Home Maintenance and DIY

100 flashcards by MentisLibrary

Plumbing, electrical, HVAC, appliances, insulation, roofs and drainage, hand tools and seasonal upkeep, for people who would rather fix it than call someone. Includes the safety rules and the moments when calling a pro is the right move.

What is the first thing to do before any plumbing repair?
Shut off the water supply to the fixture or the main shutoff valve
What is the first thing to do before any electrical repair?
Turn off the breaker for that circuit, then verify the wires are dead with a voltage tester
What does a GFCI outlet protect against?
Electric shock, by cutting power when it detects current leaking to ground
What does an AFCI breaker protect against?
Fires caused by arcing faults in damaged or loose wiring
How often should you test a GFCI outlet?
Monthly using the built in test and reset buttons
What gauge wire does a standard 15 amp household circuit use?
14 gauge copper
Why should you never replace a 15 amp breaker with a 20 amp breaker?
The breaker protects the wire; oversizing lets 14 gauge wire overheat before the breaker trips
What is the standard height for a residential smoke alarm?
On the ceiling, or high on a wall within 12 inches of the ceiling since smoke rises
How often should smoke alarms be tested and replaced?
Test monthly, change batteries yearly, and replace the whole unit every 10 years
Where should carbon monoxide alarms be installed?
On every level of the home and outside each sleeping area
What does a plunger do that a drain snake does not?
Uses pressure and suction to dislodge a soft clog close to the drain
Why should you avoid chemical drain cleaners in a stubborn clog?
They can damage pipes, sit in standing water, and splash caustic liquid when you open the drain
What is the purpose of a P trap under a sink?
Holds a plug of water that blocks sewer gas from entering the room
How do you stop a running toilet in most cases?
Replace or reseat the flapper, which is leaking water from the tank into the bowl
What controls the water level in a toilet tank?
The fill valve and float
What is the fix for a leaking compression faucet?
Replace the rubber washer and the seat if it is pitted
Which direction do you turn a fitting to loosen it?
Counterclockwise for standard right hand threads, remembered as righty tighty, lefty loosey
What is thread seal tape used for?
Sealing tapered pipe threads on threaded plumbing joints
What is a shark bite or push to connect fitting?
A fitting that joins copper, PEX, or CPVC pipe by pushing it on, no soldering required
Why do pipes burst in cold weather?
Ice expands and traps water between the ice plug and a closed faucet, and the trapped pressure splits the pipe
How do you winterize an outdoor hose bib?
Disconnect the hose, shut the interior supply valve, and open the spigot to drain it
What is the main way to reduce winter heating loss cheaply?
Air sealing gaps and adding attic insulation, before replacing windows
How often should a forced air furnace filter be changed?
Every 1 to 3 months for a 1 inch filter, depending on pets and dust
What does MERV rating mean on an air filter?
Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value: how well the filter captures particles
What causes an air conditioner to blow warm air with ice on the line?
Restricted airflow or low refrigerant, which lets the evaporator coil freeze
Why should the outdoor condenser unit be kept clear?
It rejects heat to the outside air and needs unobstructed airflow
What temperature should a water heater be set to?
120 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough for use and reduces scald risk and energy waste
Why should you flush a water heater tank annually?
Sediment collects on the bottom, reducing efficiency and shortening tank life
What is the temperature and pressure relief valve on a water heater?
A safety valve that opens if the tank exceeds about 210 F or 150 psi, preventing an explosion
What is the purpose of an expansion tank on a water heater?
Absorbs the pressure increase as water heats and expands in a closed plumbing system