Whether you’ve bought a fixer-upper or a brand new home that’s never been lived in, it’s a good idea to know a few maintenance tricks and repairs. Since you’re no longer dependent on a landlord who you can call when things go wrong, it’s up to you to make sure that things get fixed or upgraded.
If you’ve recently purchased a home, or are going to soon, take a look at some of the most important things you should know how to do on your own.
Unclogging Your Own Drains
There’s nothing like a clogged drain that results in a pool of water up to your ankles. The smell is foul, and the damage to your home can be a considerable amount of money.
Plumbers are expensive and not always available when you need them. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to know how to fix your drain yourself. There are several different methods, depending on what your drain is clogged with. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with various tricks plumbers use to loosen up even the most stubborn of clogs. From bent hangers to boiling water, there are a few methods you should do your homework on. In any case, it’s a good idea to keep a bottle of liquid plumber in your cupboard.
Caulking
Your showers and baths must be sealed watertight along the edges. If the caulk starts to lift or cracks, the water from your shower will leak through your walls and rot them. Not only does this cost a significant amount to repair, but it’s unsightly and can smell.
The good news is, caulking is incredibly easy and takes hardly any time at all. You simply scrape off the old caulk using a tool like a screwdriver, then clean the remaining debris with a bit of alcohol. Once it’s dry, reapply a new layer of caulk and smooth down.
Fixing Hinges
It’s not uncommon for cabinet doors throughout the house to loosen over time. It’s essential to fix them as soon as possible; otherwise, the screw holes will eventually get too big to tighten them again.
If this happens, an old trick is to remove loose hinge screws and stuff them with glue and toothpicks. Break off the toothpicks and replace the screw.
Painting Walls
Painting is something you may do several times over the course of living in your home. It’s vital that you know some fundamental techniques to avoid ending up with botched walls.
All the surfaces should be smoothed, dusted, and distributed evenly. There is a learning curve, so it’s ideal to get some practice in before you pull out a bucket of paint.
