Owning a house is a rewarding experience, but it comes with its own set of duties, such as upkeep and repairs. There is always something that has to be fixed, from leaking faucets to creaking flooring. But don’t worry, with the correct knowledge and tools, anyone can do these simple house repairs like a professional. Let’s look at the top ten challenges that homeowners confront and how to address them efficiently.
Leaky Faucets: The constant dripping may drive anybody insane. The cause is frequently a worn-out washer or O-ring. Turn off the water supply to the faucet, carefully unscrew it, replace the defective component, and rebuild. Voila! No more wasting water or unpleasant drips.
Blocked Drains: A blocked drain might disturb your regular activities. Instead of using harsh chemicals, choose a more environmentally friendly alternative. To clear the clog, use a plunger or a solution of baking soda and vinegar, followed by hot water. A drain snake or auger may be quite effective in removing tough obstructions. This might be a good time to mention drain cleaning once a year can help be clog free.
Broken Tiles: Cracked or chipped tiles are not only ugly, but they may also cause more harm if not repaired. To repair a broken tile, first remove the grout surrounding it, then gently pull out the damaged tile. Apply glue to the back of the new tile, set it in place, and regrout your tiles. Your floor or back-splash will be as good as new.
Paint peeling can occur over time as a result of moisture, poor adhesion, or age. Begin by scraping off any loose paint with a putty knife or scraper. Sand the area lightly to smooth it out, then use a primer before repainting. To avoid future peeling, use a high-quality paint that is appropriate for the surface.
Squeaky Doors: A squeaky door may be disruptive, especially at night. Fortunately, this difficulty is readily solved with a little lubricant. Apply a lubricant, such as WD-40, to the hinges and work it in. If the squeak persists, tightening the hinge screws or using shims might be a simple fix.
A clogged garbage disposal may bring your kitchen to a halt. Before calling a plumber, consider resetting the disposal by pressing the reset button below it. If it doesn’t work, use an Allen wrench to manually crank the disposal’s flywheel and clear any clogs.
Faulty Light Switches: Flickering lights and non-responsive switches are frequent electrical problems in many houses. Begin by shutting off the power in the affected area at the breaker box. Remove the switch cover, then use a voltage tester to check the wires are not live. Replace the old switch with a new one, ensuring careful to connect the wires firmly.
Running Toilet: A running toilet may waste hundreds of gallons of water each day, increasing your water bill. Often, the problem is caused by a malfunctioning flapper or fill valve. Remove the tank lid and check the components for signs of damage or wear. Replace them if required, and don’t forget to adjust the water level to avoid future problems. Toilet repair might be in your future.
Drafty windows and doors may make your house unpleasant and increase your energy expenses. To prevent air leaks, seal any gaps around windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulking. Installing storm windows or doors can provide insulation and increase energy efficiency.
Creaking floorboards: Nothing disturbs a home’s calm like creaking floorboards that proclaim every step. To stop squeaking floors, apply talcum powder or powdered graphite into the joints between them. If the problem persists, you may need to fasten the boards with screws or nails from below.
By learning five simple house repairs, you can save time, money, and stress while keeping your home in excellent condition. Remember that safety should always come first, so if you’re hesitant about attempting a repair, don’t hesitate to seek expert assistance. With a little knowledge and a can-do attitude, you’ll be a DIY pro in no time! A Detroit handyman can help you with most of these repairs.