Home repairs are an inevitable part of owning a property. But if you are smart about it, you can save yourself money by fixing them yourself instead of hiring professionals.
From caulking to sorting out a flickering light, you can do a lot of the little jobs yourself with just a few simple tools. Here are 5 Home Repairs you should try yourself.
1. Fix a Leaky Pipe
Leaking pipes can cause serious water damage to your home and can also be a safety hazard, especially if the leak is close to electrical outlets. You may not be able to mend the pipe permanently yourself but you can take steps to stop it from continuing to leak and protect your property while you wait for a professional.
The first thing to do is shut off the water supply valve for the leaking pipe (you can usually find this behind a fixture like a toilet, sink or bathtub). Next, make sure that the area around the leak is safe by moving any furniture or drapes away from it and clearing the way for any work you might need to do. You can also buy pipe putty that fills a hole and hardens as it cures, which is a good option for a temporary fix.
2. Fix a Squeaky Door
A squeaky door can be incredibly annoying, particularly in homes with kids. However, fixing this problem doesn’t have to be difficult, and you can even do it without any chemicals!
All you need to do is lubricate the hinges. WD-40 is an excellent option, but you can also use vaseline, petroleum jelly, or bar soap. Just rub the lubricant over the hinges, and open and close the door several times to help the lubricant settle in.
If you find that your squeaky door persists, it may be time to call in a professional. The problem could be caused by misaligned framing, softened wood, or other issues. A professional can help you find the best solution for your home. They might recommend replacing the hinges altogether. Look into home warranty what is covered and see if a professional can fix more for you like kitchen appliances or something else that you may not be able to do for yourself.
3. Fix a Faulty Light Fixture
A faulty ceiling light fixture can cause serious problems. If it keeps tripping your circuit breaker, there is likely an electrical short in the wiring (long-term exposure to heat can crack insulation, exposing conducting metal). These are potential fire hazards that require licensed electricians to fix.
First, if you haven’t already, shut off power to the circuit that powers your light fixture at your home’s circuit breaker box. Be sure to use a non-contact voltage tester to ensure the electricity is completely turned off. Then, look at the bulb socket and see if it is properly seated. Sometimes tabs or positions can interfere with good
contact between the bulb base and socket, and making a small adjustment here can make all the difference. Make sure the bulb is the correct wattage, too.
4. Fix a Broken Window
A broken window can be a big deal. It’s not only a safety hazard but it can also allow water and drafts into your home. Thankfully, there are several easy fixes you can try before calling a professional.
Start by putting on your safety gear: close toed shoes, thick work gloves, and goggles. Then, carefully remove the old pane of glass and make sure to dispose of any broken shards.
Next, put down a strip of tape along the length of the crack. This will stabilize it and reduce stress on the cracked pane, which can prevent it from worsening over time. You can also purchase glazing adhesive, which works similar to tape but is specifically designed for windows. It’s available online and at many auto maintenance stores.
5. Fix a Broken Doorknob
Interior door handles don’t get much attention until they break. When that happens, it can make it difficult to enter the room in question.
There are many reasons why a door handle may stop working, including misaligned components and general wear and tear. However, one of the most common reasons is that a spring in the lock mechanism breaks.
If you’re experiencing this issue, the good news is that you can fix it yourself. The process is actually fairly simple and involves removing the old door handle, choosing a new one and installing it. Plus, replacing a broken door handle can elevate the look of your home and provide a more modern feel. So why not give it a try?