When it comes to maintaining your home, it’s almost inevitable that you’ll encounter some common household problems from time to time. Whether it’s a leaky faucet, a squeaky door, or a small hole in the wall, these issues can be both annoying and frustrating.
However, the good news is that many of these problems can be easily fixed with just a little know-how and some basic tools.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through some quick and easy fixes for common household problems that every homeowner or renter should know.
Table of Contents
What are the most common household repairs?
Common household repairs include fixing leaky faucets, repairing or replacing squeaky doors, patching up small holes in walls, unclogging sinks and drains, addressing running toilets, replacing light bulbs, and maintaining and lubricating sliding windows. These are everyday issues that homeowners or renters often encounter.
What are the Essential Tools For Home Repairs?
When it comes to tackling various home repair tasks, you don’t need a vast array of tools. In fact, you can handle a substantial amount of fixing and mending with just a concise set of essential tools:
- Screwdriver Set: A set of screwdrivers, featuring various sizes and types, is indispensable for everything from tightening loose screws to assembling furniture.
- Claw Hammer: This versatile tool is not only great for knocking in nails but also for extracting stubborn ones, making it a must-have in your toolkit.
- Multi-Purpose Saw: A medium-toothed saw can handle a range of cutting tasks, from trimming wood to resizing materials for various projects.
- Pliers: Handy for gripping, bending, and cutting, pliers are indispensable for a wide range of tasks, from wiring to plumbing.
- Adjustable Spanner: This versatile wrench is perfect for tightening and loosening nuts and bolts of various sizes.
- Nail Set: For driving nail heads just below the surface of the material, a nail set is a small yet essential tool that provides a neat finish to your work.
With this compact yet versatile toolkit at your disposal, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle a wide range of general home repairs swiftly and effectively. It’s amazing how much you can accomplish with just a handful of quality tools, saving both time and effort in your DIY endeavors.
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DIY Household Repairs
Unclog Bathroom Sinks with Baking Soda and White Vinegar
When your bathroom sink starts draining slowly or not at all, it’s a hassle we’d all rather avoid. Fortunately, you can tackle this problem with safe, natural ingredients that are kinder to the environment than typical drain cleaners.
READ ALSO: 5 Simple Changes You Can Make to Create an Eco-friendly Home
Grab your baking soda and white vinegar. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. Let it fizz and bubble for a few minutes, then turn on the tap to enjoy a clog-free sink.
Repairing a Leaky Faucet
A dripping faucet is not only annoying but also wastes water. You can fix it easily.
First, turn off the water supply to the faucet. It’s like switching off a tap to stop the water.
Then, remove the handle of the faucet. Inside, you’ll find something called a “packing nut.” Use a wrench, which is a tool for turning things, to tighten this nut a little.
If the dripping stops, great job! You fixed it! But if it keeps dripping, you might need to replace a small rubber part called a “washer” or an “O-ring” inside the faucet. Just make sure the water supply is off before you try any repairs.
Repair Squeaky Door Hinges With Lubricant
To repair squeaky door hinges, start by tightening any loose screws using a screwdriver. If the squeaking continues, apply a lubricant like WD-40 or cooking oil to the hinge pin and work it in by moving the door back and forth. Wipe away any excess lubricant, and your door should open and close quietly. Regular maintenance can help prevent future squeaks, so it’s a good idea to check and lubricate your hinges from time to time.
P.S: If you do not have WD-40, good news because cooking oil just works as well, and even greater news is that it can be olive, canola, or vegetable oil. Interestingly, these oils can serve a purpose beyond the kitchen and act as a budget-friendly substitute for WD-40.
Fixing Flickering Light Bulbs
A flickering light bulb happens when it’s not making a complete connection with the socket. To fix it, just twist the bulb clockwise to tighten it. Keep turning until it won’t go any further. Loose bulbs or a bad socket can cause flickering. So, make sure the bulb is securely screwed in. If it’s still flickering, turn off the power and gently tighten the middle part of the socket using pliers. That should do the trick!
Ensure Cabinet Doors Can Finally Close
Over time, the handles on your cabinets can come loose, giving your kitchen or bathroom an untidy appearance. To remedy this, start by tightening the screws that secure the handles in place. If the holes have worn out, you can fill them with toothpicks or wooden dowels before reattaching the handle. Now, for the final touch, gently tighten the screw on the knob.
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With your left hand on the screw and your right hand on the knob, simply turn the screw clockwise to secure the knob firmly. Remember to keep the knob steady while completing this step for a polished result.
Repair a Hole in the Wall
Mistakes occur, and sometimes walls get little holes or cracks. To repair them, clean the area around the hole first. Then, use a patching compound or spackle (Filler) and spread it smoothly with a putty knife. Once it dries, sand it gently, and paint over it to blend with the wall color.
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For bigger holes, consider using a patch or mesh tape for extra strength.
Don’t rush to the store if you’re out of spackle. Instead, make your own by mixing baking soda and glue into a paste. Carefully fill in any cracks or holes in the wall with this mixture. It will turn into a plastic-like material that you can smooth down with sandpaper. Keep in mind that the mixture will be whitish, so it works best on lighter walls unless you intend to repaint it.
Clean Your Shower Head
If hard water is an issue for you, you might be familiar with those annoying mineral deposits that build up on your shower head. Over time, these deposits can clog up your shower head, reducing water flow or even blocking it completely.
But here’s a simple trick to get rid of those deposits – white vinegar! Remove your shower head and let it soak in plain white vinegar overnight. By morning, a quick scrub with a sponge will effortlessly remove all those mineral deposits, leaving your shower head as good as new!
Ensure Your Sliding Door Still Slides
If you’ve been having a daily wrestling match with your sliding doors and it’s become easier to avoid going outside altogether, there’s a better way to live. The most likely culprit is debris in the wheels. To fix it, start by removing the door. Turn the screws at the bottom to take it off. Next, clean the wheels and the track, and spray them with silicone lubricant. Finally, put the door back in place and screw it back in. Your door should now glide smoothly, making you marvel at your home improvement skills.
Conclusion
We’ve explored a range of practical solutions for common household issues, equipping you with the knowledge and tools to maintain your home effortlessly. From addressing plumbing problems to mastering DIY fixes using everyday items, you’ve become a savvy homeowner or responsible renter.
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The importance of regular maintenance and the value of a well-chosen toolkit have been discussed. You are now well-prepared to handle any challenge professionally and confidently.
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