Owning a home means dealing with things that break down and go wrong, as well as owning a space that brings you joy and peace, so it’s a really good idea to learn a few things that will help you to deal with the inevitable, starting here…
1. De-Clogging the Dreaded Drain
Somewhere in the murky depths of your sink or shower drain lives a hairball monster so menacing, it should have its own horror film franchise. Learning to de-clog a drain, however, doesn’t require a Hollywood budget. A simple combination of hot water, baking soda, vinegar, and an old toothbrush you really don’t like anymore can work wonders. Just don’t think too much about what you’re pulling out—it’s better that way.
2. Taming the Dripping Tap
The soundtrack of a dripping tap at 3am can drive even the calmest among us to madness. Luckily, you don’t need a PhD in engineering to fix it. Turn off the water supply, carefully disassemble the tap, replace the dodgy washer, and ta-da! You’ll be rewarded with blissful silence. Also, you’ll feel like an absolute hero—because nothing says “responsible adult” like banishing the drip-drip of doom.
3. Patching Up the Paint Job
That bit of peeling paint on the skirting board you’ve been ignoring for six months? Time to get friendly with a paintbrush. Learning basic painting and patching skills means no more staring resentfully at that scuff mark near the front door. Pro tip: don’t forget to lay down dust sheets, unless you enjoy having Jackson Pollock-style flooring as a permanent feature.
4. Knowing How to Test the Dryer Thermal Fuse
Yes, I know it sounds like something you’d learn at a secret spy academy, but “how to test the dryer thermal fuse” is a phrase every homeowner should at least be aware of. If your dryer suddenly conks out and refuses to produce heat, don’t panic. Unplug the machine, locate the fuse (your appliance manual or a quick online search will help), then use a multimeter to check for continuity. If the reading’s off, replace the fuse. Congratulations—you’ve just saved yourself from a laundry crisis (and an expensive repair bill).
5. Hanging Shelves Without Calling a Structural Engineer
Unless you’re going for the “Oh look, modern art installation!” vibe, wonky shelves are a no-no. Learn how to wield a spirit level like a pro, measure twice, drill once, and for goodness’ sake, use the right wall plugs for the job. Your carefully chosen knick-knacks deserve a stable home, not a heart-stopping plunge to the carpet.
6. The Art of Basic Appliance TLC
Fridge making weird noises? Vacuum cleaner losing suction? Before chucking them out, give them a once-over. Clean the filters, defrost the freezer, and vacuum those dusty coils. A little routine maintenance can extend the life of your gadgets and save you wads of cash. Plus, it’s oddly satisfying to triumph over something with a plug socket.
7. Taking Safety Seriously
Last but definitely not least, know where your main water valve, fuse box, and gas shut-off points are. It’s not exactly cocktail party conversation, but when you’re standing knee-deep in a puddle that used to be your kitchen, trust me—you’ll wish you knew.
Building skills puts the odds of a happy and healthy home in your favour, so what’s stopping you?
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