alt: screwdrivers and screws representing home repairs you can easily do yourself
Buying or even renting a home is expensive. On top of that, there are numerous maintenance costs. Whenever something gets broken or damaged, the first thing that comes to mind is can we afford to fix it. While some repairs can wait, others can be pretty urgent. Luckily, you don’t need to call a professional for every little thing that needs fixing. There are many home repairs you can easily do yourself. Here are seven common repairs you can handle yourself with little to no experience.
These are some of the home repairs you can easily do yourself
1 Fix a pipe leak
This is one of those home repairs that can’t be ignored. The last thing you want is to be forced to move out due to a leaking pipe that’s caused huge damage. Movingkings.com should be called before major home remodeling projects,not because you ignored a leaking pipe for too long. For this job you’ll need a bucket and a replacement P-trap or washer. Pipe leaks commonly occur underneath sinks. The cause is usually a worn-out washer or a loose/broken compression nut that seals it. First,make sure the water is turned off. After you turn the water off, put a bucket underneath the pipe and twist off the compression nuts. This is a good opportunity to rinse out the curved pipe (P-trap). When you replace the washer (or the entire P-trap), just screw it back in and turn the water back on.
2 Unclog a toilet
You don’t necessarily need a plumber to do this simple home repair. First, you can try with a plunger, but make sure you are using the right kind. In case there isn’t much water in the bowl, add enough water to cover the head of the plunger and give it 8-10 downward thrusts. That should do the job. Water should flow freely at this point if the clog was minor. In case of a tougher clog, use a toilet auger.Augers are normally a bit pricier than plungers. Run the end of the auger into the toilet. When it reaches the clog, start turning the crank. Soon, you’ll be able to pull the clog out.
3 Clear a garbage disposal
Clearing up a garbage disposal clog can be quite simple, too. First, cut the power to the unit. While some units are plugged into an outlet in your cabinet, other unitsare wired directly to the wall. After you disable the disposal, use an allen wrench to adjust the flywheel inside the disposalby placing the allen wrench in the hole you’ll find in the center of the bottom of the unit. Rotating the flywheelwill loosen any food that’s stuck inside.Then, use a wooden dowel or some pliers to reach the top of the disposal and remove anything near the top that is causing the clog. Once you’ve cleared the unit, reconnect the power and run water to ensure there are no more obstructions.
4 Unstick a window
A window that is hard to open isn’t a huge problem.You may need some elbow grease or another lubricating agent like WD-40. You can pry the window sash away from the frame by using a pizza cutter. If you’re worried about scratching the paint, use a less sharp putty knife to wiggle the edges open. When you unstick the window, clean it thoroughly.
5 Replace a light switch
Since doing electrical work is far more dangerous than, for example, fixing the toilet, itshould be left to a professional. However, replacing a light switch is one of the home repairs you can easily do yourself provided that you take the necessary precautions. Just turn off the circuit breaker before you start working.Use a flathead screwdriver to remove the faceplate covering the light switch. Next, remove the switch from the wall using a phillips head screwdriver. There will be two wires connected to screws on the switch. Check the wires to make sure that electricity is not running through them. Disconnect these wires, attach them to the new light switch, and put everything back together.
6 Replace a toilet lever
This is another home repair you can do yourself. Usually, if pressing the lever doesn’t help you flush the toilet, try popping the tank open and re-attaching the chain. If the handle itself becomes corroded or any of the pieces that connect the handle to the flapper break, everything can be easily replaced.
7 Fix a hole in drywall
Most holes can be fixed pretty cheaply. Screw or nail holes from hanging pictures or TVs are the most common and the easiest to fox. To fix this kind of holes, clean the area of any debris and wipe down the wall. Press some spackle into the wall using a putty knife and let it dry. Finally, use fine grain sandpaper to sand it down. For a finishing touch, you can apply a coat of paint.
Safety comes first
Although the home repairs listed here don’t require a lot ofmoney, skill and energy, they still require some research. If there is something you don’t understand, especially involving electricity, do not attemptto do it. Although calling a repairman is not always necessary, when your safety is at risk, it is the only reasonable solution.But, hiring the right person for the job also demands research. When moving home in Wellington, you need to gather some info on the local services that Wellington movers offer before actually hiring them, right?This is the same thing.
If you are repairing something by yourself, you need the proper tools. In case you don’t have your own tool kit, consider investing in an essential toolbox. It will come in handy for all your future home repairs.In order to stay safe, make sure you follow professional adviceand those safety tips printed on the instructions of your equipment.