11 skills you need to survive owning a home

Alas, the keys to your castle don't come with a troubleshooting guide to stash in a kitchen drawer. Then again, that's what this site is all about: to providing advice. Because at some point, you're going to have to know how to change a light bulb. Or call in an expert tradie. And you're going to want to do things right. The first time. So consider these  tips a crash course in homeowner self-confidence.
1. Fix a leaky tap
This particular type of water torture is usually due to a failed washer inside a handle. To replace it turn off the water supply valve under the sink. Stuff a rag in the drain so you don't lose parts, then take the handle apart. Pop the screw cover on top, remove the screw, and pull off the handle. Use a wrench to disassemble the stem, and line the parts up on the counter in the order they came off, so you know how it goes back together. Examine rubber parts or plastic cartridges for cracks, and take the offending piece to the hardware store for an exact replacement. Reassemble the parts you've laid out, in reverse. Then feel a sense of smug satisfaction knowing you aren't wasting any more water and you didn't need to call a plumber.

2. Move heavy furniture
Trolleys. Get one. Like the couriers have to get their loads on and off trucks. And then there are things called Magic Sliders. Put these little plastic disks under heavy objects (up to 1455 kg) to enable things to be slid over a surface without damaging it. Great for under appliances like refrigerators.

3. Dig a hole
A stomp on a pointed shovel, that's easy—and so's electrocuting yourself if you accidentally slice into a buried power line. That's why you need to call or check www.dialbeforeyoudig.com.au  to save you from getting buried yourself.

4. Locate a stud
Say you want to hang that cute picture on your living room wall. Knocking on the gyprock can pinpoint a stud - and that's where you'll need to drill your bits. An electronic stud finder's the easy tool to use, but deductive reasoning - otherwise known as knocking - can also work.  Eliminate all guesswork by using a thin bit to drill a test hole which you can easily repair with a dab of fillerf it's not the right spot.

5. Check for termites
Despite your worst nightmares, you won't hear a distinct munching sound. And these guys don't hide in plain sight. They like homes built on concrete slabs, and of course, those with wood framing is exposed. Ideally you have access to under the house and the roofspace to check for raised, branchlike tubes. You can also call in a pro to do this for you once a year.

6. Unclog a sink
Drano rarely rescues a blocked sink and if things are clogging up, a mechanical clean is a good idea.  Remove the stopper and block off overflow holes. With water in the sink — the water puts more pressure on the clog — plunge with a flat-faced plunger. If that's not enough, get under the sink and take off the trap to see if that's where the clog is lodged. If the blockage is deeper, try a Snake Drain Cleaner - a cable to thoroughly clean and unblock the drain manually. Slowly push the coil down the drain, carefully twisting, pulling, and pushing when you hit the blockage. If the snake fails, then the still waters truly run deep. Call a plumber. Now.

7. Hire a handyman
Read this story on how to tame a tradie here. Or why not try sourcing a good tradie at the local hardware store instead. The guys behind the counter know who's buying supplies for paid jobs. Or find out who does the maintenance at the school. Maybe he moonlights. Just be sure to check references, and find out whether he is licensed for the job you want to commission.

8. Get a plumber to show up on short notice
Everyone has a price. And when the powder-room toilet won't flush just hours before the relatives are to descend, you'd better know what your plumber's is. These guys appreciate loyalty, so if you frequent the same plumbing service, he'll be more inclined to return your frantic call. But you should also know a 24-hour plumber who's equipped for off-hours emergencies. Rapid response will cost you.

9.Unstick a door
Doors stick for a lot of reasons: a loose hinge, too much paint, or humidity in the air. If the door suddenly jams in dry weather, the problem is the hinge, likely a loose screw. A door that's been painted too much or is sticking because the house is settling can be sanded or planed at the trouble spot, then repainted. If the door is swelled by humidity—often a front door or bathroom door—it's usually because part of it wasn't painted and moisture is getting into the wood; check the top and bottom edges. Shave down the door as little as possible to make it just fit. Then paint over any exposed wood on all six sides to seal it.

10. Learn your shut-offs
As a safety measure, you should know where your main water and electrics are. The water shutoff will be near where the water enters the house. In an apartment, it can be close to the hot water service. Or check outside for a mini manhole cover—the shutoff may be there. The main electrical switch will be in or near the mains box.