If you believe the memes, millennials can’t hang a picture frame without summoning a task force (or their mom). But here’s the thing: the “can’t fix anything” stereotype is about as outdated as dial-up internet.
Today’s millennials are crushing it at DIY home upkeep, often armed with nothing more than a YouTube tutorial, a $15 toolkit, and a healthy dose of “I’ve got this” energy.
Plus, renters (we’re millennials after all) are equally proactive when it comes to maintaining the space they live in. The avocado-toast-obsessed renters who won’t lift a finger out of fear of getting a blister are not the norm.
So, if you’re here to learn, welcome! In this guide, we’ll list and discuss several essential upkeep skills any adult living in a home should have.
1. Learn Basic Plumbing Fixes
Nothing tests your adulting skills quite like a clogged sink or a toilet that won’t stop running. But before you panic-Google a plumber who’ll charge an arm and a leg, know this: you can handle the basics.
Here’s what you need to know:
Unclogging a Drain
First line of defense: a trusty plunger. (Yes, plungers aren’t just for toilets. Keep a clean one for sinks and tubs.)
Still stuck? Try a drain snake – they’re cheap, easy to use, and kind of weirdly satisfying.
Pro Tip: Skip the heavy-duty chemical drain cleaners. They can damage your pipes over time and harm the environment.
Instead, use a baking soda and vinegar mix. Pour it down the drain and let it fizz for about 15 minutes. Then, flush it with hot water.
Fixing a Running Toilet
That endless trickle is usually caused by a flapper that’s not sealing properly inside the tank. As part of basic Home Upkeep, open the tank lid, check the rubber flapper at the bottom, and see if it’s warped or not sitting right.
Flappers cost like $5 at the hardware store and take less than 10 minutes to swap out.
Know When to Call in the Pros
Not everything is a DIY project, especially when we’re talking water gushing out of a broken pipe or super-clogged drains. There’s a reason plumbers are always in high demand.
If you feel overwhelmed by the situation or the problem is in an area you don’t have access to, call a specialist (or your landlord). Today’s methods are less invasive and don’t cause too much damage to the area.
Take trenchless sewer repair – this method for identifying and fixing a leaky pipe has lots of advantages, but the most important one is minimal disruption.
2. Learn to Seal Cracks and Gaps
Tiny cracks around your windows, doors, tubs, and sinks are secretly costing you big money in energy bills, water damage, and general life stress. Luckily, learning to caulk is easy and surprisingly cheap.
What you’ll need:
- A basic caulking gun (under $20).
- A tube of caulk (silicone for bathrooms, paintable latex for walls and windows).
- Painter’s tape (optional but makes your lines look super clean).
- A damp cloth or your finger for smoothing.
Once you have your tools, clean the area you want to seal. Open the caulk tube (follow the instructions on the tube) and start applying it. Smooth the bead of caulk with your finger or cloth and let it dry fully.
3. Give Your HVAC TLC
Basic HVAC upkeep is just as important as learning how to check your roof damage. A few minutes of attention every few months can help you avoid freezing, melting, or crying over a huge repair bill.
First, as part of your Home Upkeep routine, you need to learn how to change your air filters. Check your filter once a month and change it at least every three months (more often if you have pets, allergies, or live in a dusty area).
Pro tip: Set a recurring phone reminder. Future you will be grateful.
Next, you should know how to recognize the signs of HVAC distress. Here are some of the easiest to identify:
- Weird smells (burning, musty)
- Strange noises (banging, screeching, whirring)
- Uneven heating or cooling
If your HVAC system doesn’t do its job (cooling or heating air), it’s time to call a licensed HVAC technician for a tune-up.
DIY Home Upkeep Skills That Save Money and Boost Confidence
Learning how to unclog drains, seal cracks, and swap HVAC filters turns you into a home maintenance rockstar. Each DIY repair is a small win that saves cash and boosts your confidence.
So, grab a wrench, pick one skill, and tackle it this weekend. You’ll be amazed at how good it feels to conquer a clog or seal a draft.
