4 Most Common DIY Home Repairs
I have been wondering for some time whether it is the DIY revolution, or simply returning to the old ways of the “man/woman of the house” that has provoked the need in people to try and fix the issues themselves before they call in a professional. Whichever it is, it supports the new frugal lifestyle trends and makes our lives easier. Have a look at the text below for some common fixes around the house you can do yourself, and get the issue out of your way quickly.
Doors
Looking at the mechanics of doors around your home, you would think that they are quite simple. They are in essence, but you could have several different door-related issues of different nature. Doors can be squeaky, they can get stuck or fall off.
Most squeaky door issues can be resolved fairly simply. Unless you can detect the issue straight away, start with basic tactics. Spray the hinges with WD-40 or grease them up with some petroleum jelly. Use opening and closing motions to work the substances in.
If the issue persists, lift the door a bit as if you were about to remove it so as to free-up the hinge pins, and apply some silicone lubricant, lithium grease or even olive oil or whatever else you use in the kitchen. Does it still squeak? You will have to be thorough then. Remove the door and use steel wool and a steel brush to clean the pins and the pinholes, lubricate them and put everything in its place again.
If you’ve noticed loose screws, latch the door and tighten the screws. The door should look straight after the process and easily open and close.
If your door tends to get stuck, you can insert a piece of cardboard between the shim and the hinge if that is where the problem is. On the other hand, if it all of a sudden seems too big, it could be the change in the humidity levels which cause them to swell temporarily. There is a solution for those who cannot wait or know that the issue is not temporary, and it’s called planning. In order to plane a door, you would basically need to scrape a thin layer of wood with a carpenter’s plane and thus make it narrower.
Walls
Depending on the type of the treatment you have on your walls, paint or wallpaper, there are different approaches to issues which may occur. This also refers to different types of walls. However, let’s look at the most common ones.
Dirty walls are an issue number one and they can be cleaned with hot water mixed with soap or dishwashing liquid. If you are dealing with greasy stains try hot water with about 1/3 of white vinegar. Use round movements and make sure you do not scrub too hard as sometimes scrubbing too hard could get the paint off and make a pale stain.
If someone has somehow punched a hole in your drywall, it looks worse than it actually is. Tiny holes can be easily fixed by placing some spackle in it with a putty knife. In order to make sure it sticks well, you need to prep the area by cleaning it of debris. Once the spackle is dry, sand it flat with some sanding paper and paint over it if the patch is visible. For large holes, you will need to make a patch out of drywall scraps if you have them, or buy some at a hardware store. Use the drywall tape to keep the patch in its place and covert it with joint compound. Make the layer of the compound as flat as possible. Sand it and repaint it once the compound is dry.
Toilets
Certain skills you learn in order to fix your toilet can be applied in many parts of your home, particularly those dealing with leaks. However, the most common toilet trouble is clogging. A Clog can be caused by an object which accidentally fell in, such as the content of your back pocket or your child’s toy. These you can remove by hand.
The next in line is flanged plunger which is an excellent tool to have in your home and it makes more pressure than your regular plunger. The plunger won’t work unless the suction cap is covered with water so add some if needed. If the problem is out of your plunger’s power, try using a plumbing snake to reach further down the piping.
A compressed air cartridge delivery tool is an expensive solution, but a cheaper one than having a professional do it. If none of these work, in theory, you could remove the toilet bowl yourself, however, unless you are a highly skilled person, I would not recommend it. It is not too difficult but some of the parts could be sensitive and it is also very unsanitary, so I recommend calling a plumber.
Household appliances
When it comes to your household appliances, most issues could be resolved with some extra maintenance. Any of the appliances with some sort of filter won’t work poorly when the filter is not clean so it is your first job to check that. This also refers to stove burners which won’t come on because they need detailed cleaning or refrigerator coils covered in dust and hairs.
If your washing machine does not drain wall or does not get enough water, the answer could lie in clogged tubes. Make sure you clean them before taking any further action. If you own a washing machine by some of the reputable brands, you should probably refrain from any DIY repairs. LG, Maytag, Whirlpool or a Samsung washing machine repair services licensed by the manufacturer will do any repairs for free within the warranty period provided that you haven’t meddled with the machine first. You should do as much as adjusting the legs so they are solid on the floor if the machine rocks.
Lastly
Even though you cannot do everything yourself, most problems that occur in a common household on daily basis are the minor ones. Knowing how to deal with them will make you feel good about yourself and in control. In addition, you will improve your lifestyle and you will do it on a budget.
*images from pexels.com
