Category: Homeowner Tips

Owning a home is a great source of pride, a place for your family to spend time together and a place for you to relax.  But, when you own a home with things like pipes, electronics, water, appliances and more, things are bound to break down from time to time. There are many skilled repairmen that can fix or replace things for you, at a cost.  If you own a home warranty, you know you are protected in case a problem arises.  There are some common home problems that arise that require a simple fix that many home owners are quite capable of doing themselves.  This will not only save time but money as well.  If you keep some basic tools on hand, you can repair common problems in your home. A common problem area is the toilet.  They are used frequently, putting them at risk for more common problems.  First, you may have a broken toilet lever.  Most homeowners are quite capable of repairing or replacing a broken toilet lever.  By lifting the lid and looking in the tank you may see that the chair has disconnected, simply reconnect it.  If there is a problem with the lever itself, the local hardware store should have abundant supplies to help replace the toilet lever. Another problem that often arises with the frequency with which toilets are used is a clogged toilet drain.  Get out your trusty toilet plunger and attempt to unclog the drain with 8-10 thrusts.  If this does not work, you may need to add water.  If the plunger still does not work, a toilet auger is another common tool available at the hardware store that may be able to get the toilet unclogged.  If the clog persists, it may be time to call the plumber. Leaky pipes can also become a problem in your household.  in order to address leaky pipes you will want to first turn off the water to the pipe.   This is a very important step.  Next, place a bucket under the area you are working and check the curved pipe, called a p-trap.  Over time, things like washers can wear out and may need to be replaced.  If it is a simple fix, the problem should be clearly visible.  If the pipe continues to leak, a professional may be needed to ensure the repair is done right.  Next, many people, over the course of owning a home, run into problems with their garbage disposal. Often, things that should not be put down a garbage disposal are and the garbage disposal generally experiences a lot of wear and tear.  Many times, a clog in a garbage disposal is an easier repair than expected.  First and foremost, you will want to turn the power off to the garbage disposal.  Safety should always be the first concern and turning the power off is an important safety measure.  You will need common tools, like an allen wrench.  Using an implement like a wooden dowel, or even some chopsticks leftover from Chinese takeout, reach in and remove anything that may be causing an obstruction.  Once you have removed the clog, and reassembled everything, turn the power back on and run some water through the make sure everything is clear. Lastly, at some point you may make a hole in your wall whether by accident or on purpose, that needs to be repaired.  For the most part, drywall repair is quite simple.  For relatively small holes, spackle and a putty knife will be all you need (and some touch up paint of course).  Bigger holes will require a piece of dry wall, dry wall screws and some other tools but is still also quite manageable for the average homeowner.  Before you grab the number for a plumber or contractor, consider trying to repair these common home problems yourself.]]>

After many people pay huge utility bills all summer to keep their homes cool from the sweltering heat, they may be relieved to see some savings during the winter. By following some simple guidelines, you can save money on your winter utility bills. First, if you do not already have one, consider purchasing a programmable thermostat. It makes saving on utility bills much easier because you can set the desired temperature for different times of day and forget about it. There is no need to continually change the thermostat, it will do it on its own. Energy.gov has some great tips for what temperature you should keep your home during the winter, “You can easily save energy in the winter by setting the thermostat to 68°F while you’re awake and setting it lower while you’re asleep or away from home. By turning your thermostat back 10° to 15° for 8 hours, you can save 5% to 15% a year on your heating bill — a savings of as much as 1% for each degree if the setback period is eight hours long. The percentage of savings from setback is greater for buildings in milder climates than for those in more severe climates.” If you are away from home all day at work or your kids are at school, set the temperature much cooler, perhaps around 56° as no one will be home anyway. You can always program your thermostat to warm your home back up to 68° about an hour before you get home so it is nice and cozy when you get home. As your body adapt to the cooler temperatures, keeping your thermostat to 68° will quickly feel very comfortable. Also, if you do tend to get a chill in the early morning or late evening hours, you can always employ some more traditional methods of staying warm. Break out the warm blankets, comfortable slippers or socks and a nice, toasty cup of hot chocolate or tea. You can always throw an extra blanket on the bed and you will feel very warm, all while saving money because you are not keeping the heat running all night long. By employing these simple methods and properly programming your thermostat during the winter, you can save money and still enjoy a cozy fall and winter.]]>

Going “green” is a trendy phrase that has been thrown around a lot.  We all know it is good to be more energy efficient and use less water.  And, not only is it good for the environment, it can also mean a significant monthly savings. Our sinks, washing machines, showers and toilets use a lot of water every month.  The amount of water used each time we flush has improved significantly over time. Toilets installed in the 1960’s could use as much as 7 gallons of water per flush.  Over time, with improvements and the invention of low flow toilets, we have reduced the amount of water we use each time we flush to 1.6 gallons. Plumbing.org discusses how toilets and water usage effect our utility payments, “The EPA estimates that toilets account for approximately 27% of the water usage inside your home. They also estimate that, for a family of 4, if you replace your older toilets with newer, water-saving models, you can save more than $90 a year on your water bill.” If your home does not currently have low flow toilets and you are looking for a way to go green and save money each month on utilities, consider changing to a low flow toilet.  While the first few designs of low flow toilets had their drawbacks, modern designs are significantly improved. Realtor.com  discusses why low flow toilets should be used, “Modern low flush toilets work using one of two technologies: either a gravity feed or a pressure assisted flush process to clear waste. Similar in basic concept to older toilet designs, gravity feeds use the force of the water coming out of the toilet tank to flush the bowl. However, the new gravity flush toilets now work because the toilet bowls themselves have been redesigned to make better use of the pressure generated by the water flow. Air pressure flush systems compress a pocket of air in a cavity in the bowl to help clear the waste. When the toilet is flushed, the air is released and in combination with the 1.6 gallons of water, flushes the bowl clean.” Many complained that old low flow toilets did not do an adequate job when flushing and that sometimes they required two flushes.  Modern low flow toilets combine the technology of powerful flushing with water conservation to find the perfect balance.  Also, when you go to sell your house, a buyer will be more interested in a home that has modern, energy efficient toilets than one that does not.  By taking the small measure to switch to a low flow toilet you can save money on your monthly utilities while also doing something great for the planet.]]>

The refrigerator is one of the most used appliances in our home.  We rely on it to keep our food cold and safe, the food that feeds our families.  Often, we forget that our refrigerator needs maintenance in order to continue to run well and to extend its lifespan.  The last thing anyone wants is a refrigerator full of food that suddenly breaks. There are some basic and relatively easy ways to maintain your refrigerator and keep it up and running.  The first thing you will want to do is to keep the inside clean.  You should promptly clean any spills and do general cleaning once per month.  With soap and water wipe down all the shelves and drawers. Next, you will want to ensure that the coils are clean.  Every three months, vacuum the fan and condenser coils.  This will help keep air running smoothly and will allow your refrigerator to be more energy efficient.  You will also want to clean and inspect the door seals. When door seals become cracked or broken they allow cold air to escape and can compromise the quality of the food and is not energy efficient.  Check the door seals every month and if they seem dirty clean them with soapy water and if you notice damaged seals, you can purchase replacement door seals.   Also, most refrigerators have a drain hole and drip pan that removes condensation but food particles can also wind up in the drip pan. You should regularly clean the drip pan with soap and water.  It is also important that you regularly change your water filter according to instructions.  If you continue to use a water filter for longer than instructed water is often even dirtier than before it went through the filter. Lastly, you should check to ensure that your refrigerator is level.  When a refrigerator is not level doors may not open and close properly and they may not seal correctly.  Not only does this put the quality of food at risk but it is not energy efficient.  Place a level on the top of the refrigerator, if it is not level adjust the feet of your refrigerator until it is. Schedule regularly cleanings in your calendar or put a reminder in your phone.  Appliances are expensive and you want them to last as long as possible and you want them to function properly.  By regularly maintaining your refrigerator your refrigerator will run properly and keep your food safe and the lifespan of your refrigerator will be extended.]]>

We have all been there, we sweep and vacuum and keep food contained and off the floors.  We can try and try and try but, inevitably, we see a bug. Whether it is crickets, spiders or the always dreaded cockroach, we know what it means when we see bugs.  Often, if there is one…there is more. Nobody wants a single bug in their home, let alone an infestation.  With routine pest control, you can keep those pesky creatures at bay and hopefully, out of sight.  Consult a professional and find out exactly what type of pest control your home needs and how often.  The area and it’s common critters will play a role in deciding what type of pest control your home needs as well as your lifestyle. Nobody wants to see bugs running around their homes, they are unsightly, embarrassing and just gross.  But, there are more reasons to have routine pest control than aesthetics.  The World Health Organization notes the concern of having pests in your home, “One of the most important reasons why pest control is needed is because of health. Pests can bring diseases that can be quite serious. One of the most serious epidemics, the bubonic plague which caused millions of death in the World in Medieval times came from rats and other rodent pests. Cockroaches and other pests can also carry germs into their body. That should be your main concern when it comes to having pests in your home.”  Nobody wants to spread illness but if you have a pest problem, you could be spreading illness throughout your home without even realizing it. Your home is one of the biggest investments you will make in your life, and you need to take good care of it to ensure you protect your investment.  When pests invade a home, they are not only unsightly and unclean, they can cause damage to your home and it’s structure. Certain types of pests and termites can eat away at important structural elements of your home, such as beams, and make your home dangerous to live in.  These kind of infestations will lead to very expensive repairs.  With routine pest control, you can usually avoid major infestations of pests in your home. Depending on the size of your home, area in which you live, and any existing pest problems that need to be managed, a pest professional can help you determine just how often you need service. Many people find that a bi-monthly routine service works best for them.  It is the most cost-effective option that can keep any major pest problems at bay.  Should a more urgent matter arise, your pest professional can bring it to your attention and recommend a course of action to eliminate the problem.  Keep your family healthy, keep unsightly pests out of sight and protect your investment with routine pest control for your home.  ]]>

Everyone hates a clogged drain, yet they are very common.  It always seems that clogged drains rear their ugly heads at the worst possible time.  You are having a house party and suddenly, you have a clogged sink or a clogged toilet.  Whenever a clog happens, it is frustrating and inconvenient.  There are some easy, routine things you can do to  prevent clogs from ever happening.  The first way to avoid clogged drains is to avoid putting certain things down your kitchen drain such as grease, coffee grinds, potato peels, pasta and rice.  Even with a well-functioning food processor, food pieces may only get chopped up and washed down but they can then get caught in your pipes causing a clog that will eventually come back up.  Everyone’s first instinct is to use their food processor, even for “ok” items, but really, you should put as little through your food processor as possible.   Second, in the bathroom you should avoid having hair go down the drain and regularly remove any hair that does go down the drain.  Hair, mixed with soap and other residue will build up over time and cause major clogs. Third, one way to help prevent things going down the drain such as hair is to put a strainer over the drain that can catch hair and other particles.  With regular cleaning of the strainer it will protect your drains from major clogs.  Fourth, you should promptly deal with any slow drains.  Things like pop-up stoppers in sinks are handy but are also notorious for collecting soap scum and hair.  You should routinely clean these build up on pop up stoppers can slow your drain down and cause clogs.  A slow drain is a sign that a clog is forming and if you wait much longer, the problem could become a major one.  By promptly dealing with slow drains you can avoid major clogs.  Lastly, while there are chemical drain cleaning products, they are incredibly harsh and can even erode the inside of pipes and simply cause more problems.  There are simple ways to prevent clogs with household products you likely have on hand.  You should regularly rinse all your drains with hot water.  Additionally, you can pour a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar down the drain and then rinse with boiling water and this should help loosen and move things and help prevent more clogs.  By following these five tips and regularly maintaining your drains, you can avoid clogs and keep your house running smoothly.  For any major clogs you should consult a professional.  With a home warranty service, they will handle hiring a reliable professional to come fix any plumbing issues.  A home warranty service can take the stress out of handling home plumbing issues.]]>

Swimming pools and summer; they just go together. It is where people go to relax, exercise, make memories and cool off. But, as the summer winds down and we enter into fall it is important to remember that swimming pools require maintenance all year long. You can certainly hire a professional service to maintain your pool but these are some basic guidelines to follow if you choose to maintain your swimming pool. The easiest way to ensure you are properly maintaining your swimming pool is to create a maintenance schedule. During the summer when your pool is experiencing its most heavy use, your maintenance schedule will be a bit busier. Some basic tips for everyday use of your pool are skim, vacuum, clean and chlorinate. You will want to skim the surface of your pool and also remove any debris from the skimmer basket. Pods can easily become filled with leaves, branches, dust, hair and insects or more and no one wants to swim around in that. But more than an unsightly and unpleasant swimming environment, debris left uncleaned can create algae and bacteria which are difficult to remove. Vacuuming your pool is also an important part of maintenance. Vacuuming picks up dust and algae. Frequency varies anywhere from a few times per week to a few times each month. One of the most important parts of swimming pool maintenance is to ensure the pools pH level is correct. Checking the pH balance of your pool should be done a few times each week as it is incredibly important to ensure your swimming pool water is safe for swimming. As summer changes to fall and you are not swimming as often, or at all, you will want to prepare your pool for the change in season. You may want to do a shock treatment on your pool to help prevent algae from growing. In cooler climates you may want to drain or cover pools but in warmer climates this is not necessary. In warmer climates you do not need to cover your pool but doing so will help prevent debris buildup. During the off season for swimming it is still important to check the pH levels in your pool. You will also still want to use chlorine and occasionally do shock treatments if necessary to prevent any issues from arising. You will still want to skim the pool and clean out the skimmer basket often as well as vacuum once per month to ensure no debris builds up. By doing these simple steps you can ensure your swimming pool stays pristine all year long and avoid costly and frustrating problems that could prevent you from enjoying your beautiful swimming pool.]]>

You may be cooking bubbly, cheesy lasagna and when you peek in to check on it you see it has begun to bubble over, spilling to the bottom of your oven. You watch, helplessly, unable to do anything about that food sizzling on the bottom of your oven until it cools off completely. An oven is a wonderful appliance that allows you to conveniently cook meals in your home but, like every appliance, requires routine cleaning and maintenance to keep it safe and in working order. If you have chosen to purchase a home warranty, then you have the peace of mind because you know that should an appliance like an oven stop working the home maintenance company will promptly send out a repairman. But, you can also avoid problems by simply regularly cleaning and maintaining your home appliances. As with any appliance, it is always wise to thoroughly read the instruction manual. When cleaning your oven, you will first want to determine what type of oven you have. Do you have an electric oven, gas oven, self-cleaning electric oven, or continuous-cleaning oven? If you have a self-cleaning oven, you will want to open your windows and ventilate as much as possible. A self cleaning oven cycle operates at 850-900 degrees Fahrenheit and basically incinerates any food or grease inside. It is effective but causes a lot of smoke and has an unpleasant smell. You should remove oven racks before turning the self-cleaning cycle on. For non-self-cleaning ovens, you will want to first try to wipe any spills and food up once the oven has completely cooled. Remove the oven racks and try to soak them in a sink, basin or tub full of warm water and a few drops of dish soap. You can use an oven cleaner product while wearing gloves and scrub down the inside of the oven with a scrub brush. There are also some homemade cleaning solutions using baking soda or ammonia that can be used and are free of harsh chemicals. If you have a continuous cleaning oven, or textured oven, the porcelain layer on the interior of the oven burn food off over time and only need to be wiped down on the inside every now and then. The easiest way to avoid major cleaning is to prevent big spills. You can place a casserole dish on a larger sheet pan to catch any spills. You could also put aluminum foil on the lower rack to catch any droppings. Even with our best efforts, spills can still happen but with these simple tips you can keep your oven clean and properly functioning.]]>

Your home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make. Each year, as seasons change and we put away our swimsuits and pull out our sweaters, we need to do some basic maintenance to prepare our homes for cooler temperatures. By following these basic tips you can rest assured your home is in tip top shape for the fall. The first thing you will want to do to prepare your home for fall is do a quick survey of the exterior of your home and yard. Check for any obvious damage that may need to be repaired before it is too cold to do so. If you home has gutters or downspouts you will want to clear any debris such as leaves or dirt and also do a quick check of your roof to make sure everything looks good. Next, you will want to move inside to prepare for fall. Now is a great time to replace filters in your air conditioning unit as it will keep your home more energy efficient. Now is also the time to drain your water heater and check to make sure there is no rust or sediment buildup. Flush out the water heater so that it will work properly all winter long. After checking upon your water heater you will want to check your home for any leaks or cracks. During the winter you want to keep warm air in and cold air out but there are cracks your home may not be doing this. Finding and promptly fixing any leaks by applying caulk or weather stripping will help your home to be more energy efficient. The cost of heating a home during fall and winter can be expensive so it is very important to ensure your home is as energy efficient as possible. It is a time to do all the little maintenance things that so often go forgotten as well. Before entering the holiday season when home fires go up exponentially, it is a great idea to test and change batteries in your smoke detector. Speaking of fire now is the time to prepare your fireplace for the cooler months. You may consider hiring a professional chimney sweep or, at a minimum, make sure any old ashes have been discarded and start stocking up on firewood. These basic home maintenance tips can help you prepare your home for fall, improve energy efficiency and make your home a more enjoyable space to live. It is important to stay ahead of the game, with home maintenance so that you can avoid costly repairs later on. One other way to prepare your home and protect yourself and your wallet is to have a home warranty. A home warranty will give you peace of mind that you are protected at all times.]]>

If you are a homeowner, then you probably understand that there is plenty of home maintenance for you to attend to all year long. There are certain items that need to be taken care of as the seasons change—especially as you move into summer or start toward winter. In fact, taking care of some of your winterization needs in the late summer can help you prepare some of your home appliances for fall and winter. 3 simple projects that can help you out include checking and replacing filters, draining your hot water heater, and inspecting the hose to your dryer. If you have an appliance with a filter, that filter needs to be changed regularly. This is especially true for items like an air-conditioning unit or any other vents in your house that have filters in them. These filters ought to be changed as the seasons change. When you prepare to turn the cool air on, then you need to change your filters. When you prepare to turn the cool air off for the season, you need to change your filters. A simple inspection should tell you all that you need to know. These filters get dirty over any season, and dirty filters will not filter the air as well as it should. You should also consider getting your air system cleaned by a professional one or two times a year, as that is an important part of home maintenance. Draining your hot water heater is a great way that you can not only take care of the heater for the fall and winter, but it actually helps to keep the heater in good shape and last longer. Over time, sediment collects inside the heater. As the sediment builds up, the heater can become less efficient. Take the time at the end of summer to drain the heater and get out that sediment. If your water heater happens to be tankless, you might not need to worry about this part of your home maintenance. Whenever it is that you purchased your dryer, you probably wanted it to last as long as possible. Some people think that dryers can take care of themselves, but there are home maintenance steps you can take to keep your dryer in good shape. While preparing for the fall season, check your dryer’s laundry hose for lint buildup. You’ll want to detach the hose from the dryer and vacuum out the lint. Lint buildup can becomes a serious fire hazard if left unattended. When you are finished, reattach the hose and you are ready to dry your clothes for the fall and winter! There are a lot of different home maintenance projects that demand your time throughout the year. Although these are not the only 3 things that you can do to prepare your home for fall, changing your filters, draining your hot water heater, and inspecting your dryer hose are great ways to help take care of your home appliances. Naturally, you will want to add other chores to your list, such as putting outdoor hoses away and inspecting your gutters. Just don’t forget that your actual appliances inside the home need just as much love and care as the exterior. Put these 3 things on your fall to-do list, and hopefully your appliances will be sitting pretty for yet another season.]]>