<span class="hide-blog-title">The Inspector</span>By NPI, Inc.https://npiweb.com/Blog/PostsMaintenance Minutes: How To Locate Your Valve Shutoffshttps://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1448/maintenance-minutes-how-to-locate-your-valve-shutoffsDIY,Home Inspection,Home Maintenance,SafetyMon, 16 Jan 2023 22:34:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">MAINTENANCE MINUTES: HOW TO LOCATE YOUR VALVE SHUTOFFS</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> January 16, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-Maintenance">Home Maintenance</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-inspection">Home Inspection</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=diy">DIY</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=Safety">Safety</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/maintenance-minutes-series">Maintenance Minutes Series</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/new-homeowner">new homeowner</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/first-time-homeowner">first-time homeowner</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/plumbing">plumbing</a></p> <p>Each home is made up of a few key systems that every homeowner should be aware of. When needing to make a repair or renovations, knowledge of these systems will certainly come in handy. In the case of emergencies, it is even more important to familiarize yourself with these key systems before you need to act quickly. Water leaks have the potential to result in thousands of dollars in damage, and gas leaks can be even more dangerous. If you don’t know already, here are some quick tips for how to locate valve shutoffs for both your water line and your gas line.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Locating Your Water Line </span><br /> Water lines run throughout houses, and their locations can vary considerably from house to house. One great way to set yourself in the right direction is to locate your water meter outside of your home. Near your front lawn or by the curb of your home, you should first locate the meter “box,” which can usually be identified by a dark-colored metal or plastic covering. Following that in a direct line to your house, you should find a circular water meter, likely also in your lawn.</p> <p>Your water shutoff valve should be located in a direct line to your home from these items. If on ground level, the level is usually located lower to the ground. When in the basement, the shutoff valve is more likely to stand at eye level.</p> <p>Water shutoff valves tend to be brightly colored for easy identification and are usually either ball valves (which look like levers) or gate valves (similar to water hoses). Ball valves are named for the stainless steel ball which turns to funnel water through a hole drilled in its center. When turning off water with a ball valve, simply turn the lever so that it is perpendicular to the piping. Turning the lever parallel will reopen the line.</p> <p>Gate valves function just the same as watering hoses. Turn the wheel clockwise until the water is fully cut off in order to shut off the water supply to your home.</p> <p>For warmer climates, it is important to note that the main water line may be located on the exterior of a home rather than the interior. In colder climates, these lines are most commonly located in basement spaces.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Locating Your Gas Line</span><br /> To shut off gas lines, it is best to move to your individual appliances and shut off their dedicated lines as needed. Most likely, these lines will have a clearly marked red lever, usually a ball valve. Turn the valve so that it is perpendicular with the piping to turn off the gas supply.</p> <p>Some situations that may warrant a need to turn off your gas are: </p> <ul> <li>if you smell gas </li> <li>if you can hear gas escaping </li> <li>if you see a broken line </li> <li>if you suspect a gas leak for some other reason</li> </ul> <p>In situations where you are unsure how long a gas leak may have been unaddressed, remove yourself and your family from the location and contact your local gas company or the fire department.</p> <p>After your gas lines have been deactivated, it is important to note that you will have to relight any pilot lights that have gone out. If you are uncomfortable with relighting pilot lights yourself, contact a plumber or your local gas service for further assistance.</p> <p><em>To learn more about basic home maintenance tips, check out the rest of our <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/maintenance-minutes-series">Maintenance Minutes series</a>. To schedule your annual home maintenance inspection, schedule an appointment <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/Find-an-Inspector">with your local expert</a> today!</em></p> <p> </p> <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9" width="100%"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/04hIk3UVdUw"></iframe></div> 1448Maintenance Minutes: Clearing Vegetation Away from Your Homehttps://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1403/maintenance-minutes-clearing-vegetation-away-from-your-homeDIY,Home MaintenanceMon, 25 Jul 2022 20:56:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">MAINTENANCE MINUTES: CLEARING VEGETATION AWAY FROM YOUR HOME</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> July , 2022 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-maintenance">Home Maintenance</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=DIY">DIY</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/Maintenance-Minutes-Series">Maintenance Minutes Series</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/homeowner">homeowner</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/foundation">foundation</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/gardening">gardening</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/landscaping">landscaping</a></p> <p>Whether you’re preparing for an inspection or just doing your own outdoor beautification project, clearing vegetation away from your home’s exterior is crucial for both cosmetic and maintenance purposes. Excessive shrubbery around your property can cause clogged drains, damaged roofs, and trapped moisture pockets. These issues can cause problems to your home’s interior and could even lead to insect infestations. To prevent these problems and more, we’re sharing tips on the best method of landscaping maintenance for a healthier home.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Choosing a Technique</span><br /> The most common technique used to clear vegetation away from a home is the by hand method. This is the safest way to clear unwanted debris from your home. However, this technique is the most time consuming, so you’ll want to block out a half day just in case.</p> <p>For the purpose of clearing light branches and smaller shrubs away from your property, the clearing by hand method is your best bet, as it’s the most cost-effective, safest, and easiest method to manage. While clearing smaller plants and trees, you’ll want to make sure to follow a few handy tips.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Tips for Clearing Trees, Plants, Shrubs, and Bushes </span><br /> While clearing vegetation, it’s important to remember a few essentials to ensure that you’re doing so safely. For your own safety, you’ll want to make sure that you’re securing any ladders you’re using. To prevent any accidents, it’s also important to secure the premises if there’s the potential threat of falling branches. Here are few quick tips to remember:</p> <ul> <li>Keep trees at least three feet from your home, as the roots can cause damage and holes to the foundation of your home. </li> <li>New trees and shrubs should be planted 10-30 feet away from your property to minimize structural damage to your roof. </li> <li>Plants that are too close to utility lines may cause future damage and increase the chance of electrical issues. </li> <li>Smaller shrubs should be cleared from your property by at least six inches.</li> </ul> <p>For more information on this subject and more, follow our Maintenance Minute Series <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/Maintenance-Minutes-Series">here</a>.</p> <p> </p> <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9" width="100%"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sNazGDA2qcE"></iframe></div> 1403Maintenance Minutes: How to Check for Window Leakshttps://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1392/maintenance-minutes-how-to-check-for-window-leaksDIY,Home MaintenanceMon, 13 Jun 2022 20:11:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">MAINTENANCE MINUTES: HOW TO CHECK YOUR WINDOWS FOR LEAKS</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> June 6, 2022 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-maintenance">Home Maintenance</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=DIY">DIY</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/Maintenance-Minutes-Series">Maintenance Minutes Series</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/homeowner">homeowner</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/windows">windows</a></p> <p>The most common issues that you will encounter with your property’s windows are problems stemming from water intrusion, difficulty opening and closing windows, and air leaks. If proper repairs are made following the inspection provided by your NPI inspector, you may save a substantial amount of money in heating and cooling costs. If you suspect that you may have any of these issues with your windows, there are ways to check for these problems ahead of receiving the inspection of your property from NPI.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Water Damage </span><br /> Checking for the presence of water damage around your windows is relatively easy using a few simple NPI tips. If you suspect water damage to the interior of your windows, first visually examine the condition of each window.</p> <p>You’ll want to take note of signs of a water leak such as peeling paint, mold buildup, and the discoloration of the area surrounding the window. If any of these are prevalent, you will want to further inspect the area around your windows by touching bordering sides with a dry hand. If you detect any moisture or dew drops that have formed on the windowsill, this is an indicator of a window leak.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Difficulty Opening & Closing Windows </span><br /> The next sign of a possible window leak is difficulty opening and closing windows. While this issue is common for older homes, if you have trouble with more than one or two windows, this can not only be a sign of a window leak, but an issue with the foundation of your property.</p> <p>If you encounter a considerable amount of strain in attempts to open your windows, or if your windows don’t open at all, you will want to make sure that the foundation of your property is settling properly. Further evidence of foundational problems are difficulty opening and closing doors (in addition to windows), cracks in the walls of your property, and in extreme cases, uneven floors.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Air Drafts </span><br /> The next common issue that you may encounter with window leaks is air drafts. The process for checking for these is relatively easy, as it closely resembles the steps taken to check for water damage. A good tip is to examine any window you suspect may have an air leak on a windy day, as this makes the existence of an air draft more apparent.</p> <p>Secondly, you’ll want to use a damp hand to scan the areas surrounding your window. With your wet hand, you will be able to physically feel where air is being drawn into your home.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">How to Fix Window Leaks </span><br /> A temporary fix for window leaks is to place weather strips around your windows. According to Bob Vila, famous construction worker and T.V. personality, applying foam weather stripping to your doors and windows can cut down on your energy bill by 20 percent. Although it should be noted that weather stripping your home will only help if there aren’t major foundational issues.</p> <p>For homes with greater structural damage to the foundation, you may have to replace your old windows all together. Due to natural shifts to the environment that occur over time, there may be too large of a gap to fill the void caused by structural changes. In the case of window replacement, it is important to note that while window installation will assist in decreasing the size of any window leaks, there is often still a little space left between the original windowpane and the newly installed window. Therefore, even with replacement there’s still potential for developing leaks to your new windows.</p> <p>For more information on this subject and more, follow our Maintenance Minute Series <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/Maintenance-Minutes-Series">here</a>.</p> <p> </p> <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9" width="100%"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/32r4xzMFlqs"></iframe></div> 1392Maintenance Minutes: How to Change Your Furnace Filterhttps://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1389/maintenance-minutes-how-to-change-your-furnace-filterDIY,Home MaintenanceMon, 06 Jun 2022 19:31:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">MAINTENANCE MINUTES: HOW TO CHANGE YOUR FURNACE FILTER</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> June 6, 2022 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-maintenance">Home Maintenance</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=DIY">DIY</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/Maintenance-Minutes-Series">Maintenance Minutes Series</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/homeowner">homeowner</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/HVAC">HVAC</a></p> <p>In this Maintenance Minute video, we are going to take a moment to learn how to change the filter on your furnace. The only equipment you will need is a new filter. The information on what size is needed for the new filter should be located on the side of the unit. For this project, there’s no assembly or tools required–anyone can change out an old filter. Plus, it’s a good life skill to know as there will come a time when you need to utilize this expertise.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Reasons to Change Your Air Filter</span><br /> There are a few major reasons why changing your air filter is so important. The first of which being that changing out the filter on your system keeps the HVAC working at an optimal level. Also, replacing the filter improves air quality by keeping the oxygen in your home clean. This is especially important for people with seasonal allergies. Last but not least, swapping out your old air filter for a new one helps to prevent damage to the entire HVAC system.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">How to Change Your Filter</span><br /> Before you get started, you’ll want to turn off your furnace. This can be done in one of two ways. In older homes, there will be a switch located on the side of the unit that you’ll need to flip to the off position. In newer homes, typically the furnace can be turned off via the thermostat.</p> <p>Once this step has been completed, find the access panel where the old filter is located. On most HVAC systems, the filter can be found on the lower quadrant of the system and may be vertically or horizontally placed. The direction of the filter is important, as you will want to ensure that the arrows on the new filter are pointing outwardly if the filter slot is vertical and pointed upwards if the filter slot is horizontal.</p> <p>Now that you’ve located the access panel that stores the filter, slide the old filter out of position and place it to the side. Next, find the arrows on the side of your new filter. With the arrows positioned correctly, slide the new filter inside of the access panel. Once the new filter has been installed, simply close the unit and turn your furnace back on.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">When to Change Your Filter</span><br /> The filter on your furnace system only needs to be changed a few times a year. Typically, filters should be changed out once every one to three months. Due to the additional heavy usage of your furnace in the winter, it is necessary to swap out the filter once a month, as this will minimize the chances of causing undue damage to the system. In warmer seasons, you may only need to change out the filter to your furnace once every three months, depending on the air quality in your home. However, if you are a pet owner and have sensitivities to your pet’s dander, you may have to stick to your winter schedule for changing out the filter on your furnace.</p> <p>For more information on this subject and more, follow our Maintenance Minute Series <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/Maintenance-Minutes-Series">here</a>.</p> <p> </p> <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9" width="100%"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hwrPiJowlMI"></iframe></div> 1389Maintenance Minutes: How to Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectorshttps://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1386/maintenance-minutes-how-to-test-your-smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-detectorsHome Inspection,Home Maintenance,SafetyTue, 31 May 2022 17:46:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">MAINTENANCE MINUTES: HOW TO TEST YOUR SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> May 31, 2022 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-maintenance">Home Maintenance</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-inspection">Home Inspection</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=safety">Safety</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/Maintenance-Minutes-Series">Maintenance Minutes Series</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/electrical">electrical</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/ceiling">ceiling</a></p> <p>Did you know you can cut risks related to carbon monoxide poisoning and fire hazards in half by following just a few helpful tips? The best part is that these recommendations can be completed on your own without the need to pay for additional services from a contractor. All you need is a foot stool or ladder and possibly a few batteries. Before we dive into carbon monoxide and fire prevention, let’s examine reasons why prevention is so important.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">The Importance of CO Safety</span><br /> Carbon monoxide is particularly dangerous because it’s an” invisible gas,” meaning that it’s odorless, colorless, and is unseen to the naked eye. It prevents the oxygen in your body from circulating throughout your system properly, disrupting your respiratory system. Carbon monoxide is the byproduct of the fumes produced by fuel sources such as gasoline, coal, kerosene, and wood. The most common sources of carbon monoxide poisoning in homes come from unventilated space heaters, improperly connected water heaters, unclean fireplaces, vehicles that have been unintentionally left running in garages, and household appliances that are incorrectly connected. The onset of carbon monoxide poisoning happens very quickly. According to John Hopkins Medicine, carbon monoxide poisoning can occur in as little as two hours, eventually leading to organ failure, loss of consciousness, and death.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Symptoms</span><br /> Although there are little to no warning signs of the presence of carbon monoxide in your home (other than having an operational CO detector), there are several symptoms to look out for if you suspect a gas leak. If you’re experiencing nauseousness, dizziness, sudden headache, difficulty breathing, and blurred vision, it is necessary to leave your home immediately and call 911 once you have reached a safe distance away. Doing so may save your life!</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">The Importance of Fire Safety </span><br /> Having a household plan of action in case of a fire is crucial. Making sure that you know where all your optional exits and windows are located is the most important part of your plan, as you may need them to escape. If you touch a doorknob and it feels hot to the touch, do not open the door–doing so may spread the fire even further. Find an alternate exit and call 911 once you’ve reached a place of safety.</p> <p>While most fires in homes and apartments occur as a result of leaving kitchen appliances on, there’s also the risk of fires stemming from electrical issues. To combat this problem, it’s important to identify the potential warning signs of an electrical fire. Electrical fire risks aren’t always visible. To lower your chances of encountering electrical fire hazards in your home, it’s best to follow a few tips:</p> <ul> <li>Don’t overload power outlets. </li> <li>Pay attention to devices as you plug them in. If there is smoke along with a spark, unplug the appliance immediately. </li> <li>Do not use damaged outlets, and be sure to have them examined by your NPI inspector.</li> </ul> <p>Identifying non-electrical fire hazards in your home is easier, as you will be able to feel the heat of the fire as well as see and smell the smoke. To be vigilant in your efforts to prevent these dangers, follow these suggestions:</p> <ul> <li>Turn off all appliances once you have finished using them, as this decreases the chances that you’ll forget to turn them off later. </li> <li>Purchase a fire extinguisher, and ensure that everyone in your household knows how to use it. </li> <li>Remember, <strong>NEVER USE WATER TO PUT OUT GREASE FIRES</strong>. To put out grease fires correctly, use baking soda or salt to suffocate the flames.</li> </ul> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Prevention, Testing, & Battery Replacement </span><br /> Incorporating fire and carbon monoxide detectors in your home is crucial for ensuring a safe environment. Without detectors, you may miss important warning signs that alert your family to potential hazards. To safeguard your home from these dangers, it is best to have one of each type of detector on every floor of your home. Each detector should be tested at least once a month. If your detectors run on batteries, it’s imperative to replace the batteries a minimum of twice a year.</p> <p>To test both your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, simply press and hold down the ‘Test Alarm’ button featured on the front panel of the alarm. The alarm will sound off, indicating that it’s in working order. If no alarm sounds, it’s time to replace the detector. To turn the alarm off, repeat the process of pressing the test alarm button down until the siren stops.</p> <p>For more information on this subject and more, follow our Maintenance Minute Series <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/Maintenance-Minutes-Series">here</a>.</p> <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9" width="100%"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jknv9KqKoeA"></iframe></div> 1386