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Hey Kiddo!
Take some time this weekend to take care of the following tasks around your house, to ensure safe, efficient, and healthy living/driving situation. You got this kiddo!
Task 1: Household - Flush your hot water heater!
Did you know its important to flush your hot water heater on a regular basis! I feel like most people don’t! But we are gonna fix that THIS WEEK! Booya!
Basically you will run water through your hot water heater and out a hose at the bottom to ‘flush’ sediment and buildup out of your heater. Full steps below.
This keeps the heater working better, longer!
With DadMinders you will do this twice a year, in another 6 months we will also inspect and possibly replace the Anode Rod as well!
NOTE: If you have an older hot water heater (10 years or so), that has never been flushed, then there is the chance that the heater is cracked and the sediment is actually sealing the crack. So be aware for older hot water heaters that there is a chance that flushing it could expose the cracks causing you to need a new hot water heater. As always proceed at your own risk and make the decision based on your comfort level.
Task 2: Automotive - Tire Pressure, Breaks and Treads
Check your tire pressure to make sure all of your car tires are properly inflated (bonus, check your bikes, wheel barrows, strollers etc.)
Do a visual inspection of your brake pads/disks to check for wear and tear, or damage (this can be done by removing the tire, or sometimes you can see the break pads through or behind the tire without removing them). If they are not in good shape get those taken care of ASAP to ensure a safe driving experience.
Check your tire treads, make sure there is enough tread on the tires and there is no bulging, tearing or other damage evident. If so get in to a tire shop right away to get it taken care of. We don’t want anyone blowing a tire at speed!
Task 3: Household - Run Cleaning cycles and Check filters on your Kitchen Appliances.
Run cleaning cycles on your Kitchen Appliances such as Dishwasher, Coffee Maker, Microwave, Garbage Disposal, and empty out the crumbs from your toaster. These steps will keep your appliances running properly for years to come.
Check/Clean the filters on any Kitchen appliances that have them, specifically your Dishwasher. Not all dishwashers have a filter but many do, and regular cleaning is an important step in keeping the dishwasher working properly and keeping your dishes clean
HOW TO GUIDES
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this guide is intended for educational purposes only. By using this guide, you acknowledge and agree that you are fully responsible for your actions and decisions while performing the tasks described herein.
The author and publisher shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or negative consequences that may arise from the application of the information contained in this guide. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the necessary skills, knowledge, and safety precautions in place before undertaking any tasks. Always seek professional advice or assistance if you are unsure about any procedures or actions.
Proceed at your own risk.
How to do: Task 1
How to flush your hot water heater:
Important:
If you have an older hot water heater (10 years or so), that has never been flushed, then there is the chance that the heater is cracked and the sediment is actually sealing the crack. So be aware for older hot water heaters that there is a chance that flushing it could expose the cracks causing you to need a new hot water heater. As always proceed at your own risk and make the decision based on your comfort level.
Supplies Needed:
Garden hose (to reach drain or outside)
Screwdriver (if needed for drain valve)
Work gloves and safety glasses
Bucket and towels
Steps:
Safety First:
Turn off power to water heater
Electric: Turn off circuit breaker labeled "water heater"
Gas: Turn gas control to "PILOT" position
Wait 2-3 hours for water to cool (minimum 30 minutes)
Drain the Tank:
Find drain valve at bottom of tank (looks like outdoor faucet)
Turn off cold water supply valve at top of tank (turn clockwise)
Attach garden hose to drain valve, run other end to drain or outside
Open nearest hot water faucet in house (leave open throughout process)
Open drain valve (turn counterclockwise) - water should flow through hose
Let tank drain completely (15-30 minutes)
Flush sediment by briefly turning cold water supply on and off 2-3 times
Refill and Restart:
Close drain valve (turn clockwise) and remove hose
Turn cold water supply back on (counterclockwise)
Wait for steady water flow from open faucet, then close faucet
Check for leaks around drain valve
Restore power
Electric: Turn circuit breaker back on
Gas: Set temperature control to desired setting (usually 120°F)
Wait 30-60 minutes, then test hot water at a faucet
Note: If you smell gas, see major leaks, or have problems, call a plumber immediately.
How to do: Task 2
How to check the tire pressure in your car tires:
Supplies Needed:
Tire Pressure Gauge
Steps:
recommended PSI - Check sticker on driver's side door jamb
Check when tires are cold - Wait 3+ hours after driving
Remove valve cap - Unscrew small black cap on tire valve stem
Use pressure gauge - Press firmly on valve stem, read number
Add air if more than 5 PSI below recommended PSI
Use an Air Compressor, Electric tire inflator or gas station air pump (check for locations with free air in your area) to fill up your tires.
Replace valve cap - Screw back on hand-tight
Repeat for all four tires
How to check the treads on your tires:
Supplies Needed:
A Penny
Steps:
Do penny test - Insert penny with Lincoln's head down into tread groove
Check result - If you see top of Lincoln's head, tires need replacement
Test multiple spots - Check 3+ spots on each tire including edges
Look for damage - Check for cracks, bulges, or objects stuck in tread
Examine all four tires
If any tires don’t pass the test or appear damaged, or have metal showing, take your car in for tire repairs or replacement ASAP
How to check the brakes on your car:
Supplies Needed:
None
Steps:
Listen while driving - Test brakes in safe area, listen for squealing or grinding
Feel brake pedal - Should be firm, not spongy or sinking to floor
Check brake fluid - Under hood, fluid level should be between MIN/MAX lines
Look at brake pads - Use flashlight through wheel spokes, pads should be 1/4 inch thick
Check warning lights - Brake light on dashboard should turn off when car starts
Check all four wheels
How to do: Task 3
How to run a cleaning cycle on a dishwasher:
Supplies Needed:
Dishwasher cleaner or white vinegar
Soft cloth
Steps:
Remove all dishes and check bottom for food debris
Remove bottom rack and rinse spinning arm under hot water
Place dishwasher cleaner tablet in detergent cup OR 2 cups white vinegar in bowl on top rack
Run hottest cycle available
Wipe down door seals and interior when complete
How to run a cleaning cycle on a coffee machine:
Supplies Needed:
White vinegar
Water
Coffee filter
Steps:
Fill reservoir with equal parts white vinegar and water
Place clean filter in basket and run brewing cycle (no coffee)
Let mixture sit in pot for 15 minutes, then discard
Run 2-3 cycles with fresh water to remove vinegar taste
How to clean your microwave:
Supplies Needed:
Microwave-safe bowl
Water
Lemon or vinegar
Steps:
Remove and wash turntable in sink
Heat bowl with 1 cup water and 2 tablespoons lemon juice for 2-3 minutes
Let sit for 5 minutes, then wipe down interior with soft cloth
Replace turntable
How to clean your garbage disposal:
Supplies Needed:
Ice cubes
Coarse salt
Baking soda
Vinegar
Steps:
Drop 6-8 ice cubes and 1/2 cup salt into disposal
Run with cold water for 30 seconds
Pour 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar down disposal
Cover drain for 10 minutes, then run with cold water
How to clean your toaster:
Supplies Needed:
Soft cloth
Small brush
Steps:
Unplug toaster and remove/wash crumb tray
Turn upside down and shake out crumbs
Gently brush heating elements and wipe exterior
Replace crumb tray
How to clean your dishwasher filter:
Supplies Needed:
Soft brush
Warm water
Mild soap
Steps:
Remove bottom rack and locate cylindrical filter at bottom
Twist filter counterclockwise to remove
Rinse under hot water and scrub if needed
Reinstall by twisting clockwise until snug
How to replace your refrigerator air filter (if needed):
Supplies Needed:
Replacement filter
Steps:
Remove filter from behind crisper drawers or air vents
Rinse washable filters or replace disposable ones
Reinstall in correct position
How to replace your refrigerator water filter (if needed):
Supplies Needed:
Replacement filter
Steps:
Locate filter in refrigerator compartment or grille
Remove old filter by twisting counterclockwise
Install new filter by twisting clockwise until snug
Run water dispenser for 3-5 minutes to flush system
How to replace your water filter (if needed):
Supplies Needed:
Replacement filter
Wrench (if needed)
Steps:
Turn off water supply to filter system
Remove filter housing and old filter
Install new filter and reassemble housing
Turn water back on and run for 3-5 minutes to flush
Check for leaks
