When it comes to home repairs, it’s always best to hire a professional. However, sometimes you may be able to handle a repair yourself. Before you reach for the phone and dial your repairman, why not try these home repair hacks first? These simple tips will help you tackle do-it-yourself repairs around the house.
Fix a Leaky Faucet
If you notice a leaky faucet, you can fix it yourself with a few easy steps. First, turn off the water supply to the faucet. Then, remove the handle and use a wrench to loosen the nut on the stem. After removing the stem, replace the worn-out washer with a new one, and reassemble the pieces. Turn the water supply back on and test the faucet to ensure the leak has stopped.
Patch Holes in Drywall
Do you have a hole in your wall from a picture frame or a doorknob? You can easily patch it up with some drywall compound. First, clean the area around the hole with a dry cloth. Then, cut a piece of drywall slightly larger than the hole and place it in the hole. Apply drywall compound to the area, and smooth it out with a putty knife. Allow it to dry completely before sanding it down and painting over it.
Unclog a Drain
If your sink or bathtub drain is clogged, there’s no need to call a plumber. You can try using a plunger to dislodge the blockage. First, fill the basin with enough water to cover the plunger’s edge. Place the plunger over the drain and use a vertical pumping motion to create suction. Repeat this process a few times until the water drains away.
Seal Drafty Windows
If you feel cold air coming in from your windows, you can seal them to keep the warm air in. First, clean the area around the window with a dry cloth. Then, apply weatherstripping to the edges of the window frame. Alternatively, you can apply plastic shrink film to the window glass using double-sided tape. Use a hairdryer to shrink the film and create a seal.
Replace a Light Fixture
Replacing a light fixture may sound daunting, but it’s an easy DIY project. First, turn off the power to the fixture by flipping the circuit breaker. Remove the old fixture by unscrewing the nuts or screws that hold it in place. Disconnect the wires by loosening the wire nuts and separating them. Connect the wires from the new fixture to the wires from the electrical box using wire nuts, and attach the fixture to the mounting bracket. Turn the power back on and test the light.
In conclusion, small home repairs are sometimes doable on your own. With a bit of patience and some basic know-how, you can save time and money by tackling these repairs yourself. Before you know it, you’ll become a home repair pro!