On a House - What Should You Know About?

[Amethyst]

I know where the circuit breaker and the main water shut-off valve are.

What other things (other than the obvious, like how to find the refrigerator) should someone know how to locate/operate on or in their house?

Note: our house has a well and septic tank. Any house we buy after this one is likely to have a well and septic tank.

Thanks,

Amethyst

P.S. I will post a list of all recommendations - might help somebody else.

 

[kyounge1956]

If you have gas or propane, I think it would be wise to know where the main shutoff is. The house I just bought has a gas fireplace with electric ignition, but it has battery backup so the fireplace will light even if the power goes out--how cool is that? But this is a relatively recent feature--if you have an older fireplace it may be possible to use it even with no electricity, and that's another thing that would be useful to know. That fireplace may well put out enough heat for the whole house or at least enough to keep pipes from freezing during a power outage.

 

[travelover]

You need to know where the cleanout hatch is for the septic tank. Older ones are buried.

 

[Dancer373]

I have a well and septic tank also, living out in the country. You should where the breaker is for the water pump....some are in the house panel or out on your main panel on the electric pole.

 

[rbmrtn]

I guess those would be the main ones. The gas shutoff if you gas. Also there are shut offs for the whole house, usually outside for electric, water and gas. Then individual shutoffs at the breaker panel, under sinks, toilets, gas appliances etc.

Check your breaker panel, make sure the breakers are labeled as to what they feed.

exit plans in case of fire. what location to go to in case of tornado, usually interior room away from windows.

 

[prof12]

Another important thing to check is whether there are shut-off valves for each riser or water line under each sink. If there are, do they actually work. In an emegency, or even just minor plumbing repair, these are extremely worthwhile and can save both time and money.
Prof 12

 

[JPatrick]

If you have a garage door opener, learn how to safely raise/lower the door if the power fails.
Know how to service your smoke detectors and have the proper batteries on hand.

 

[Mulligan]

If you have gas or propane, I think it would be wise to know where the main shutoff is. The house I just bought has a gas fireplace with electric ignition, but it has battery backup so the fireplace will light even if the power goes out--how cool is that? But this is a relatively recent feature--if you have an older fireplace it may be possible to use it even with no electricity, and that's another thing that would be useful to know. That fireplace may well put out enough heat for the whole house or at least enough to keep pipes from freezing during a power outage.

Tell me about it. What an idiot I was about 8 years ago, the power went out for several days. I never have had prior to this house anything but electric, so the brain never registered that there were options. So for the first half day or so, I froze contemplating when I should throw in the towel and stay at GF house when it hit me that hey my gas fireplace (that I never use) should work still. But I didn't reach rock bottom dullard stage until the next day when I turned on the water and realized by accident I had hot water, because of the gas water heater.

 

[Lsbcal]

Another important thing to check is whether there are shut-off valves for each riser or water line under each sink. If there are, do they actually work. In an emegency, or even just minor plumbing repair, these are extremely worthwhile and can save both time and money.
Prof 12

Make sure the hot and cold water turn offs are not frozen. I recall some advise that you should not have them opened all the way, back them off just a bit from full opened.

Maybe know how to turn off the water to your hot water heater without having to turn off the main to your house -- could be useful if your hot water heater breaks down. We are in an earthquake zone, the water heater is strapped, but if it leaked the garage would be a mess. BTW, it's a good idea to drain out the sediment from your water heater once per year. Should extend the life some.

 

[Lazarus]

Put new hoses on the washer if they are not.

 

[jim747]

If you have a basement or crawl space with a sump pump, make sure you have a spare that is plumbed so you can easily replace it should the [-]old[/-] current one decide to expire. It's not a matter of if it will quit, it's when.

 

[Lsbcal]

If you have a basement or crawl space with a sump pump, make sure you have a spare that is plumbed so you can easily replace it should the [-]old[/-] current one decide to expire. It's not a matter of if it will quit, it's when.

I got a whole thread going on that one. My own solution is now a passive one in case the power goes out.

The thread is here: http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/if-power-goes-out-and-some-basement-flooding-63943.html

 

[Lisa99]

If you have an automatic sprinkler system understand how to program the controller.

If you have a jacuzzi in the house understand if there the on/off switch separate from the tub. We have one in one of our rental houses and every new tenant calls to say the jacuzzi doesn't work. When we point out there is a light switch in the toilet area that has to be on they get a bit embarrassed because the instructions are taped to the wall next to the light switch.

 

[MichaelB]

How to access the crawl spaces and attic. Checking there once or twice a year looking for signs of water damage or rodents / insects can reduce or prevent damage and save on repairs.

 

[Lsbcal]

If one really wants to get carried away with organizing all of these house chores, then create a spreadsheet with cells that turn red when a task is overdue:

I know, I know .... this is like work. And don't remind me about those red tasks. I think the bed underside did get vacuumed by DW.

 

[Midpack]

If one really wants to get carried away with organizing all of these house chores, then create a spreadsheet with cells that turn red when a task is overdue:

I know, I know .... this is like work. And don't remind me about those red tasks. I think the bed underside did get vacuumed by DW.

Or use Outlook Tasks, iPad calendar, etc. ... I have all mine on Outlook, including a haircut every 4 weeks until I die.

 

[Lazarus]

I am retired. I am not going to build timed task lists for myself in retirement. Far too much like work.

 

[Lsbcal]

Or use Outlook Tasks, iPad calendar, etc. ... I have all mine on Outlook, including a haircut every 4 weeks until I die.

Yep, I'm doing Outlook too. My haircuts are every 6 weeks.

 

[Midpack]

I am retired. I am not going to build timed task lists for myself in retirement. Far too much like work.

I can always postpone tasks for hours, days or weeks. In my case, the alternative is forgetting altogether too often... I am sure I'd never remember to change my furnace filter (until it was "carpeted") if not for Outlook, just one example.

 

[eytonxav]

Learn how to operate your programmable thermostat
Be able to change the filter on your HVAC system if it has one

 

[imoldernu]

Now... for snowbirds...
Street shutoff for water... and the 110 other items on my checklist before leaving for the south... not including the packing list.

Ya don't wanna know.

 

[prof12]

What DFW_M5 said...plus you might want to remember that if you use cheapo spun fiberglass filters, they should be changed monthly. The more expensive pleated filters are best changed quarterly. Be certain the arrow indicating return air flow points toward the duct rather than the grille for more efficiency. That one little thing can add years to a system. If you have central air, it is wise to mow with your grass discharging away from the unit. And it is good to periodically hose out the grille & fins on the unit as they do get clogged with dirt and grasss. It is amazing what can come out in the wash!!!!!!!
Prof 12

 

[RAE]

Now... for snowbirds...
Street shutoff for water... and the 110 other items on my checklist before leaving for the south... not including the packing list.

Ya don't wanna know.

Yep, I have a similar list (it's lengthy also). Was just working on it today, actually - we're departing for Texas in a couple weeks.

 

[Original Wally]

Put new hoses on the washer if they are not.

AND pop the few extra bucks for the braided stainless steel. A BURST HOSE IS NOT GOOD!

 

[Purron]

Know where the fire extinguisher and flashlights are in case of emergency. Also the liquor cabinet and supply of Fancy Feast also in case of emergency.