Many homeowners don’t realize the importance of having basic skills under their “tool belt” that can keep them from being locked out of their home, stay warm when a heater goes out, and more. These topics are usually only broached when an actual emergency occurs.
By learning these skills before an emergency happens, homeowners are able to help themselves instead of always waiting on locksmiths, plumbers, and other service professionals. Being able to do things on your own can save a large sum of money as well. Here are some of the most important skills every homeowner should master.
Lock-Picking
Getting locked out of your home can be an inconvenient and expensive issue, but knowing how to get back in can save time and hundreds of dollars by avoiding a call to the locksmith. There is a quick way to get into your home, if you have the right set of lock picking tools like sparrows lock picks. Deadbolts and other more complex lock systems can still be picked but may require extra equipment. Knowing how to remedy these issues before they are actually needed can be a time saver, so make sure you practice these skills before you need them.
Water Shut-Off
Water damage can wreak havoc on your house, so knowing how to shut off water before an emergency rises can save you thousands. Shutting off water to the washing machine if you are going to be gone for longer than a few days can also save a lot of potential trouble. It’s far easier than most homeowners think, too. By locating the water valves to the home (usually outside) and turning it clockwise, you can shut your water off and prevent severe water damage to the home.
Turning Off Gas
Almost every homeowner will find themselves in a position where they need to shut their gas off. This usually occurs after a noticeable odor of gas is present, and you need to wait until a professional arrives to remedy the issue. Gas leaking inside the home can be life threatening, so this is a critical skill to master.
Locate your gas meter and then find the shut-off valve. Simply turn the valve until the head of it is perpendicular to the pipe. Make sure you call your gas company and plumber for any gas related issues after this.
Shutting Down Power
Plenty of homeowners know how to shut off the power to their home, but many don’t know that you can shut off power to different areas of the house. This is especially useful when trying to target various areas of the house that may be causing problems, or when you aren’t sure if one of your outlets isn’t working properly.
The circuit box has various switches that control power to specific areas of the house. Before an emergency occurs, play around with these and label which switch goes to which room.
Lock picking, shutting off power, gas, and water, and other emergency skills can keep you from dipping into your savings account. By taking the time to learn these skills, you won’t have to worry about paying someone else to come out and perform a simple task.
