Becoming a homeowner is an exciting new chapter, but it is also one which can be daunting. A house requires a lot of work, and it feels like it is a never-ending job, but it is also your pride and joy, so you will want to give it the attention that it needs. There are dozens of common issues that can arise when you become a homeowner, yet many people do not know what to do in these scenarios as they have previously relied on landlords or parents whenever there is any kind of issue. This is not ideal and can cost both time and money, so here are a few of the more common problems and how to fix them.
Roof Damage
Roof damage can be terrifying as it is such an important part of your home and failure to act quickly could be devastating. The roof can take a constant bombardment and particularly if you live in stormy areas – although they are solidly built, too much extreme weather can damage the roof which can lead to leaking issues and interior damage.
This is also the type of job that must be left to the professionals, so be sure to take down the details of local emergency roof repair services when you move in. Contact them immediately and take measures to reduce water damage by placing buckets to collect falling water, remove nearby electrical appliances and protect furniture by either moving it away or covering it with plastic sheeting.
Burst Pipes
The flow of water throughout the pipes in the home is controlled by the main water valve. In the event of a burst or broken pipe, turn the valve off immediately to minimize water damage. The valve is often in the basement or near the front of the house, but be sure to identify where it is as soon as you move in.
Study the pipes to establish the cause of the problem and whether or not they need to be replaced. It is also a good idea to shut off the valve if the property is vacant for long periods of time, especially in winter, when freezing water can cause pipes to burst.
Running Toilets & Leaky Faucets
A toilet that constantly runs and faucets that leak is incredibly frustrating as a homeowner. Not only can the noise be irritating, but it can also be costly and lead to problems like water damage and mold. A plumber is an obvious solution, but you may also be able to fix the problem yourself with some guidance online.
Gas Leak
A gas leak is one of the biggest fears that people have in their house as a flame or even a small spark could lead to a fire or an explosion. If you think that you might have a gas leak, do not smoke, light any matches or turn off or on any electrical items and instruct everyone else to do the same. Turn off the gas supply at the meter and open all windows and doors to air out the property. Contact a gas fitter to repair the leak and vacate the property until it is safe to return or check out this company that specializes in providing professional fire damage restoration services to restore properties affected by fire incidents.
Blocked Toilet
A blocked toilet is a common problem but also one which can cause a great deal of stress and anxiety. A great piece of advice for any homeowner is to buy a good plunger before you need one – this can usually remove deep blocks. Never flush when the bowl is already full as this will cause the bowl to overflow which could lead to water damage. If you are unable to move or break up the blockage with a plunger or anything else that can get down into the bowl, call out a licensed plumber who will be able to solve the problem.
Power Outage
The first thing to do in a power outage is to make sure that everyone is ok and to check to see if your neighbors still have their power. If they do, check your breakers to see if there has been an overload. If other homes are without power, contact your power company to get information about repair times and to document the outage. If possible, unplug major appliances to avoid damage from a power surge when the electricity comes back on. The refrigerator and freezer will be able to keep their temperature for a while, but be sure to throw out perishables if the outage lasts longer than four hours.
Grease Fire
Fires are scary, but knowledge of how to react when one breaks out is key. A grease fire is the most common in the home and occurs when overheated cooking oil ignites. Never use water or an extinguisher for a grease fire as this can actually spread the fire or splatter the grease. Instead, look to suffocate the fire with a pot lid and turn off the burner. If the fire spreads from the pan and you are unable to put it out, get out of the house and immediately contact the emergency services.
Broken Windows
In the event of a broken window, first put on thick gloves and carefully inspect the damage. Remove glass shards and dangerous edges around the window. Seal the window by taping a trash bag – use multiple bags for insulation and to protect the interior from the elements. You will not want to have this in place for a long period of time and do not leave the property while the window is broken, but most glass fitting professionals offer same-day repairs.
These household emergencies can occur at any moment, so it is important to know how to react in these situations to minimize damage and stay safe. It can be daunting when you are a new homeowner as it is down to your to fix these problems, but the majority of common issues can be straightforward to fix, and professional services can usually quickly arrive to rectify any serious issues.
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