There are a lot of homeowners who would love to have a basic guide to doing certain types of repairs around the house that may not necessarily require the help of a professional. Take a look at the list below and if anything makes you feel like you are out of your “comfort zone,” then it will be time to call in the experts.
Plumbing
The plumbing fixtures in your home can be really complicated if you aren’t a licensed and experienced plumber. However, there are some things that you can take care of on your own that may not necessarily require the help of an expert.
If you notice that you have sinks that aren’t draining as well as they should, it could be a warning sign of a clog. You can try using store-bought clog removers, and if they don’t work, you could purchase a “snake” device from your local home improvement store. This can help to fish-out thick clogs that can develop in your sink.
If you have a leaky faucet that drips water constantly, it can be fixed easily. You will likely need to replace the washer. To do this, first you will need to turn off the water supply valve beneath the sink. Be sure you place something over the drain, as well, so nothing falls down the sink. Remove the handles, replace the washers, and put everything back together again. If the problem persists, you may need to call in a plumber.
Heating and Cooling
It will be important for you to be sure that you are regularly changing your filters. To make sure that you are using the right size, check your owner’s manual. Often times, homeowners will notice that their home doesn’t feel as warm or as cool as it should, and this could be an indication that it’s time to change the filter as it may be clogged full of dirt and dust. If this doesn’t take care of the problem, then it will be time to call in a heating and cooling professional.
“Broken” Door Locks
If you are unable to open a door with your key, all you may need to do is spray some WD-40 into the keyhole. If this does not take care of the problem, then you could have a broken spring in the lock. This will require the help of a professional locksmith.
Light Bulbs Keep Going Out
This could be an issue with excessive dust inside of the area where the lightbulb is fastened. Dirt can prevent the brass tab inside of the lamp from making proper contact with the lightbulb’s base, not allowing for a direct connection. This can cause lightbulbs to go out much sooner than they should. To take care of the problem, turn off and unplug the light. Then, use a Q-tip and rubbing alcohol to clean the inside of the socket. If this does not take care of the problem, it may be time to call in an electrician.
Stripped Screws
It happens to all of us. You may be trying to remove a screw and you accidentally strip off the head. To remove the screw, use a hammer to lightly tap a screwdriver into the screw. Then, push downward and slowly back the screw out of the opening.
These are just a few basic home repairs that you could attempt on your own. Remember – if you don’t feel comfortable performing any of the above-mentioned tasks, DO NOT perform them. Call in a professional instead!