Owning a home is more than relaxing weekends on the deck or intimate nights in front of the fireplace. It also requires a commitment to keeping your private oasis safe and well-maintained.
While some home repairs require a pro’s touch, there are plenty of other projects that can be easily done at home with the help of an online tutorial and a trip to the hardware store.
1. Unclog Your Drain
Clogged drains are one of the most common home repair issues. If a shower, sink or toilet drain is not working properly, you may be tempted to reach for a chemical cleaner or call a plumber. However, you can save time and money with some simple DIY solutions.
First, try pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain. The reaction between the two will help dislodge some clogs. You can also use boiling water to break up more stubborn clogs. If these methods fail to work, you can use a power auger or plumbing snake. These tools run a metal cable through the pipe and can often remove even the most serious clogs without the need for chemicals or a professional plumber. But the best home warranty company would tell you that electrical and plumbing issues should be left to a professional.
2. Replace Your Faucet
While some home repairs can be done yourself, there are some that need to be left to professionals. Attempting to fix complicated projects that you aren’t qualified to do can result in costly consequences, like water damage or dangerously faulty work.
One of the most common home repairs is a dripping faucet. While it may seem insignificant, that little drip can add up to a lot of wasted water and cash over time. To start, turn off the water supply valves by closing them at either end of the hose. After that, disconnect the hoses from under the sink, making sure to have a bucket to catch any water that leaks out. Next, use a pair of Channellock pliers to loosen the locking nuts that hold the faucet in place.
3. Clean Your Carpet
The carpet in any home takes the brunt of many things, including stains and odors. Regular vacuuming and a no-shoes rule help keep it looking good, but sometimes even the best-maintained carpet needs a deep clean.
You can refresh your carpet without a machine by soaking a stain with white vinegar and blotting the area, then using a damp cloth to remove the remaining moisture. This works well on most red wine stains, blood spots, and dirt.
You can also freshen up your carpet by removing odors with baking soda. Pour a liberal amount onto the affected areas, then walk around (without shoes) so that it
seeps down to the bottom of the carpet. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum up. For tough mold or mildew odors, use vodka in a spray bottle and lightly coat the area.
4. Fix a Leak
Leaking pipes may not seem like a big deal at first, but if left unchecked, they can cause significant water damage to floors and walls. Fixing a leak is not a DIY home repair that can lead to more costly damage. Most times, professional plumbers are needed to fix a leak minor or major.
The steady tap, tap of a dripping pipe is every homeowner’s worst nightmare. Water leaks are one of the most common causes of expensive home repairs, and if they’re not addressed quickly, they can lead to mold, rot and costly structural damage.
Home improvement projects can be a fun way to channel your inner DIYer and save money on professional services. However, there are some projects that should be left to the professionals. Educate yourself on which home repairs are better suited for DIYers and which are best left to the experts.
5. Repair a Window
Window repairs are important because windows let light into your home, seal in warm air during the winter and cool air during the summer, and protect you from potentially harmful UV rays. If your windows are squeaky, stuck or leaking, it’s worth trying to fix them before calling in a professional.
A little paint thinner can help loosen a painted-shut window, and WD-40 or silicone lubricant can keep vinyl windows sliding smoothly on their tracks.
Even a small crack can spread quickly, introducing draughts and leaving your glass vulnerable. Using strong-hold tape (like masking or packing tape) on the surface of a crack can keep it from worsening. But if the crack is deeper, it’s time to call in the pros.
