Table of Contents
Over time, parts of your house will experience wear and tear. When you see any damage around your home, it’s only natural to call a professional. But do you know there are types of house problems you can fix on your own?
Calling for help might be more inconvenient if the damage can be repaired quickly. For this kind of problem, you will be wiser if you equip yourself with DIY home repair skills. Below are some basic home-fix-it skills you should know.
Basic Home Fix
a. Fix Damaged Blinds
✓ Knowing how to fix blinds is a handy skill for every homeowner. The first step to approaching the problem is to assess the issue. Are they not sliding up and down or rotating, or are they stuck at an odd angle? Knowing the cause will let you know how to fix your blinds.
✓ Blinds can wear out, get damaged, or stop working. Damages can compromise the blind’s functionality and aesthetic appeal. You might feel it’s easier to replace them and wonder, how much do blinds cost? Blinds can go from inexpensive to expensive, but when the damage is minimal, repairing blinds by yourself can save you money. And if you’re unsure how to handle it, it’s best to hire an expert.
b. Replace the Old Rusty Faucet
✓ Tap problems are very common. But perhaps the most suitable time to replace it is when it’s old or rusty. Replacing a faucet by yourself is possible.
✓ To replace a faucet, first, turn off your main water supply and prepare a basin to catch any drips. Then you need to disconnect the old faucet from its base. Use a basin wrench to loosen the nuts and remove your old faucet. Afterwards, clean the area before installing the new fixture. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to install the new tap. Reconnect your water supply lines, and turn your water supply back on. And lastly, test if the new faucet is working.
c. Fix A Leaky Faucet
✓ A leaky faucet can increase your water bills and damage your property. To avoid these inconveniences, you should address a leaky-faucet problem immediately. Having the proper plumbing tools is important to make the repair process successful.
✓ To fix a leaky tap, you must first turn off your water supply and check for loose pipes. In most cases, leaking is a result of a loose tube. Alternatively, you can check the faucet itself. First, remove the packing nut to see the stem. Next, check whether your O-ring and washer are loose or worn out. Replace the damaged parts, and put the parts back together. See if it resolves the issue. If the problem persists, you should call a plumber right away.
d. Unclog The Drain
✓ A clogged toilet drain can be a result of many things. In most cases, it’s because food particles, solidified oil, or hair strands went down the drain and accumulated in the pipes. Luckily, a clogged toilet or drain is easy to fix without a plumber’s help.
✓ You can use a plunger on the drain to remove the blockage. Push and pull vigorously until the drainage flow becomes smoother. Afterwards, you can flush it with warm water. Alternatively, you can pour one-half cup of baking soda into the drain and then chase it with the same amount of vinegar. Cover the drain to prevent the bubbles from rising. After letting it sit for at least 30 minutes, flush it with warm water.
e. Replace Broken Caulk
✓ A caulk is used to seal a gap in the insulation. If the caulk is broken, you must fix the issue immediately. Ignoring the problem can weaken your insulation, increasing your energy bills.
✓ To replace your caulk, you must remove the existing one using a plastic putty knife. Gently scrape any caulk away until the surface is free of debris. Next, clean the area with rubbing alcohol, and place masking tape above and below the caulking area to keep the edges straight once you start applying the caulk. Once your caulk is ready, apply it within the area, and let it dry for at least 48 hours before exposing it to water. Don’t forget to remove the tapes.
f. Patch A Hole
✓ A drywall is susceptible to holes. Drywall holes are often caused by sudden contact with the door or hard objects.
✓ For small holes, it would be excessive to replace your entire wall. You can add a patch to cover the area. In patching up a compromised drywall, the first step is to remove any loose bits, debris, and dirt around the hole. Then prepare a patching screen that is slightly larger than the hole. Next, place it over the hole, and plaster a joint compound over the patch. Using a putty knife, smoothen out the rough edges. Once the mixture dries, you must sand the entire patch and borders to create a smooth surface. Finally, repaint the area to blend the patch with the wall.
g. Tighten Loose Door Hinge
✓ If your door touches the ground or makes a loud squeak upon opening it, the hinge could be problematic. A loose door can damage your floors and doors, caused by too much friction upon contact with each other. Also, unstable doors are dangerous—what if it suddenly falls off on your pets or kids?
✓ Tightening loose door hinges is easy. Using an electric drill, secure the hinge back in place. If the hinge is rusty or broken, you must find a replacement. However, it’s best to replace all the hinges altogether, even if only one seems to be having a problem. Otherwise, chances are, the other hinges will throw the same problem at you sometime soon, so you might find yourself doing the same task.
Takeaway
You need to learn basic home-fix-it skills to help you save costs. While calling for a professional would help, they might cost you more, especially if the issue is simple. To save time and money, you can try to do it yourself. Plus, after finishing your repairs, you’ll feel self-fulfilled, knowing you can solve certain house problems correctly without asking for professional help.
