Home Maintenance Basics for Living Solo

Essential Tools Every Home Needs

Start with these basics (you can get a basic kit at any hardware store for $20-30):

• Screwdriver set - Both Phillips (+) and flathead (-)
• Hammer
• Pliers
• Adjustable wrench
• Tape measure
• Flashlight (or headlamp - hands-free is better)
• Duct tape - Temporary fix for almost anything
• Step stool or small ladder

Nice to have: Drill with basic bits, level, utility knife, WD-40, super glue

Quick Fixes You Can Do Yourself

Clogged Drain

Try this first (before calling a plumber):

1. Remove visible hair or debris from drain opening
2. Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down drain
3. Follow with 1/2 cup vinegar
4. Wait 15 minutes, then flush with hot water
5. If still clogged, use a plunger

When to call a plumber: If nothing drains after trying this, or if multiple drains are clogged

Running Toilet

Common fix:

1. Remove toilet tank lid (just lift it off)
2. Check if the flapper (rubber seal at bottom) is seated properly
3. Jiggle the handle - sometimes the chain gets tangled
4. If flapper is worn, replace it ($5 at hardware store - YouTube has tutorials)

Tripped Circuit Breaker

When lights/outlets stop working in one room:

1. Find your electrical panel (usually basement or garage)
2. Look for a switch that's in the middle position (not fully ON or OFF)
3. Turn it fully OFF, then back ON
4. If it trips again immediately, you have a problem - call an electrician

Label your panel: Turn off breakers one at a time and note which rooms/outlets each controls

Stuck Garbage Disposal

1. IMPORTANT: Turn off power at the wall switch
2. Look under sink for a red reset button on the disposal - press it
3. If still stuck, insert an Allen wrench in the hole at the bottom center and turn back and forth
4. Remove any visible blockage with tongs (never your hand)
5. Turn power back on and test

Leaky Faucet

Temporary fix until you can get help:

• Turn off water supply valves under sink (clockwise to close)
• Put a bucket under the leak to prevent water damage
• Call a plumber or watch a YouTube tutorial for your faucet type

Smoke Detector Beeping

• Single beep every minute = Replace battery (9V battery, twist detector counterclockwise to remove)
• If still beeping after new battery, the unit needs replacement (they last 10 years)

Regular Maintenance Tasks

Monthly

• Test smoke/CO detectors - Press test button
• Check HVAC filter - Replace if dirty (every 1-3 months depending on type)
• Run garbage disposal with ice cubes - Cleans blades
• Pour water down rarely-used drains - Prevents dry P-trap smells

Every 6 Months

• Clean dryer vent - Pull dryer out, vacuum hose (fire prevention)
• Clean range hood filter - Usually dishwasher safe
• Check water heater for leaks
• Test garage door auto-reverse - Place object in path, should reverse

Annually

• HVAC service - Have a professional tune-up before summer/winter
• Chimney cleaning (if you use fireplace)
• Gutter cleaning - Before winter and after fall leaves
• Replace smoke detector batteries (or when daylight saving changes)
• Drain water heater - Removes sediment

When to Call a Professional

Finding Trustworthy Help

Red flags - DO NOT HIRE if they:

• Show up unsolicited ("I was in the neighborhood...")
• Demand cash only
• Pressure you to decide immediately
• Ask for full payment upfront
• Don't have insurance or license
• Have no written contract or estimate

How to find good contractors:

• Ask friends and neighbors for referrals
• Check reviews on Angie's List, HomeAdvisor, or Google
• Verify license and insurance
• Get 3 estimates for major work
• Get everything in writing
• Never pay full amount until job is complete

Home Safety Tips for Living Alone

Security

• Change locks if uncertain who has keys
• Install motion-sensor lights at entrances
• Keep doors locked even when home
• Don't advertise you live alone - keep a pair of men's boots by door
• Get a doorbell camera - See who's there before opening
• Tell someone when contractors are coming

Emergency Preparedness

• Know where shut-offs are: Water main, gas, electrical panel
• Keep emergency numbers posted: Plumber, electrician, heating/AC
• Have flashlights in every room
• Keep fire extinguisher in kitchen
• Have a plan for who to call in emergency (family, neighbor, friend)

Seasonal Maintenance Checklist

Spring

• Clean gutters and downspouts
• Check for winter damage (roof, siding)
• Service air conditioning before summer
• Test outdoor faucets after freeze risk passes
• Clean windows and screens

Summer

• Trim trees and bushes away from house
• Check deck/patio for rot or loose boards
• Clean outdoor grill
• Inspect attic for leaks or pests

Fall

• Clean gutters again (after leaves fall)
• Service furnace before winter
• Weatherstrip doors and windows
• Drain outdoor hoses, shut off exterior water
• Check roof for missing/damaged shingles

Winter

• Reverse ceiling fans (clockwise pushes warm air down)
• Keep pipes from freezing (let faucets drip if temps below 32°F)
• Check for ice dams on roof
• Keep sidewalks clear (liability issue)

Learning Resources

YouTube Channels for Home Repair

• This Old House - Professional, clear tutorials
• Dad, How Do I? - Basic life skills, very patient explanations
• See Jane Drill - Home improvement for women
• Home Repair Tutor - DIY tutorials

Classes

• Home Depot - Free workshops on weekends
• Lowe's - DIY clinics
• Local community college - Home maintenance classes
• Habitat for Humanity - Sometimes offers workshops