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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 - Check/Insulate your water pipes.
The Cold Season Is Coming (Is that how the phrase goes?)
Check your exterior water pipes, as well as those in your garage or basement/crawlspace.
Make sure nothing is leaking or rusted
Make sure they are insulated against the cold to avoid freezing water which could do serious and costly damage to your home.
Task 2: Automotive - Fluids, Oil and Battery Check.
Check your car fluids. such as coolant, break fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid and windshield wiper fluid. Each car is different, so look up your model online if you cant find the tank or dipstick one of the fluids.
Check the oil in your car and make sure its not getting low! This one’s a classic, so as a bonus, text your dad (or other father figure in your life) and let them know you checked the oil in your car. They might get a kick out of it!
Check your car battery to make sure its not getting corroded and the leads are tight and secure.
Task 3: Household - Check/Replace your water filters.
If you have water filters, on your sink, fridge, whole home, or even pitcher based filters go ahead and check/replace them this weekend to ensure clean, fresh drinking water for your family.
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 insulate your pipes:
Supplies Needed:
Pipe insulation sleeves (foam tubes)
Measuring tape
Utility knife or scissors
Duct tape
Find Pipes That Need Insulation
Check basement, crawl space, attic, and garage for exposed water pipes
Focus on pipes along exterior walls and in unheated areas
Include outdoor spigots and pipes
Measure and Buy Materials
Measure pipe diameter (usually ½ inch, ¾ inch, or 1 inch) and total length
Buy foam pipe insulation sleeves that match your pipe sizes
Get 10% extra material for waste
Prepare and Clean Pipes
Clean dirt & debris off pipes with damp cloth
Let pipes dry completely
Install Pipe Insulation
Cut insulation sleeves to right length
Open the pre-cut slit in foam sleeve
Slide insulation over pipe, fitting snugly with no gaps
Push slit edges together completely
Secure the Insulation
Wrap duct tape around insulation every 12-18 inches
Seal all seams with tape, especially at joints and elbows
Wrap fittings & valves with extra insulation
Leave valve handles accessible
Seal Air Gaps
Fill gaps around pipes where they enter walls with caulk
This prevents cold air from reaching pipes
Final Check
Check that all exposed pipes are covered with no gaps
Make sure all connections are secure
Test that water flows normally from faucet
How to do: Task 2
How to check your car fluids:
Supplies Needed:
Clean rags,
Funnel,
Flashlight,
Gloves,
Owner's manual
Appropriate fluids: Engine Oil, Windshield Washer Fluid, Coolant, Brake Fluid, Power Steering Fluid, Transmission fluid
Engine Oil
Find oil dipstick (bright handle), pull out, clean with rag
Push dipstick all the way back in, wait 2-3 seconds, pull out again
Check oil level against min/max marks on dipstick
If low, add oil through filler cap on top of engine using funnel
Add small amounts, check frequently, replace cap tightly
Windshield Wiper Fluid
Find translucent reservoir with windshield symbol
Check level through side of container
If low, remove cap and add washer fluid to "full" line
Coolant
Make sure your car engine is cool.
Find coolant reservoir (translucent container near radiator)
Check level against min/max lines on side
If low, add coolant mixture to "maximum" line
Never remove radiator cap when engine is hot
Break Fluid
Find brake fluid reservoir (small clear container in engine bay)
Check level through side - should be between min/max lines
If low, clean around cap, add brake fluid to "maximum" line
Low brake fluid may indicate worn brake pads
Power Steering Fluid
Find reservoir with steering wheel symbol
Check level using dipstick or side markings
If low, add power steering fluid to appropriate level
Transmission Fluid
Check owner's manual - some cars have sealed transmissions
If serviceable, find transmission dipstick (often red handle)
Engine should be running and warm for accurate reading
If low, add fluid through dipstick tube using funnel
How to check the battery on your car:
Find battery (usually rectangular box with two cables attached)
Check terminals for corrosion (white/green buildup) or loose connections
Look for cracks in battery case or swelling
If corroded, clean terminals with baking soda and water, then tighten connections
Check battery fluid level through side (if not maintenance-free type)
Final Steps:
Close hood securely, dispose of used fluids properly
Clean up spills, record date checked
Get professional service if fluid levels were extremely low or you noticed leaks
How to do: Task 3
How to check and replace your water filters:
Supplies Needed:
Replacement water filters (check model numbers)
Adjustable wrench or filter wrench
Towels and bucket to catch water
Pen to write replacement dates
Before You Start
Turn off main water supply
Run faucets until water stops flowing
Locate all water filters (under sink, basement, refrigerator, whole-house system)
Check dates and condition of existing filters
Note model numbers for replacements
Replace Each Filter:
Standard Under-Sink Filters:
Place bucket under filter housing
Unscrew housing counterclockwise
Remove old filter and clean housing with damp cloth
Install new filter and screw housing back on clockwise
Refrigerator Filters:
Locate filter inside fridge or base grille
Turn old filter counterclockwise and pull out
Insert new filter and turn clockwise until it clicks
Reset filter indicator light if present
Whole-House Systems:
Place bucket under housing
Use wrench to unscrew large housing
Replace filter cartridge and clean housing
Screw housing back on securely
After Replacement
Turn main water supply back on slowly
Check all connections for leaks
Run cold water at faucets for 3-5 minutes to flush system
Write today's date on new filters
Record replacement date for future reference
Test water taste and pressure
Safety Notes: Don't overtighten housings. If you see pipe damage or smell gas, call a plumber
