As every homeowner knows, maintaining a home can be a costly endeavor. It seems like something always needs repairing or updating. However, not every home repair requires a call to the professionals or spending everything you’ve won at National Casino. With a little ingenuity, patience, and some basic tools, you can take on many common home repairs yourself, saving money in the process. In this article, we’ll walk you through some practical DIY home repair hacks, giving you the knowledge and confidence to tackle those nagging home repair issues yourself.
1. Unclogging Drains
A clogged drain can be a real nuisance, but you don’t need to call a plumber right away. A simple plunger can often dislodge minor clogs. For tougher clogs, try a hand auger or a drain snake, which can reach farther into the pipe. Alternatively, a mixture of vinegar and baking soda can help break down the clog.
2. Fixing a Running Toilet
A running toilet can waste a lot of water and increase your utility bill. Often, the problem is due to a worn-out flapper valve, which you can easily replace by purchasing a new one from a local hardware store. You might also need to adjust the float height, which controls when the fill valve shuts off.
3. Patching Drywall
A hole in your drywall can make your home look less appealing, but it’s easy to fix. You’ll need a patching compound and a putty knife to fill the hole. Once it’s dry, sand it smooth and paint over it to match the rest of the wall. For larger holes, you might need a drywall patch and joint compound to ensure a stable and smooth repair.
4. Replacing a Light Switch
If a light switch is no longer functioning correctly, replacing it is a simple and inexpensive task. Always start by turning off the power at the circuit breaker to avoid electrical shock. Then, remove the old switch, taking note of where the wires are connected. Attach the wires to the new switch in the same configuration, screw the switch back into the wall, and replace the cover plate.
5. Repairing Leaky Faucets
A leaky faucet can cause water waste and annoying drips. Typically, the cause of the leak is a worn-out washer. To fix this, you need to first turn off the water supply. Next, remove the handle of the faucet and the packing nut, which will reveal the stem. Remove that as well and you’ll find the washer. If it’s damaged or worn out, replacing it with a new one usually solves the problem.
6. Fixing Squeaky Doors and Floors
A squeaky door is often due to the hinges needing lubrication. Remove the hinge pins, apply a lubricant like WD-40, and then replace the pins. For squeaky floors, a lack of sufficient fastening between the subfloor and the joist is usually the culprit. Specialized kits can help you fix this, which include scored screws designed to become ‘invisible’ once they’re driven into the floor.
7. Clearing a Garbage Disposal
If your garbage disposal is clogged or not running, try hitting the reset button on the bottom of the unit. If it’s still not working, turn off the power and use an allen wrench to manually turn the blades and dislodge any jam.
By following the above DIY home repair hacks, you can save significant money on home maintenance and enjoy the satisfaction of fixing things around your home yourself. However, remember to always prioritize safety; if a repair task involves electricity, plumbing, or structural changes and you’re not confident or unsure about the process, it’s better to hire a professional. DIY is about capability and saving money, but it’s also about knowing when to call in the experts.