As a homeowner, it’s helpful to be handy when it comes to making your own repairs. Having to pay a specialist each time that something breaks down can quickly add up.
Although there are some jobs that are better left to the professionals, like repairing your air conditioner, there are other quick fixes that can be easily done by yourself with a little practice.
Take a look at some of the simplest house repairs that you can probably pull off yourself without having to pay anyone else to do it.
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A Running Toilet
You may have heard that all too familiar sound of a toilet that is constantly running. In some cases, it may just be a minor sound that you hear quietly in the distance, while in other cases, it can sound more like a geyser with extreme force. Not only can the sound of a constantly running toilet drive you nuts, but it’s also expensive.
You are literally flushing money down the drain when your water bill arrives. The good news is it’s a fairly quick fix. If your toilet is constantly running, simply reach behind it and turn the water off. You’ll find a toilet knob that is easily turned to stop the flow of water. Once you stop the flow of water, simply open the tank and replace the flusher valve.
Clogged Drains
A clogged drain can leave you frustrated and possibly left in a flood. Although some clogs can easily be fixed with a bit of drain cleaner, some clogs require much more. The first solution is obviously using a plunger; however, in some cases, a much larger obstruction will require a different kind of tool.
You may want to consider using a hanger or something that can hook the obstruction and pull up and out of the toilet. Make sure that it’s flexible yet tough enough not to break inside. If you’ve already poured a declogging product down the toilet, be very careful about splashing any on yourself.
Caulking
You don’t have to be Leonardo DaVinci to do your own caulking. Think of caulking as decorating a cake with icing. With the right amount of pressure and technique, anyone can do a great caulking job. The key is using constant pressure on the trigger, and going between the lines that you’ve taped off. If it isn’t entirely perfect, don’t worry, since you can smooth it down later with your finger.
Wall Holes
Between kids, pets, and your own clumsiness, sometimes holes in walls can happen. Luckily it’s an incredibly easy fix with the right materials. Most hardware stores sell self-adhesive patches to apply to the hole, which you later fill with a bit of drywall compound. Once this is completely dry, you cover the patch and blend it so that you hardly even see the edges. Voila! No more hole.