Owning a home comes with a lot of responsibilities. Simply put, it is a lot to learn as quickly as possible, as maintenance problems don’t wait until we learn how to deal with them. It is not practical to call a contract worker or repairmen for the smallest of problems in your house. Sometimes, DIY is the best way to, and to do that without any mistakes, homeowners need to master certain skills. Here are five such skills:

Turning off the main supply

A leak can become a flooding situation if the valves are not shut immediately. When you don’t know the origin of the leak or cannot get to the shutoff inside, you need to turn off the main water supply. Knowing how to do this can determine how much water damage your house will sustain when you face a major plumbing issue.

Hanging a picture and mirror

Modern walls tend to be hollow. Therefore, fixing a picture or mirror on it can be a tough task. Moderately heavy items need to be hung on a nail that goes through the wallboard and into the stud. For heavier items, a French cleat, with its two strips of wood, can be helpful in getting the location and support right.

Opening a clogged drain

Opening a clogged drain is a skill you need in case of an emergency. Different drains call for different approaches and types of plungers. With a kitchen sink, you need to ensure that the other drain is plugged to avoid splashing. In case of a clogged toilet, use the flange at the end of the plunger to give enough vacuum and prevent splashing.

Shutting off main circuit breakers

When you need to do some electrical work, you need the power to the whole house cut. Don’t call the utility company for this; instead, shut off the main circuit breakers. In a breaker panel, this switch is on the top. However, if you need to do major repairs like breaker panel replacement, it is best to call the utility company.

Using silicone and caulk cleanly

Silicone and caulk are used as sealants that cover the gaps, which can affect your house’s insulation and seepage. It is as easy as applying the sealant and using a painter’s tape to keep the surrounding area clean. With silicone, be sure to use a denatured alcohol spray to avoid stickiness.

Conclusion

Maintaining a house can be a tall order. However, all the effort is worth it when a home inspector in Kitchener is inspecting your house for a potential buyer. With the mastery of these five skills, you can be assured of a good sale price for your property in the future.