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Cha ching queen living a big life on a little budget.
ByGreg Wilson, CFA Updated onDecember 3, 2024 Reading Time: 14 minutes
Home » DIY » 25 Basic Home Maintenance Skills Younger Generations Don’t Know How to Do Anymore

25 Basic Home Maintenance Skills Younger Generations Don’t Know How to Do Anymore

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A woman in a plaid shirt holds a paper and screwdriver, looking surprised while standing under an open cabinet.
Image Credit: DepositPhotos

A house is more than just a place to live, it’s one of your biggest financial commitments. To truly feel like home, it needs care, attention, and regular maintenance. Every small repair and upkeep task helps protect your home’s value, making your living space safer and more comfortable. 

My experience as a landlord and real estate investor for over 20 years has shown me what makes property owners successful. The best homeowners don’t just buy houses, they take time to maintain them properly. 

Sadly, this essential aspect of homeownership receives less attention today than ever before. Many new homeowners lack the basic skills needed to maintain their properties, leading to preventable problems and unnecessary expenses. 

In fact, a recent survey shows that 60% of millennials admit they can’t fix a leaky faucet, and 53% struggle with basic tile sealing. Even more alarming, 45% of young renters say maintenance costs keep them from purchasing homes.

The good news is that learning these maintenance skills doesn’t require special talent or years of training. Through this guide, I’ll share 25 essential maintenance tasks that will help you protect your investment and save money in the long run. 

What maintenance tasks are you confident in? What challenges have you encountered as a homeowner? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! 

Table of Contents

  • Safety First
  • Unclogging and Maintaining Gutters
  • Regrouting and Caulking
  • Fixing Minor Leaks Under Sinks
  • Repairing a Running Toilet
  • Basic Pest Control
  • Regular Appliance Maintenance
  • Basic Electrical Skills
  • Replacing HVAC Filters
  • Repairing Screen Doors and Windows
  • Patching Small Drywall Holes
  • Replacing Weatherstripping
  • Maintaining Decks and Patios
  • Unclogging Drains
  • Resealing Tile and Stone
  • Water Heater Maintenance
  • Testing Sump Pumps
  • Installing Tile Backsplashes
  • Patching Roof Shingles
  • Understanding Plumbing Controls
  • Fixing Garbage Disposals
  • Thermostat Calibration
  • Chimney Maintenance
  • Water Heater Flushing
  • Sprinkler System Care
  • Emergency Preparedness
  • Master Your Home 

Safety First

A person in a blue shirt stands next to a stepladder, holding a can of paint in a bright room.

Before starting any home maintenance task, remember your safety comes first. While many repairs are perfect for DIY projects, some jobs need professional help. 

Complex electrical work, major plumbing fixes, and structural repairs require licensed experts. When you feel unsure about a task, calling a professional saves time and prevents accidents. 

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Unclogging and Maintaining Gutters

Person in blue shirt and green gloves cleaning leaves from a gutter with a ladder and orange bucket.

Clean gutters serve as your home’s first defense against water damage, protecting both the foundation and walls. Start cleaning gutters each spring and fall using a sturdy ladder and thick gloves to remove leaves, twigs, and debris. 

Run water through the gutters with a garden hose to check for proper drainage and identify potential leaks or sagging sections. Install gutter guards to reduce debris accumulation and make future maintenance easier. 

Remember to position your ladder safely and maintain three points of contact while working at height.

The Ultimate Guide To Pressure Washing Gutters

Regrouting and Caulking

A hand using a float to smooth cement on a concrete surface.
Image Credit: iStock

Proper grout and caulk maintenance prevents costly water damage behind walls and under floors. Start this project using a grout removal tool to clear out damaged sections, then clean the area thoroughly with a vacuum and damp cloth. 

Mix the new grout according to package instructions and apply it evenly with a rubber float, working diagonally across tile joints. Let the grout cure completely before applying a sealer to protect against moisture and stains. 

Clean excess grout with a slightly damp sponge and buff tiles once finished.

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Fixing Minor Leaks Under Sinks

How to Avoid Plumbing Issues

Catching and repairing small leaks prevents water damage and keeps utility bills reasonable. Begin leak detection running water through the pipes while examining all connections and joints with a flashlight. 

Tighten compression fittings with an adjustable wrench, taking care not to over-tighten and crack the pipes. Apply pipe thread tape to connection points showing signs of seepage. Consider replacing old washers and O-rings in faucet assemblies during repairs. 

Keep a close eye on fixed areas during the next few days to ensure the repair holds.

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Repairing a Running Toilet

Person using a wrench to repair a toilet tank in a bathroom.
Image Credit: iStock

A running toilet wastes hundreds of gallons of water annually and creates unnecessary expense. Remove the tank lid and examine the chain length connecting the flush lever to the flapper, adjusting it if needed. 

Check the flapper’s condition and replace it if signs of wear appear. Adjust the float arm or cup to maintain proper water levels in the tank. Test the flush mechanism several times after making adjustments to ensure proper function.

How To Clean A Toilet Bowl And Remove Hard Water Stains

Basic Pest Control

A person wearing yellow gloves uses a can of foam sealant to fill a gap around a pipe entering a wooden wall.
Image Credit: iStock

Effective pest management starts with identifying entry points around your home’s exterior. Seal gaps around pipes, vents, and foundation cracks using appropriate materials like steel wool, caulk, or foam. 

Store food in airtight containers and maintain clean surfaces in kitchens and eating areas. Place natural deterrents like peppermint oil near common entry points. Set traps in strategic locations and monitor them regularly. 

Get Rid Of Pests Quickly Without Harsh Chemicals

Regular Appliance Maintenance

Vacuum nozzle cleaning a dust-covered refrigerator condenser coil with visible wires and hoses.

Extending appliance life requires consistent attention to cleaning and maintenance schedules. Clean refrigerator coils every six months using a vacuum attachment to remove dust buildup. Inspect washing machine hoses for bulging or cracking, replacing them every five years. 

Clean dryer vents annually to prevent fire hazards and maintain efficiency. Run the dishwasher’s cleaning cycle monthly with a machine cleaner to remove mineral deposits and food particles.

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Basic Electrical Skills

A person uses a screwdriver to install an electrical outlet cover on a wall.
Image Credit: iStock

Understanding simple electrical repairs starts with learning proper safety procedures and knowing your limitations. Always turn off power at the circuit breaker before beginning any electrical work. 

Test outlets and switches with a voltage detector to confirm power disconnection. Label wires before disconnecting them to ensure proper reconnection. Replace damaged outlets or switches with exact matching replacements rated for the same amperage. 

Test the new installation thoroughly before restoring power at the breaker.

🙋‍♀️If you like what you are reading, then click like and subscribe to my newsletter. We share tips to waste less time and money. 

Replacing HVAC Filters

A person on a ladder replaces an air filter in a ceiling vent.
Image Credit: iStock

Regular HVAC filter changes maintain air quality and system efficiency throughout your home. Start this task locating the main filter housing near the air handler or return duct. Note the size and direction of airflow marked on the existing filter before removal. 

Purchase quality filters rated for your specific system needs and allergies. Install the new filter following the airflow direction arrows, ensuring a snug fit without gaps around edges. 

Set calendar reminders to check filters monthly and replace them every 90 days or sooner if noticeably dirty.

How to Improve the Energy Efficiency of your Home HVAC 

Repairing Screen Doors and Windows

A person repairs a torn window screen using a blue tool on a wooden floor.
Image Credit: iStock

Damaged screens allow insects inside and diminish your home’s appearance. Clear your work area and remove the entire screen frame with care to avoid bending. Cut new screen material slightly larger than the frame, allowing extra material for secure installation. 

Press the new screen into the frame groove using a spline roller tool, working slowly around corners to prevent tears. Trim excess screen material with a utility knife, keeping the blade at a shallow angle. Test the screen tension and reinstall the frame, ensuring smooth operation.

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Patching Small Drywall Holes

A hand uses a putty knife to apply joint compound over a mesh patch on a gray wall.
Image Credit: iStock

Proper wall repair maintains your home’s appearance and prevents further damage. Clean the damaged area removing loose material and creating a slight depression for the patch. Apply self-adhesive mesh tape over holes larger than a nail head to provide structure. 

Spread joint compound over the mesh in thin layers using a wide putty knife, feathering edges outward. Sand between coats with fine-grit sandpaper until the patch blends seamlessly with surrounding wall texture. Paint the entire wall section to ensure color matching.

How to Patch Nail Holes: Two Effective Methods (With Video)

Replacing Weatherstripping

A person uses a putty knife to remove old weatherstripping from a window frame, preparing for new insulation.
Image Credit: iStock

Effective weatherstripping keeps drafts out and energy costs down. Remove old weatherstripping completely, cleaning the surface with mineral spirits to remove adhesive residue. 

Measure door and window gaps carefully, cutting new weatherstripping slightly longer than needed. Install weatherstripping starting at the top of the frame, pressing adhesive strips firmly into place. 

Test the seal closing doors and windows slowly, adjusting placement if needed. Trim excess material at a 45-degree angle for clean corners.

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Maintaining Decks and Patios

Person scrubbing a wooden deck with a brush. A container of cleaning solution is nearby. Garden and outdoor furniture are visible in the background.
Image Credit: iStock

Regular deck maintenance prevents rot and extends the life of outdoor spaces. Remove all furniture and sweep the surface thoroughly to remove debris. Clean the deck with appropriate cleaning solutions, scrubbing stubborn stains with a stiff brush. 

Pressure wash the surface using appropriate pressure settings to avoid damaging wood fibers. Apply sealant or stain in thin, even coats following the wood grain pattern. Allow proper drying time between coats based on product instructions.

12 Upgrades That Skyrocket Your Property Value (And 12 Mistakes That Tank It

Unclogging Drains

Pouring baking soda into a sink drain, next to a measuring cup with water.

Natural drain cleaning methods protect your pipes and the environment. Pour boiling water down the drain as a first step to loosen minor clogs. Create space in the pipe using a plumber’s snake or auger to break up stubborn blockages. 

Mix baking soda and vinegar as a natural cleaning solution, allowing it to work for 30 minutes. Flush thoroughly with hot water after cleaning to remove residual debris. Install drain strainers to prevent future clogs.

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Resealing Tile and Stone

A paint roller with a beige foam covering is being used to seal a gray textured stone tile floor.
Image Credit: iStock

Proper sealing protects porous surfaces and maintains appearance. Remove all dirt and grime using appropriate cleaners for your specific tile or stone type. Allow surfaces to dry completely, testing moisture levels with plastic sheeting if needed. 

Apply sealer in small sections using a foam roller or brush, ensuring even coverage. Wait the recommended time between coats, typically adding two to three layers for optimal protection. Avoid foot traffic until the sealer cures completely.

🙋‍♀️If you like what you are reading, then click like and subscribe to my newsletter. We share tips to waste less time and money.

Water Heater Maintenance

A hand turns a valve on a water heater, connecting a green hose to the drain outlet.

Regular water heater care improves efficiency and prevents premature failure. Adjust temperature settings to 120 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal performance and safety. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve, directing it to a suitable drainage area. 

Open the pressure relief valve annually to ensure proper operation. Drain sediment performing a complete tank flush until water runs clear. Insulate exposed pipes and the tank if located in unconditioned space.

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Testing Sump Pumps

A sump pump system in a basement with PVC pipes and a black bucket on a concrete floor.
Image Credit: iStock

Functional sump pumps protect basements against flooding and water damage. Remove the pump cover and clean debris from the basin using a wet vacuum. Check the float mechanism ensuring free movement throughout its range. 

Test operation pouring water into the basin until the pump activates. Listen for unusual noises during operation that might indicate mechanical problems. Install a battery backup system to maintain protection during power outages.

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Installing Tile Backsplashes

Hands wearing gloves are placing white rectangular tiles on a wall using adhesive and spacers.
Image Credit: iStock

A proper backsplash installation protects walls and adds value to kitchens and bathrooms. Clean wall surfaces thoroughly, removing all grease and grime with appropriate cleaners. Apply tile adhesive in small sections using a notched trowel held at a 45-degree angle. 

Place tiles with consistent spacing, inserting plastic spacers between each piece. Let adhesive dry completely before applying grout with a rubber float. Wipe excess grout with a damp sponge and seal after the recommended curing time.

How to Speed Clean Your Kitchen and Get Organized

Patching Roof Shingles

A worker wearing gloves is installing roof shingles while kneeling, with a tool belt and nail gun, near a metal ladder.
Image Credit: iStock

Regular roof maintenance prevents leaks and extends shingle life. Access your roof safely using a sturdy extension ladder placed on solid ground. Identify damaged shingles looking for curling edges, missing granules, or tears. 

Lift damaged shingles carefully by breaking the seal strip adhesive without tearing. Nail replacement shingles using four roofing nails placed above the exposure line. Apply roofing cement under shingle edges ensuring proper water flow patterns.

19 Secret Cleaning Hacks that Professional Cleaners Keep to Themselves

Understanding Plumbing Controls

A hand turns an orange valve on a pipe system with four red valves and a blue component.
Image Credit: iStock

Knowledge of valve locations ensures quick response during plumbing emergencies. Locate your main water shutoff valve marking it with a visible tag or label. Practice turning valves off and on during normal conditions to ensure smooth operation. 

Document locations of individual fixture shutoffs throughout your home. Test valve function every six months noting any signs of corrosion or stiffness. Keep basic tools near main shutoffs for emergency access.

A Real Estate Pro’s Secrets: How To Avoid Common Plumbing Issues

Fixing Garbage Disposals

Person installing a garbage disposal unit under a kitchen sink.
Image Credit: iStock

Proper disposal maintenance prevents clogs and extends equipment life. Turn off power at the circuit breaker before attempting any repairs inside the unit. Insert the self-service wrench into the bottom socket rotating it back and forth to free jams. 

Clear debris using long-handled tongs removing any visible obstructions. Press the reset button after clearing jams restoring power to the unit. Run cold water during operation keeping blades sharp and clean.

DIY Garbage Disposal Cleaner: How To Easily Clean A Garbage Disposal

Thermostat Calibration

Hand adjusting settings on a digital thermostat mounted on a wall.
Image Credit: iStock

Accurate temperature control saves energy and improves comfort. Place a reliable thermometer near your thermostat waiting 15 minutes for temperature stabilization. Compare readings between devices noting any differences in temperature display. 

Access thermostat settings following manufacturer instructions for calibration adjustments. Test heating and cooling cycles after calibration ensuring proper temperature response. Replace batteries annually maintaining consistent operation.

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Chimney Maintenance

Person cleaning a chimney with a chimney brush while standing on a roof against a blue sky.
Image Credit: iStock

Clean chimneys prevent fires and ensure proper ventilation. Shine a bright flashlight up the flue identifying any obvious blockages or damage. Brush interior surfaces with appropriate chimney brushes removing soot and creosote buildup. 

Check the damper mechanism ensuring smooth operation and complete closure. Inspect exterior masonry repairing any loose or damaged mortar joints. Install a chimney cap preventing animal entry and water infiltration.

23 Household Chores Our Grandparents Did That Hardly Anyone Does Today

Water Heater Flushing

Hand turning a valve on a water heater in a utility room, with visible pipes and a drip pan on the floor.

Annual flushing removes sediment, improving heater efficiency. Switch the heater to “pilot” or “vacation” mode allowing water to cool completely. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve directing it to an appropriate drainage area. 

Open the pressure relief valve preventing vacuum formation during draining. Flush the tank until water runs clear indicating sediment removal. Refill the tank completely before restoring power to the unit.

15 Simple Hacks to Slash Your Electric Bill

Sprinkler System Care

Person adjusting a sprinkler head using a metal tool in a grassy area.
Image Credit: iStock

Proper sprinkler maintenance conserves water and promotes healthy lawns. Adjust sprinkler heads ensuring proper coverage without watering pavements or structures. Clean or replace clogged nozzles maintaining consistent water distribution patterns. 

Program controllers adjusting watering schedules based on seasonal needs. Inspect valves and connections repairing any leaks or damage promptly. Prepare systems for winter preventing freeze damage in cold climates.

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Emergency Preparedness

Family sits around a table preparing an emergency plan with supplies like water, canned food, and a first aid kit in a living room.

Complete preparation ensures safety during unexpected events. Create detailed emergency plans including evacuation routes and meeting locations. Stock essential supplies storing them in easily accessible locations throughout your home. 

Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms testing them monthly for proper operation. Keep important documents in waterproof containers storing copies in secure digital formats. 

Review and update emergency plans annually ensuring all family members understand procedures.

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Master Your Home 

A woman in a blue shirt stands indoors, smiling with her arms outstretched and palms up. Shelves with various items, including a soccer ball, are visible in the background.

Learning these maintenance skills transforms house ownership into true homeownership. Small, regular efforts prevent costly repairs while building confidence in handling household issues. 

Your home stands as one of life’s most significant investments, protecting it through proper maintenance ensures its value grows over time. Start with one skill, master it, then move to the next. 

Keep this guide handy, practice these skills regularly, and enjoy the satisfaction of caring for your home with your own two hands. 

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AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.

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  • DIY
    • Clean Quickly
    • Clever Hacks With Household Items
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