There’s nothing wrong with calling in a professional. When your house works against you, DIY can quickly turn into “Did It . . . Yikes!” When dealing with plumbing problems (we’re talking more than just a leaky faucet), wiring and electrical issues, or anything that would cause serious damage if you messed up, it’s best to call in the pros. But some home repairs are easy to accomplish if you have the proper tools and the right know-how. Here are 4 home repairs every homeowner should know how to do.
Easy Home Repairs
- Fix a broken toilet. If the toilet won’t stop running, cut off the water. The water shutoff valve is located where the toilet connects to the wall. Next, check the seal on the flapper. Chances are that’s the culprit. Luckily, replacing the flapper is an easy fix. Visit Ace of Gray for a new toilet flapper and step-by-step instructions from a professional Mr. Fix-It.
Repair drywall. If you’re filling in nail holes, all you need is putty and fine grain sandpaper. For a bigger patch, use drywall and mud. Bigger patches fit smoothly into the wall, making a fix that’s easily covered with paint or wallpaper.- Open a stuck window. There are two common problems that cause stuck windows: heat and old paint. If heat and humidity swell the wood until you have difficulty opening the window, run a dehumidifier to suck the moisture from the frame. If it’s stuck with old paint, carefully use a utility knife to break the seal. Make sure not to gouge the wooden frame.
- Fix a leaky faucet. After a few hours, the steady dripping of a leaky faucet is enough to drive any homeowner crazy. It can also waste around 5 gallons of water per day. To fix a leaky faucet, first turn off the water supply. Turn on the faucet to relieve leftover pressure and cover the drain to prevent losing parts. Unscrew the handle and take apart the faucet. Once you find the source of the leak, visit Ace of Gray for a replacement part and put the whole thing back together. Voila! No more leaky sink.
Not sure how to start your home repair? That’s why we’re here! The experts at Ace of Gray are no strangers to home improvement. Find a representative for advice on which tools and parts to buy, simple instructions on basic home repairs, and an expert opinion about when to call in the professionals.
