How To Fix Common Repair Problems At Home At No Cost

What are the five worst repair problems a homeowner can have and how to fix them without spending a fortune?

Professional labor is usually more costly when it comes to maintenance and repairs. As a homeowner, you need to save some cash by doing minor repairs yourself. However, you need to have complete knowledge such as the use of a dividend calculator for the DIY project to ensure that the expenses don't exceed the cost of hiring a contractor. Even if you have the technical know-how and experience, you should consider the tools, materials, time, and permits needed for your home repair project. Below are the five worst repair problems a homeowner can have and how to fix them without spending a fortune.

Fixing leaks under the sink

Under-sink leaks can cause a lot of damage, but they are easy to pinpoint and repair. If you start noticing water damage on the floor or cabinet, it could be coming from the faucet, drainpipes, or supply hoses. It's possible to see the source of the problem when you crawl under the sink. Use a flashlight to see clearly. The repair process involves tightening a connection, but at times it can be more complicated. Turn off the tap and you are good to get started. Use a wrench to tighten defective pipes or loose connections of faucet supply hoses. For faucet connections located behind the sink in cramped spaces, you need to use adjustable or locking pliers to tighten them.

Fixing a clogged toilet

At some point, homeowners have to deal with a toilet that backs up. Toilet problems require urgency. First, check if any foreign object is in the bowl by accident. If this is the case, wear gloves and remove the object. You can also take a bucket full of water and pour it into the bowl and the added pressure will dislodge blockages. If it doesn't solve the problem, use a plumbing snake or closet auger and pass it down the toilet bowl through the serpentine piping to dislodge whatever is trapped there. If all these options fail to work, go to a plumbing supply store and purchase carbon dioxide cartridge delivery tools. These tools provide stronger pressure than a regular plunger and clear clogs effectively. Although they are more expensive compared to plungers, they are less costly than hiring a professional.

Clearing a clogged garbage disposal

First, turn off the breaker of the disposal. Next, shine a flashlight into the garbage disposal and check if any object may be causing the clog. If you see an object, use a pair of pliers or long-handled tongs to remove it. Another reason for the clog could be lingering leftovers. Leftover food that's not broken down well may not flush out the drainpipe, causing a clog on garbage disposals. In such a case, use a plunger to loosen the food and plunge the drain a few times. If water starts draining, it means you have unclogged the garbage disposal. Turn the breaker on and then turn the disposal on.  

Patch drywall holes

Holes in walls are almost unavoidable in every home. Patching nail holes is something that any homeowner can do. Holes vary in size, and so does the kind of tools to use. Some of the tools used to patch drywall include a putty knife, drywall tape, electric drill, wood screws, 80 to 120 grit sandpaper, a spackle or joint compound, and 1-inch x 1-inch wood board. Begin by accessing the damage. Nail or screw holes from TVs or hanging fixtures are the easiest to fix. Wipe the walls to get rid of any debris. Fill the hole with lightweight putty and press the sparkle into the wall and leave it to dry. Use grit sandpaper to smoothen the surface. Finally, apply a coat of fresh paint for your walls to be even.

Cleaning gutters

Clogged gutters can cause water to surround your home, causing leaks into the basement and water to sip under the siding, resulting in major rot and mold issues. You can easily clean leaves out of the gutters every fall and spring. However, the task requires someone else to hold the ladder as you climb up the ladder to clear the debris.

Many items in your home can break, but you can fix most of them with a little Googling and a few hardware store essentials. If something breaks in your home that is non-life-threatening, check online for some DIY tips before calling a professional. It will save you money and time.