Wear and tear happens, and it’s just something that we have to accept as a part of life. And as a homeowner, there’s certain things that you just need to know how to handle. Whether it’s ways to properly repair or save money, it’s important that one doesn’t go into home owning blind. It’s best when you can calmly and quickly fix issues without having to constantly call a repairman just to overall improve the health of your home. Here are the key things that every homeowner should know how to do, courtesy of Family Handyman:
1. Fixing a Leaking Water Heater
Water heaters sometimes leak from the drain valve or relief valve. Those valves are easy to replace, but it’s not easy to replace if the leak is coming from the tank. That’s an issue that can’t be left alone. The tank is lined with a thin coat of glass that will eventually crack and break. If left alone, the tank will rupture entirely. There’s no way to tell when exactly the leak will happen, but it’s nothing to put off. Replace your water heater as soon as possible.
2. Making Your Furnace Last
Regular filter replacement is one of the best things you can do for the health of your home. It’s the only way to ensure that your furnace is in tip top condition at all times. A good way to keep track is by buying several filters and labeling them for later. That way you can know when it’s time to switch out filters.
3. Taking Care of an Ant Invasion
Squishing ants is a temporary solution to a permanent problem. Instead, place liquid ant bait stations down in areas where you’ve seen ants. Place the stations under the sink and along walls, as these places offer easy access to ant trails. If you see more ants afterward, don’t panic. This is actually a good thing. That means you’re drawing them out, including the queen.
4. Flushing With a Bucket
Even if there’s a huge power outage that shuts down your supply, you can still flush the toilet with a bucket. Here’s what you do: dump a couple gallons into the bowl and fill the toilet tank. This works exactly like a regular flush without refilling the bowl.
5. Shutting Off Your Water Before Vacation
This one is huge, and many people fail to do this step. Don’t leave town and come back to thousands of dollars of water damage. Make sure you know how to shut off your water before going on any type of vacation.
As you work on keeping your home in tip-top condition, make sure you’ve thoroughly covered your home with a California Homeowners Insurance policy. You can take care of the small things, but when something big happens, you will want to make sure that you and your home will be protected.
About ISU / The Olson Duncan Agency
At ISU-The Olson Duncan Agency, our goal is to provide clients with a total solution, not just a quote or a contract. We provide businesses and individuals with insurance and risk management solutions, and we aim to provide real value and build trustworthy, long-term relationships with our clients. To learn more about our services, give us a call today at (310) 373-6441 to speak with one of our professionals.