Things Every Homeowner Should Know How to Do

Fix a Running Toilet

If your toilet is running water nonstop, it’s a must-fix situation or else your water bill will wash you away. So it’s a good idea to get acquainted with what you see when you lift the top of the toilet tank (it’s called the flush valve assembly, by the way). Sometimes the fix is as simple as repositioning a part of the assembly, but if that doesn’t solve your problem, you may need to replace

Unclog a Drain

Harsh, pricey chemicals shouldn’t be your first option when a sink drain gets clogged — better to keep a small plunger and a drain snake on hand to work out the problem mechanically. (Lowes.com offers step-by-step advice on this topic.) After you’ve removed the primary clog, clean out smelly gunk by putting a cup of baking soda in the drain followed by four cups of boiling water; then chase with a cup of vinegar. The vigorous chemical reaction will jar any remaining debris loose and leave the drain smelling fresh.

Set a Thermostat Properly

No two thermostats are alike when it comes to programming, but there are a few rules everyone should know. First, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 68 degrees in winter and 78 in summer for optimal energy efficiency. If you live in a cold climate where pipes can freeze, make sure the temperature is always at least 55 degrees inside the house; in warm, humid climates, don’t bump up any higher than 80 degrees while you’re away from home

Caulk Cracks and Gaps

Caulking is the air-sealing method of choice for stationary parts of your home, like window frames and electrical outlets. Wait for a warm, dry day; clean the area you’re caulking and remove any loose debris; hold the gun consistently at a 45-degree angle; and apply the caulk in a smooth stream without stopping.

Turn Off a Smoke Detector

Modern homes often have electric smoke detectors with a battery backup. If you get a false alarm (and you’re sure it’s a false alarm), you must cut the power to the system and then disconnect each individual unit’s battery in order to turn off the piercing sound. (Burning a tuna melt in the kitchen is a bad time to find out you don’t know how to do this.) Locate your smoke detector’s switch in your circuit breaker box — if it isn’t clearly labeled, do that now — so that you can turn off the power if necessary.

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