DIY Home Repairs: What You Can and Cannot Do

DIY Home Repairs: What You Can and Cannot Do

Home repairs can be a daunting task. It seems like something needs to be fixed every time you turn around. For most people, repairs are a daunting task. Without the knowledge and technical know-how, repairs can go wrong. However, this doesn’t mean you need to call a repair person whenever you spot a problem. With a bit of attention and research, you are more than capable of fixing the problems around your house. DIY repairs have always been a hot topic amongst repair personnel, and while most recommend calling in a repair person, and for good reason, you don’t have to call in a repair person at every turn. Here are the DIY repairs that you can perform on your own.

 

Fixing a Leaky Kitchen or Bathroom Pipe: If you have a leaky pipe, the first thing you want to do is turn off the water at the main shutoff valve. Once the water is off, take a look at the pipe to see what needs to be done. In most cases, you can replace the washer in the leaking faucet. However, if the problem is more serious, such as a cracked pipe, you will need to call in a professional.

 

Cleaning Your Dryer Vent: One of the most common problems with dryers is that they don’t vent properly. Over time, lint and other debris build up in your dryer’s vent system and cause your dryer to work less efficiently. In some cases, this can even lead to a fire. To clean your dryer vent, start by unplugging your dryer and disconnecting the vent from the back of the dryer. Next, use a vacuum with a long hose attachment to remove lint and debris from the vent. Once you’ve removed as much as possible, reattach the vent and plug in your dryer. Turn on your dryer and make sure that it’s working properly.

 

Replacing a Toilet: Replacing a toilet is a relatively easy task that anyone can do. To replace your toilet, start by turning off the water at the shutoff valve located behind your toilet. Once the water is off, flush your toilet to empty the remaining water in the bowl. Next, remove the bolts that attach the tank to the bowl. Once the tank is removed, lift your old toilet and place the new one in its place. Attach the new bolts that come with your new toilet and turn on the water at the shutoff valve. Flush your toilet to test it out.

 

Installing a Ceiling Fan: Installing a ceiling fan is a great way to improve air circulation in your home and can even help you save money on your energy bill. To install a ceiling fan:

 

  1. Start by turning off the power to the room at your breaker box.
  2. Once the power is off, remove any existing light fixture from the ceiling using a screwdriver or drill.
  3. Use an electrician’s tape measure to find the center of the ceiling.
  4. Once you’ve found the center, use a pencil to mark the spot.
  5. Drill a hole in the ceiling at your marked spot and insert a J-hook into the hole.
  6. Attach your ceiling fan’s mounting bracket to the J-hook and screw it into place.
  7. Hang your ceiling fan from the mounting bracket and attach the blades.
  8. Once the blades are attached, turn on the power to the room at your breaker box and test out your new ceiling fan.

 

How to finance a home renovation - CNET

 

Hanging new wallpapers: Hanging new wallpaper is a great way to freshen up the look of your home. To hang wallpaper:

 

  1. Start by removing any existing wallpaper and cleaning the walls.
  2. Use a level to draw a horizontal line on the wall where you want your wallpaper to start.
  3. Once you’ve drawn your line, apply the paste to the back of your first strip of wallpaper and position it on the wall above your line.
  4. Continue applying the paste and hanging wallpaper strips until you reach the end of the wall.
  5. Trim off any excess wallpaper with a utility knife and enjoy your new look.

 

Fixing clogged garbage disposals: If your garbage disposal is clogged, there are a few things you can do to fix it. First, try using a plunger to see if that will unclog the disposal. If the plunger doesn’t work, you can try using a plumber’s snake. If neither of these methods works, you’ll need to call a professional to help you fix your clogged garbage disposal.

 

Patching a hole in the drywall: To patch a hole in the drywall, start by using a utility knife to cut around the hole. Next, use a putty knife to apply spackling paste to the hole. Once the paste is applied, use your finger to smooth it out. Finally, use a sanding sponge to sand down the area around the hole until it’s smooth. Paint over the area and enjoy your new look. However, if your hole is a result of a bigger foundation problem, take it to a professional.

 

As you can see, there are many home repairs that you can do yourself. However, some should be left to the professionals. Be sure to know your limits before you start any repair project in your home. Things like foundation repairs and mold remediation are best left to the experts. Even with the repairs you can perform on your own; you need to ensure everything is going according to plan. If something doesn’t look like it’s supposed to, you need to call in a professional.