Everyone dreams of owning a home. With ownership comes the responsibility of maintaining your house. Employing the services of a repairman can be very expensive. However, if you make regular checks and repairs, you can save a lot of money on major repair work later on.
Fortunately, you can do many of the maintenance tasks yourself, even if you’re not handy around the house. You don’t need expert knowledge to complete everyday tasks.
Here are some tips to help you do the necessary repairs and maintenance work. Don’t let the idea of doing the work yourself scare you.
To quote Dominion Roofing Company, “No job is beyond the scope of possibility.”
1. Leaky Faucets
It can be very costly to repair water damage, so you have to be vigilant and attend to minor problems before they get too big.
Leaky faucets are the most common among household problems. The drips may not seem grave to you, but they can drain you of money you could use for other things.
Worn-out washers are usually the cause of a leaking faucet. The washers are made of rubber and will wear out over time. Replacing a deteriorated washer is easy.
Before you do any work, remember to shut off the water supply to the faucet. If you don’t know where the valve is, you can turn off the main water supply.
Unscrew the valve that controls the water flow, remove the washer, and drop in a new one.
Sometimes, changing the washer may not stop the leak. In this case, another part of the faucet may be the cause of the problem.
Not all faucets are the same. Repairing some faucets may require professional help. Be sure to check if your faucet is a standard one.
2. Toilet Leaks
No one likes it when their toilet leaks or backs up, but it happens. Facing a toilet with problems can be stressful because of the potential damage to your bathroom floor, but don’t panic.
Check if there are foreign objects in the toilet bowl, especially if you have kids. Toys often end up in the toilet. If that’s the case, use gloves to fish the ‘culprit’ out.
You could also flush it out. Wait for the water level to drop and then pour a bucket of water. The sudden pressure will dislodge the blockage.
Another alternative is to use a plunger. Before you start plunging, make sure to fill the suction cup with water. Add more water if necessary.
If everything fails, you will have to uninstall the toilet. It sounds gross, but it’s better than incurring a plumbing bill.
As in other problems involving water, the first step is to shut off the water supply before starting any repair work.
3. Clogged Drains
Clogged drains can be a nightmare for homeowners, but there is a simple and affordable solution. You don’t have to spend money on expensive products to remove the clog.
The solution? Alka-seltzer.
Drop three Alka-seltzer tablets and a cup of white vinegar into the clogged drain. Leave it for about fifteen minutes before adding boiling water. This simple procedure will rid the pipe of the stuff that clogged it up.
4. Water Heater
Nobody wants to take a hot shower, and cold water comes out. You need to maintain your water heater regularly to keep it functioning well.
The sediments in water can settle to the bottom of your tank and damage the floor of your water heater. To prevent this from happening, drain the water from your water heater and clean the floor surface. Do this cleaning at least once a year.
If you are using electric water heaters, you must cut off the power before you start cleaning. You do this by flipping the circuit breaker to the “off” position. And yes, also turn off the water supply.
6. Inspect Your Roof
A roof that leaks can cause severe damage to your home. By checking and inspecting it regularly, you will be able to identify spots that need repair.
You will need to get on your roof and look around. You don’t need to be an expert to learn to notice defects or holes.
For safety reasons, pay someone to go up to your roof, if you can afford it. Check your gutters too.
The bottom line
These are essential tips to give you an idea of the need for regular inspection and maintenance of your home. Following these simple steps can extend the life of your structures and appliances and save you a lot of money on expensive repairs and replacements later on. You will also save on energy costs, which can add up over time.
While doing work yourself can save you money, you should consider getting an expert for more complicated jobs.
Leave a Reply