Table of Contents
The Generator Rule: Oil & Filters
Your generator is the heartbeat of your home. Treat it with respect.
Change Oil Frequently:
Don't wait until the oil turns black and thick like tar. Change it every 100 running hours (approx. every 2 weeks if you run it daily).
The "Small Smoke" Myth:
If your gen starts smoking "just a little," call the mechanic immediately. That is the piston ring crying for help. Fixing it now costs ₦15k. Fixing it later (new engine) costs ₦150k.
Change Oil Frequently:
Don't wait until the oil turns black and thick like tar. Change it every 100 running hours (approx. every 2 weeks if you run it daily).
The "Small Smoke" Myth:
If your gen starts smoking "just a little," call the mechanic immediately. That is the piston ring crying for help. Fixing it now costs ₦15k. Fixing it later (new engine) costs ₦150k.
AC Survival: Why is it Blowing Hot?
In Nigeria, an AC is not a luxury; it is life support.
Clean the Filters:
Open the front cover. See those dusty nets? Wash them. Do this once a month. A blocked filter forces the compressor to work 2x harder, increasing your electricity bill.
Gas Refill Scam:
AC gas does not "finish" like petrol. It is a closed loop. If your gas is low, there is a leak. Don't just refill gas; find and seal the leak first.
Clean the Filters:
Open the front cover. See those dusty nets? Wash them. Do this once a month. A blocked filter forces the compressor to work 2x harder, increasing your electricity bill.
Gas Refill Scam:
AC gas does not "finish" like petrol. It is a closed loop. If your gas is low, there is a leak. Don't just refill gas; find and seal the leak first.
Plumbing: The Sound of Wasted Money
The Running Toilet:
If you hear water running in the toilet bowl after flushing has stopped, your flapper valve is bad. It costs ₦2,000 to replace, but it can waste ₦10,000 worth of water (and pumping energy) in a month.
The Pumping Machine (Sumo):
Never run your pumping machine when the tank is full or the well is dry. Install a Float Switch (automatic stop). It saves your pump from burning out.
If you hear water running in the toilet bowl after flushing has stopped, your flapper valve is bad. It costs ₦2,000 to replace, but it can waste ₦10,000 worth of water (and pumping energy) in a month.
The Pumping Machine (Sumo):
Never run your pumping machine when the tank is full or the well is dry. Install a Float Switch (automatic stop). It saves your pump from burning out.
Roof & Gutters: Prepare for Rainy Season
The best time to fix a roof is when the sun is shining.
Inspect the Ceiling:
Look for brown water stains. That is a sign of a slow leak.
Clean the Gutters:
Before the first rain of the year, clear the leaves and sand from your roof gutters. If water cannot flow off the roof, it will flow into the house.
Inspect the Ceiling:
Look for brown water stains. That is a sign of a slow leak.
Clean the Gutters:
Before the first rain of the year, clear the leaves and sand from your roof gutters. If water cannot flow off the roof, it will flow into the house.
Electrical Safety & Prepaid Meters
Why is my meter reading so fast?
Unplug everything. Does the meter still count?
- Yes: You have a leakage (bad wiring) or someone tapped your line.
- No: Your appliances are consuming too much. Check your water heater and pressing iron.
Changeover Switch:
Ensure your changeover switch is quality. A loose connection causes arcing (sparks) and can burn down the house.
Unplug everything. Does the meter still count?
- Yes: You have a leakage (bad wiring) or someone tapped your line.
- No: Your appliances are consuming too much. Check your water heater and pressing iron.
Changeover Switch:
Ensure your changeover switch is quality. A loose connection causes arcing (sparks) and can burn down the house.
Musa "Fix-It" Ibrahim
Civil Engineer & Handyman
4
Musa has renovated over 100 houses in Lagos and Abuja. He believes that 50% of house problems are caused by "managing it" until it completely breaks down.
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