Owning a home is a lot of work. There’s always something that needs to be fixed, updated, or replaced. While some home repairs are minor and can be completed by the average homeowner, others are more complex and require the help of a professional.
In this article, you will read some of the most common home repairs homeowners need to know about. It will also provide some helpful tips on how to complete these repairs yourself or when it’s time to call in a professional.
Opening Stuck Windows
Windows can become stuck for several reasons, such as when the window frame becomes swollen or the weather stripping wears out. If a window is stuck, there are a few things you can try to fix it yourself:
- Apply pressure to the window frame and try to push it open.
- Use a hair dryer to heat the window frame and loosen the adhesive.
- Try using a rubber mallet to tap on the frame and loosen the adhesive.
This can be a difficult repair to do yourself, so if you’re not confident in your abilities, it’s best to call a professional.
Repairing Leaky Faucets
Fixing a leaky faucet is one of the most commonly requested home repairs. It’s crucial to fix it right away as even a tiny drip can waste gallons of water and quickly inflate your water bill.
The most common causes of leaky faucets are worn-out seals and gaskets, corroded or dirty faucet parts, and faulty valve stems. These usually occur when the faucet is not used often or when it hasn’t been used for a long time. Additionally, the mineral build-up can also cause a leaky faucet.
To repair a leaky faucet, you’ll need to identify the source of the leak and then replace the worn-out washer or O-ring. This is a relatively easy repair that anyone can do with just a few tools. However, if you’re not confident in your ability to complete the repair, it’s always best to call in a professional.
Unclogging Drains
Clogged drains are another common home repair that every homeowner will need to deal with at some point. Several things can cause your drains to become clogged, such as hair, food scraps, and soap build-up. Fortunately, there are several ways that you can unclog your drain yourself without having to call in a professional.
A plunger is one method you can use to unclog a drain. First, place the plunger over the clogged drain. Next, push and pull the plunger vertically until the blockage is removed. Another way to unclog a drain is to use a plumber’s snake. This is a long, flexible piece of metal that you insert into the drain and then turn to clear the clog. Again, if you’re not confident in your ability to clear the clog yourself, it’s always best to call in a professional plumber who will be able to quickly clear the blockage without damaging your pipes.
Remember that it’s also essential to be familiar with the types of pipes and connectors used in your home’s plumbing system This will help you when you need to purchase replacement parts or when you need to call in a professional for help with a more complex repair.
Fixing Broken Toilets
A broken toilet is one of the most frustrating things that can happen in your home. Not only is it uncomfortable having to go without a working toilet, but it can also be very expensive to hire a professional plumber to fix it for you. However, there are some steps that you can take yourself to try and fix your broken toilet before calling in a professional.
The first thing you’ll need to do is identify what type of problem you’re dealing with. Is your toilet constantly running or does it seem like there’s no water getting into the bowl? If your toilet is running, chances are that you have a problem with your fill valve which can usually be fixed by simply replacing the valve itself. If there’s no water getting into the bowl, then you may have an issue with your supply line which will require you to shut off your water supply and replace the line itself.
Again, if you’re not confident in your ability to fix these problems yourself, it’s always best—and safest—to call in a professional plumber who will be able to fix them for you quickly and correctly.
Homeownership comes with its fair share of responsibilities – one of which is maintaining and repairing your home when necessary. This article focused on four common home repairs that every homeowner should know about: opening stuck windows, repairing leaky faucets, unclogging drains, and fixing broken toilets. It also provided some helpful tips on how these repairs can be completed by DIYers or when it’s time to call in professionals for help.
