8 DIY Home Repairs You Should Do Yourself
Whether you rent or own your home, there are many DIY repairs that you should consider taking on yourself. Even renters can benefit from tackling repairs themselves because sometimes it’s easier to perform a quick fix than bothering to battle with the landlord.
At Hi-Spec, we have tools for a variety of DIY tasks. So if you need a little boost of confidence or help to find some motivation, read on as we briefly describe 8 repairs that anyone with the right tools can successfully complete on their own.
1. Re-Caulking: Bathroom, Kitchen, and Windows
Caulking is that rubbery bead of sealant that you see around windows and water fixtures. It is applied via a caulking gun loaded with the appropriate tube of product.
The reason why we listed this repair is because it is both easy to remove old caulking and to apply it new. This means that even if you do a bad job on your first attempt, you can easily try again until you have figured out how to apply the perfect bead.
In many areas like windows, showers, and sinks, caulking can become moldy or discolored with age. It is often easier to remove the old caulking and reapply some new product than it is to scrub it clean, so consider caulking just a part of routine home maintenance. You’ll really see the difference a new caulking bead makes!
2. Unclogging a Toilet
A clogged toilet can become a small disaster quickly, especially if your home only has one. While most people know how to use a plunger if a plunger can’t solve the problem you could be left with a long wait for a professional repair without a working toilet.
Toilet clogs that can’t be resolved with a plunger can be tackled with a toilet snake. A toilet snake is a long, flexible metal spring coil with an abrasive end that acts like a drill. You simply run it down the toilet’s drain and rotate the handle. This breaks up the clog and has your toilet working quickly again.
3. Fixing a Running and/or Leaking Toilet
Sometimes a toilet develops a leak. When the leak is external, you will see water on the floor around the toilet. If the leak is internal, the toilet may continue to run and make noise long after it has been flushed and refilled.
The inner workings of a toilet tank may seem complicated, but replacing basic components and seals is normally easy. All you need is the correct rebuilding kit and some pliers, wrenches, and screwdrivers. Most kits come with instructions, so you can take on a toilet repair yourself.
4. Fixing a Leaking Faucet
A leaking faucet can drive someone crazy! Not only does it waste water, but leaks only get worse over time so if you have small water leaks around your home you want to fix them as soon as possible.
Many leaking faucets can be repaired by replacing the internal valve cartridge inside the handles. These replacement parts are found at most hardware stores and online; furthermore, installation is normally the opposite of removal so these are repairs that take little time and feel great when they are accomplished.
5. Replacing Faucets
Depending on the type of sinks you have in your bathroom and kitchen, replacing your faucets can be simple and rewarding. A new kitchen faucet fixture, for example, can breathe new life into the room without breaking the bank.
While there are many different types of faucets, many of them use standard installation methods. This means that you may be able to add a new faucet to your bathroom or kitchen without getting too deep into home renovations. Just make sure you check out your current faucet and find a working replacement before you start tearing it apart!
6. Patching and Filling Drywall
Like painting, drywall repairs can really improve the aesthetics of a home. If you have drywall with dings, scratches, and holes, rest easy knowing that you can likely take on these repairs yourself.
For light scratches and holes, a simple putty knife and a container of drywall mud are all you need. Larger holes will be harder to patch and will require some spare drywall and screws, but these repairs do not need to be farmed out to a specialist. And if you know how to paint you can do major cosmetic upgrades by combining these skills!
7. Replacing a Shower Head
Like replacing a faucet, a new showerhead can make a bathroom feel new and exciting. And if your current bathroom has a cheap showerhead, it may be easier to replace it than it is to clean off mold and water scaling.
Showerheads frequently use standard parts and fittings. This makes removal and installation simple, so some wrenches, pliers, and Teflon tape are likely all you will need to complete the repair and have no leaks. So if you have been wanting to dress up your bathroom or try out a massaging showerhead, try this job yourself.
8. Lawnmower Maintenance
Many homeowners - and a lot of renters too - own a lawnmower and other power outdoor equipment to help them with the yard work. If you have this type of equipment, you will need to spend some time repairing and maintaining them every couple of seasons.
Performing maintenance and repairs on equipment like this requires a different set of tools from homeowner tools, but rest assured because you can get affordable, high-quality automotive tools from Hi-Spec. So if your lawnmower isn’t cutting evenly or running well, you can tackle jobs like replacing spark plugs and sharpening blades yourself.
Related Article: 7 Best Tool Kits Sets For Computer Repair
Wrapping Up
Some DIYers take on complicated projects out of the simple enjoyment of learning and developing new skills. However, most of us just want to get the job done and move on with our lives.
If you want to develop your DIY abilities and have a home in which to practice, the jobs we listed above are very attainable for you. So get fixing and start saving today!
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