Home maintenance can seem like a chore, especially when it comes to tackling problems you’ve never had to deal with before. Some of these are majorly expensive or require special tools. Even the issues that seem simple can be overwhelming if you don’t have the right tools, so it’s crucial to search for the best ways to approach the problem before you get started. Otherwise, you may end up making things worse, necessitating the need for a pricey contractor or exacerbating the problem, which can be an even bigger headache. Whether you own your own home or are a renter who is tired of waiting for the superintendent to come and help out, it’s important to learn how to take care of the little things yourself before they grow into big problems.
Fortunately, there are several simple fixes for many of the most common home maintenance problems. From toilet clogs to holes in the drywall, there are many things you can tackle on your own without stress. Not only will these strategies help you stay on top of your home’s every need, but they’ll also help you save money since many of them involve using items you probably already have around the house. Read on to find a few of the best tips on making common repairs around the house without ruining your household budget.
Unclog the Toilet
Drain clogs are a pain; sometimes, even with a plunger or snake, they are frustrating to handle and can make a mess of your bathroom floor. In the worst cases, those tools may actually push the clog further down and require a plumber to deal with. The good news is that if you have baking soda and vinegar at home, you can create a fizzy reaction that will push the clog right out. The key is to measure out the ingredients carefully so they don’t overflow and to use equal amounts of each one. The size of the clog will determine how much you’ll need to use, but generally, you can start with about half a cup of each ingredient.
Fix a Squeaky Door
We all have that door at home that squeaks and squeals every time we use it; temperature changes and use can make wood and hinges expand and contract, leaving behind a very noisy door. If you have cooking spray in your pantry, you can use a little to grease up the hinge and stop the squeaking; just be sure you spray directly onto the metal hinge and have a towel handy to catch any drips. You can also use a little of the spray to help remove the sticky mess left behind after a sticker is removed from an area.
Fix a Stubborn Drawer
Wood can become warped over time, making drawers hard to pull out as they age. If you have a stubborn drawer at home, pull it all the way out and turn it over. Use a bar of soap on the glides — the part of the drawer that fits into the track — to keep it moving freely every time you use it.
Repair Cracked Molding or Trim
Molding and trim are often made with soft wood, which means it can become damaged easily if you have pets, active kids, or move your furniture around often. You can fix cracks fairly quickly, however, by using wood filler, sandpaper, and paint. Fill the crack, wipe off the excess so that it’s even with the molding, and let dry. You can also sand it down a bit before painting to ensure there are no bumps or craters.
Home maintenance can be tricky when you aren’t sure where to begin, or if you’re a new homeowner. With a few simple tricks, however, you can change all that and make repairs yourself that won’t cost much or require a lot of your time. Remember to take care when using tools or chemicals to keep the project safe.
Article provided by: Rob Woods, FixItDads.com, rob@fixitdads.com
Image courtesy of Pixabay.com
Know when to call in a pro! Some jobs just shouldn’t be done by anyone but a professional. When you need help in the Rochester, New York and Finger Lakes Region, you can find that professional at www.FindTheHomePros.com
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