5 Self-Help Tips for Home Owners

Owning a piece of the American dream is one of the ultimate feelings of accomplishment and independence Homeowners.

But along with all the perks come plenty of headaches and added expenses when things go wrong.  And yet, when you think about how much money you could save with just a little bit of basic know-how, well, let’s just say you might have a bit of an inner handy self after all.

So, whether you’re a first time homeowner or a seasoned pro, here are 5 things you should know how to do – for your own sake, and to help save you some money.

1. Locate a stud | Homeowners

   If you don’t own a stud finder, start at the corner of a room (where you’re sure to find a stud) and measure out in 16 inch increments. To make sure, use a thin bit or small nail to make a test hole at the top of the base molding, which can easily be patched with a dab of caulk.

2. Remove a broken light bulb 

   First, turn the power off or unplug the lamp. Then, cut a raw potato in half and press the cut end into the broken glass and carefully twist it out.

3. Pick an interior lock

   It never fails: you’re getting ready for work and little Johnny picks that precise moment to lock himself in the bathroom. No need to panic. Simply insert a straightened out bobby pin or safety pin into the small hole on or beside the handle and compress the spring inside. Crisis averted.

4. Bypass your electric garage door opener
   The power is out and your car is stuck in the garage. Or so you think. Ever notice that red cord hanging from the ceiling-mounted garage door operator? Pull it to disengage the chain drive and manually lift the door up the track.

5. Use a fire extinguisher
   If you don’t own one, you should. And familiarize yourself with it before you actually need to use it. Remember that the average extinguisher has about 8 seconds of life once you pull the trigger. Here is a handy acronym you can use: PASS – Pull the pin, Aim the nozzle, Squeeze the trigger, Sweep from side to side. We hope you never have to use one, but if you do, you’ll need to replace it after each use since they’re not re-fillable.

And then there’s the type of home repairs that no amount of common sense or research can help you accomplish.  That includes most plumbing repairs, especially anything to do with your water heater, an underground sewer line, and more.  For the best in timely and high quality plumbing services, we invite you to make Norhio Plumbing your “go to” choice, starting today!