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10 Things Every Homeowner Needs to Know to Save Money AND Possibly a Life

by on Jul 15, 2016

 

As you know, owning a home is a big responsibility. (Well, it is if you don’t want to let it fall into disrepair.) And although most people understand that, I’m always a bit surprised at how much homeowners don’t know about their homes. And it’s not little stuff either. It’s stuff that could save thousands of dollars in property damage or even somebody’s life. (That’s not hyperbole either.) So, here they are, the top 10 things every homeowner needs to know:

1. The location of your water main shut off. (And how to shut it off, which will be assumed obvious in the remainder of the tips involving shut off valves as well.)

2. The location of your water heater water shut off valve.

gas main
Photo: Survival Frog

3. The location of your gas main shut off. (This applies to LP too.)

4. The locations of the gas shut off valves for EACH gas appliance in your home.

5. How to adjust the temperature on your water heater.

circuit breaker
Photo: Alejandra

6. The location of your circuit breaker and any secondary breakers if you have them.

7. How to identify each of the circuits in your circuit breaker(s). (And label each to know what they turn on & off.)

  • Again, this is imperative if doing any electrical work. Identifying each circuit (and labeling them accordingly) is summarized in this article. 

8. How to access plumbing fixture valves and P-traps. 

  • Picture this, you notice a water stain on your ceiling beneath an upstairs bathroom and you’re pretty sure the leak is coming from the shower/tub. To repair the leak, you’re going to need to know how to access the shower/tub pipes. Ultimately, having such information beforehand could save you a ton of hassle and expense. If you realize you don’t have access, don’t worry. It’s easy to add it. Check out this tutorial to see how. 

9. Where and how to access your attic. 

10. Where your escape routes are in case of fire. 

  • Adults and children alike should know where to go and how to get there in case of a home fire. The National Fire Protection Association provides a comprehensive tutorial on how to plan fire escapes for those living in traditional homes to manufactured homes to those living in high-rises. Click here for further details. 
Feel free to share these tips on Pinterest!
Feel free to share these tips on Pinterest!

 

 

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