Top 5 Household Repairs You Can Do Without Hiring a Professional
Every homeowner will agree that routine maintenance and repairs are part of owning a property. Despite the convenience that calling a professional can bring, it can also drain your wallet. This article is here to shed some light on the top 5 household repairs that you can do confidently without seeking professional help, thereby saving your time and resources,and enhancing your DIY skills. Issues like leaky faucets, squeaky doors, damaged tiles, peeling wallpaper and dealing with damp spots are just a tip of the iceberg when it comes to common household repair tasks. Without further ado, let’s break down these household issues one by one.
1. Fixing a Leaky Faucet
A drippy faucet isn't just annoying; it can also hike up your water bill and contribute to water waste. Fixing a leaking faucet is a straightforward process that most people can do with just a few basic tools. Essential tools include a wrench, screwdriver, and replacement parts, which you can find at any home improvement store.
Steps to Repair a Leaky Faucet
Firstly, turn off the water supply to the faucet to prevent the likelihood of water flooding your area. To do this, look for the valves under the sink and turn them clockwise until completely shut.
Next, identify the type of faucet you have- whether it is a cartridge, ball, or ceramic-disk model. This will determine the next steps. If in doubt, take a picture and bring it to a home repair store.
For a cartridge or ball faucet, you'll need to remove the handle and replace the old parts with new ones. On a ceramic faucet, you might need to remove the entire fixture to replace the worn-out parts.
Once you've replaced the parts, reassemble the faucet and turn the water back on to test. If the faucet is still dripping, this might indicate other underlying issues such as high water pressure or a broken pipe.
2. Quieting Squeaky Doors
A squeaky door might not seem like a major issue, but it can be annoying, particularly during the quiet, wee hours. The good thing is, quieting a squeaking door is accessible to any homeowner.
Steps to Quiet a Squeaky Door
The first step is to identify the cause of the squeak. Usually, it comes from the hinges. Attempt to tighten any loose screws on the hinges. If this doesn't solve the issue, the next step is lubrication.
You can use a broad range of lubricants. Some people opt for petroleum jelly or even cooking oil in a pinch, but a reliable, long-lasting option is to apply a silicone-based lubricant.
Apply your chosen lubricant on both the top and bottom hinges. It's cut to apply a generous layer. To ensure it penetrates the hinges, swing the door back and forth a couple of times.
If these two methods don't work, you may have to replace the hinges entirely, a process that doesn't cost too much and is straightforward to do.
3. Repairing Damaged Tiles
Whether on the floor or wall, chipped or loose tiles can be repaired without the need for a professional. It's cheaper to mend the busted tiles than to replace them.
Steps to Repair Damaged Tiles
First, assess the damage to determine the repair method. For a cracked tile, you will need tile filler or adhesive and paint to match the broken tile's color. If it is loose, all you'll need is adhesive. Tile adhesive and grout can be found easily in most home improvement stores.
If the tile is loose, pry it up gently and scrape off the old adhesive without damaging the tile. Then apply the new adhesive, set the tile, and clean off any residue before it sets.
4. Repairing Peeling Wallpaper
Peeling wallpaper can make your space look untidy and old. This situation can be typically managed without professional help.
Steps to Repair Peeling Wallpaper
To fix peeling wallpaper, you'll need wallpaper paste or adhesive. Apply a small amount of adhesive to the area where the wallpaper has peeled off. Carefully press the wallpaper back onto the wall, ensuring it is aligned properly.
5. Dealing with Damp Spots
Damp spots or water stains on your wall or ceiling can be a tell-tale sign of a leak. Most minor leaks can be fixed without professional help. However, it’s vital to find the source of the leak and fix it before dealing with the damp spot.
Steps to Deal with Damp Spots
Once you have fixed the leak, it’s time to deal with the damp spot. You’ll want to allow it to dry completely before repairing the surface. Paint won’t adhere correctly to a surface that’s still damp. Once the area is dry, you can sand it down and apply a stain-blocking primer, followed then by paint matching the rest of the wall or ceiling.
In conclusion, homeowners shouldn’t necessarily view common household repairs as daunting tasks that require professional help. With common tools, a little patience, and online tutorials, it is possible to carry out most non-technical household repairs by oneself. But always remember, when in doubt or when safety becomes a concern, it’s better to call in professionals.
Our hope is that, with this guide, we’ve empowered you to tackle some of the more common household issues head-on, and in the process, save some cash and build your DIY skillset.
