7 Home Repairs Everyone Should Know

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Owning a house is something that we all dream about, but with being an owner comes more than just relaxing on your deck and having fun times with your family around the fireplace. It needs someone who will be dedicated to keeping your home safe and running smoothly. Occasionally repairing things around your house is the part that comes with it, even if you are not a big DIY person, there are a couple of things that you need to know how to fix by yourself.

1.   Learn How to Unclog a Toilet

Most times clogged toilets are difficult to deal with because most of us start making bad decisions at that moment. When we start realizing that the toilet is clogged it is filling up with water and overflowing. Therefore, you need to know how to fix it in advance so you know what to do when the crisis strikes.

It’s fairly simple. The only crucial thing you need to have is a plunger. If you think you need something more heavy-duty is a plumbing snake, and both of those are under 10 dollars. In most cases, the snake isn’t necessary, but if you have a child that can throw things like toys or jewelry in the toilet bowl, then only the snake will do the trick.

This is the best tip someone can give you. If you don’t have a tool close to you and you need to fix the clog quickly, mix dish soap with four cups of boiling water and put it into the toilet bowl. That should clean it out if the clog is made out of biological things.

2.   Learn How to Fix a Leaky Faucet

There are many ways of fixing leaky faucets. In most cases it only depends on the type of sauces you have. There are two types of faucets, two-handle washerless faucets and single-handle washerless faucets. But in most cases, you don’t need to worry about what type your faucet is. Most leaks can be fixed with a wrench and in some bad cases, it can require a trip to your local hardware store to buy the replacement part.

3.   Learn How to Replace a Faucet

You might hear some people bragging about how they can replace the faucet on their own, but that is not that impressive because replacing a faucet it is simple. All you need to do is find a new fixture that has the holes as your old one because it needs to fit properly on the sink. Before you start, take pictures of everything before you start working so you know how to put it back together. After that shut the water odd, drain your faucet and them follow the instructions that came with the faucet.

4.   Learn How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal

There are many ways you can fix clogged garbage disposal, sometimes it can even be fun like doing a mini science experiment. All you need to do is pour half of the box of baking soda into the drain on the side that the disposal is on, and then pour the other half into the disposal. Chase the baking soda with white vinegar and let it do its magic for an hour. After the one hour has past pour hot water over it and your disposal should be unplugged.

5.   Learn How to Fix the Washing Machine

If your washing machine breaks don’t immediately start searching for a handyman, thinking about how you can do it on your own. It may sound complicated but in most cases, it’s nothing that you can’t fix by yourself. You just need a few tools and light. Most times the filter is clogged or you just need to buy a spare part. Most washing machines like LG or Bosch ones have the same problems. Therefore, there are a lot of places that sell LG washing machine parts.

6.   Learn How to Clean Grout

It is important that you clean your grout from time to time. Even though this may not sound like a repair, by cleaning it you are repairing it. All you need to do is mix some baking soda and bleach. Apply it to the grout and scrub the grout with a small brush or a toothbrush. After you scrubbed it to clean it with some water and you will have a new looking grout.

7.   Learn How to Replace Outlets

If you need to change outlets, the first step is to cut the power and with a voltage, tester confirms that there is no electricity in them. Take off the faceplate, unscrew the outlet and memorize which wires connect to which outlet. Connect the new outlet, screw it back on and turn the electricity back on and test your work.

Be confident in yourself, you don’t always need a handyman. You can surprise yourself with your independence. But make sure you evaluate the risk that comes with repairing things before you start doing it.

About the Author

Stella Ryne is an art historian, traveller, conscious consumer and a proud mother. When she is not trying to improve the things around her (and herself, for that matter), she likes to lose herself in a good book. Stay in touch with Stella via Twitter and  Facebook.

 

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