoff.
Shutting off the water to the sink or a toilet is fairly simple. That valve is located beneath each of them. If you need to make a repair or there is leak somewhere, you will need to shut off the water to the entire house. The main water shutoff valve will be located at ground level, inside the home along the perimeter. It is usually located in the part of the home that is facing the street, nearest to where your water meter is located. The water line will take the shortest path possible to get into the home.2. How to turn off the water heater.
If the water heater is the thing that is leaking, you will want to shut it down completely until repairs can be made. If it is heated by gas, twist the dial on the top of the thermostat to off. If it is electric, switch the circuit breaker for the water heater to the off position. Turn the handle on the water valve clockwise until it stops. If that doesn't completely stop the water, shut it off at the main water valve as described in #1. 3. How often to change the furnace filter.
You can most likely find a manual online to match the furnace in your home. This is where you can find out the type of filter needed and exactly where it goes. These have to be changed regularly so that the air flow of your HVAC system is not impeded and the air quality remains healthy. The filter that you purchase will tell you how often it needs to be changed, usually every 2-3 months.4. How to stop a dripping faucet.
A simple leak really isn't too hard to fix. Usually it is due to a worn out washer. Start by turning off the water to the sink, then block the drain so that you don't lose any small parts down it. Unscrew the handle, take out the old washer, and replace it with a new one. If you are not 100% sure exactly which part needs to be replaced when you take the faucet apart, take the pieces with you to the hardware store and they can point you in the right direction.
5. How to replace caulk.
Over time, caulk around doorways, windows, sinks, tubs, and many other places in your home can get old and worn. It may stop blocking leaks, or it may just get so grimy that you want to replace it. All you have to do is scrape away the old caulk, then squeeze the new caulk in it's place. The hardware store can once again help you to determine which type of caulk is best for the area you are sealing. Those are 5 good things to know when you own your own home. There isn't a landlord to call when things go wrong anymore. Knowing how to take care of small things like these can save you lots of money in the future. If they are not taken care of regularly or at the first signs of a problem, major repairs could end up being needed. Stay on top of these things and your house will remain in tip-top shape for many years to come.
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