Maintenance tips all homeowners should know

home repair

Lynchburg offers a wide range of homebuying opportunities from 1800s historic homes and 1950s brick ranches to modern construction. However, no matter what type of home my clients purchase, I always make sure they know the location of important systems in the home and how to shut them off in case of an emergency.

Locate your main water shut-off valve

One of the most important things to know is where your main water shut-off valve is located and whether or not it works. Don’t wait for a burst pipe or a plumbing emergency to find out it’s stuck. Test it periodically to ensure its functional.

Familiarize yourself with the breaker panel

Electrical issues can be intimidating, but knowing where your breaker panel is and how to reset a tripped breaker is vital. Label the breakers if they aren’t already, so you can quickly identify which one controls which area of your home.

Know your gas shut-offs

In case of a gas leak, you’ll need to act fast. Every gas fixture or gas appliance in your home has its own shut-off valve, but there is also a main shut-off for the entire system. Locate it and understand how to turn it off safely.

Water heater shut-off

A leaking water heater can quickly become a major problem. Learn how to shut off the water supply to the heater and how to cut off the power or gas to prevent further damage. This simple step can save you from an expensive after-hours call to a plumber.

Winterize your outdoor hose bibs

Make sure you know how to shut off and drain your outdoor hose bibs to prevent frozen or burst pipes. Burst pipes from outdoor faucets are one of the most common winter plumbing issues. I learned this the hard way with my first home.

Always be prepared

Murphy’s Law always seems to ring true in homeownership. That perfect spot for your new piece of art your spouse asked you to hang? What are the chances there is an unprotected water line right behind the spot you need to drive that 2-inch nail? Knowing where my water shut-off valve was and getting there quickly saved me a lot of potential damage and headache.

If you’re unsure about any of these systems, don’t hesitate to visit “YouTube University” to brush up on your knowledge. And if you’re purchasing a new home, please make sure your Realtor walks you through these essentials. A little preparation today can save you from a headache tomorrow.

 

Billy Morris

2025 President of the Lynchburg Association of realtors and Associate Broker at John Stewart Walker.