Once you become a homeowner, you quickly realize that it is down to you to fix common household problems. Instead of relying on a parent or landlord to fix the problem, you will need to address the problem quickly, and this can be intimidating and particularly if you do not have the knowledge of how to fix common household problems. In most cases, it can be relatively easy to fix issues, but it is best to know how to fix these before they occur so that you can act quickly and not panic. With this in mind, here are a few common household problems that can occur and how to fix them:
Blocked Toilet
A blocked toilet can be an embarrassing problem, but it can usually be straightforward to fix, and you should always stop flushing if the blockage will not move. A plunger is a must-have, and it is always best to have one before you need one and using these is relatively straightforward. Failing this, try an enzyme waste removal product or use a plumbing snake/wire coat hanger.
Power Outage
When the power goes out, it is important to first make sure that everyone is safe. You should then identify if it is just your home or the entire neighborhood. If just your home, locate the breaker panel (it is best to know where this is beforehand!) and turn off each breaker one by one. Next, reset your main breaker before turning each breaker back on one by one. If possible, turn off appliances at the wall before doing this as the surge in power can cause damage.
Leaking Pipes
A leak can cause a great deal of stress and anxiety, but it is important to act quickly to minimize damage. Start by turning off all the electricity at the fuse board and placing a bucket under the leak and/or wrap a towel around the pipe. Next, turn the water off with the stop valve (normally on the ground floor in the kitchen or bathroom). You then need to contact a local plumber who can repair the pipe – you can find reputable plumbers in your area by searching online, best plumbers in Toronto, for example.
Broken Window
Broken windows need to be repaired quickly as it can be a huge security concern. Start by putting on thick gloves and picking up any shards on the floor and remove any jagged edges from the frame. As a temporary fix, use several trash bags and tape to seal the window. Next, you will need to call out a window repair professional – in most cases; they can do same day repairs.
It can be scary when something goes wrong at a property, but by being prepared with the knowledge of how to quickly make repairs, it can reduce stress and ensure no lasting damage is done. As a homeowner it is always important to know where key parts of the home are, such as the stop valve and the breaker panel, along with the phone number for local repairs services – it is best to know this before you need to and could make a huge difference.