Ever wonder if you can fix your kitchen sink, toilet, or any other useful household item? These days it’s no longer an issue of whether you can fix something but how much it will cost you to get it done. Therefore, it is preferable to attempt to resolve these issues before hiring an expensive contractor. To that end, this post will cover six issues that most people should be able to fix in their own homes using only a basic set of tools.
Table of Contents
Fix A Squeaky Garage Door
Everyone has been there. You have a garage door that, whenever it opens, squeaks and squeals with such ferocity that you get permanent ear damage from the noise itself and the complaints of your neighbors! Fortunately, this is actually one of the most straightforward repairs you can do, and all you will need is two forms of grease, lubrication grease, and elbow grease. If you don’t already know how to lubricate your noisy garage door, you will first need to perform an inspection to see what is causing the noise. This will enable you to develop a course of action that fixes the issue. Loose parts typically cause these noises, components rubbing against each other, or bearings or springs that have worn out. Once you have performed your diagnosis, you can move on to the solution. If you are a complete novice, you should first purchase some grease from your local hardware store (you can ask the assistants to help you select the correct lubrication). Then apply it liberally to the affected areas and open and close it several times to allow the grease to set in. If the noise persists afterward, you might have to either grease other sections or possibly replace worn-out parts.
Tools Required
- Lubrication
Replace A Leaky Tap
A leaky faucet is a common problem that causes water damage and usually requires some basic know-how to resolve the issue. If you have a leaking tap, there are several things you can do to replace it as soon as possible. The first thing you should do is find out where your mains water enters your home and turn it off. Usually, leaky taps are equipped with their own shut-off valve, so you’ll only have to turn that off, enabling water to still flow into the rest of the house. Then you can unscrew the old tap from the sink and install the new one. You can often refer to the manufacturer’s instructions, or at the very least, check on YouTube to watch a step-by-step guide. While it may seem intimidating, it is far more straightforward than you think, and once you have done one, you will be prepared for more.
Tools Required
- Adjustable Wrench
- PTFE tape
- Standard pliers
- Silicone sealant
- Spanner or ratchet
Replace Your Toilets Cistern Water System
It may seem overwhelming at first, but it becomes much more straightforward once you start with all of these repairs. A do-it-yourselfer may easily repair a running toilet with a toilet rebuild kit from any hardware or big-box shop. These kits often include simple, easy-to-follow instructions. You will have to shut off the water to the cistern to begin unhindered, and once you have done so, your first step is to remove the old system. Once you have replaced it with the new one, remember to set the ballcock to your desired cistern tank water level (you don’t need to fill it up with water, and a little goes a long way).
Tools Required
- Adjustable Wrench
- Longnose pliers
- Screwdriver
Light Fixture Installation
Electrical repairs and installs are, at best, outrageously costly. Investing a little time in researching and understanding your electrical system can provide you with the knowledge you need to tackle various electrical work on your own. Low voltage jobs, such as installing a light fitting, can be safely completed by a homeowner since they are less likely to cause structural damage or personal injury. That being said, if you are unsure of your expertise or competence, or if your job involves more than 50 volts, it is preferable to hire a professional.
Tools Required
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Wire cutting pliers
- Wire stripper
- Electrical tape
- Circuit tester
Painting The Outside Of Your Home
Painting the outside of your house is a project that you shouldn’t underestimate. Take some time to do it right, so you don’t have to worry about it later. Many factors need to be taken into account while painting, and these include weather and humidity, type of paint and primer, and how much preparation the painter has done before starting work. Although this is a time-consuming rather than difficult job, it involves heights that can pose a health risk if done without patience. Before you begin, you will need to consider what colors you want to use and what you are protecting your home from. For example, the paint you will use in a humid climate will differ from that used in a frigid one. Once you have bought your chicken paint, you will need to begin the laborious task of stripping away the old paint and preparing the surface ready for the new coat (this is crucial for a long-lasting paint job). Once the surface has been sufficiently prepared, you begin the actual painting process. Take your time, don’t rush it, and allow enough time to dry before putting on extra coats.
Tools Required
- Ladder
- Paintbrush
- Paint
- Undercoating
- Roller
- Scraper
- Protective glasses and mask
- Patience!
Repairing Nail Holes In Drywall
Almost any homeowner may repair nail holes. Filling ugly nail holes is a simple technique to make existing drywall riddled with nail holes appear like new. Fill up each void with putty and scrape the surplus off the walls with a spackle knife. Wait for the putty to cure before sanding the area smooth. Then, using a primer, paint over the mended areas.
Tools Required
- Drywall putty
- Spackle knife
- Fine grit sandpaper
- Primer and paint
- Paintbrush
You may easily handle house repairs yourself, which will save you money and provide you with the skills needed for future upkeep. From changing light fittings to mending holes in your drywall, simple tools are all that are necessary. If you get stuck on something, you can always go online for walkthroughs; but, once you’ve repaired it once, you’ll be able to do it every time.
