Owning a home is a lot of work. There’s the mortgage, the upkeep, the repairs…it can seem like it’s never-ending. However, not all household repairs are created equal. Some are easy to fix and won’t take up too much of your time or money. Here are six common household damages that are easy to solve.
1. Clogged Drains
One of the most common—and easiest to fix—household damages is a clogged drain. A clogged drain can quickly become a nuisance, whether it’s your kitchen sink, bathroom sink, or shower. Luckily, there are a number of ways to clear a clog.
You can start by using a plunger or a plumber’s snake. If those don’t do the trick, you can always pour baking soda and vinegar down the drain and let it sit for 30 minutes before flushing it with hot water.
If in case you have a slow sink, the issue might be with your P-trap. The P-trap is a U-shaped pipe that’s located under your sink. It’s there to catch any water or debris that goes down the drain, so it doesn’t clog up your pipes. Over time, the P-trap can get full of gunk and needs to be cleaned out.
2. Leaky Faucets
A leaky faucet is not only annoying, but it can also be costly if left unchecked. A single dripping faucet can waste up to 3 gallons of water per day—that’s almost 1,100 gallons per year! The good news is that fixing a leaky faucet is usually a quick and easy step.
In most cases, all you need is a replacement washer (which you can buy at any hardware store). Simply remove the old washer and replace it with the new one—it’s that simple! If you’re unsure how to do it, plenty of helpful videos online can walk you through the process.
You can also avoid a leaky faucet by regularly checking the washers and O-rings (the small rubber rings that create a seal) for wear and tear. If they look worn, replace them before they have a chance to cause any damage.
3. Roof Damage
One of the most common—and most damaging—household repairs is roof damage. Whether it’s due to a severe storm or simply age, roof damage can be costly and time-consuming to fix.
The good news is that you don’t always have to replace your entire roof. In many cases, roofers can patch the damaged area. However, if the damage is extensive, you may need to consider roofing replacement.
If you’re unsure whether you need a roof repair or replacement, it’s always best to consult a professional. They’ll be able to assess the damage and give you an accurate estimate of the repairs that are needed.
4. Cracked Windows
A cracked window may not seem like a big deal, but it can actually lead to some serious problems down the road—including higher energy bills and decreased home value. Fortunately, fixing a cracked window is relatively straightforward. All you need is some clear packing tape and some elbow grease!
First, clean the sides of the crack with some soapy water. Then apply the packing tape in a crisscross pattern over the crack (this will help to hold the glass together). Finally, use clear caulk to seal up the crack, and voila! Your window is as good as new.
If the crack is too large or the glass is shattered, you’ll need to replace the window. While this is a more expensive and time-consuming repair, it’s still relatively easy to do if you’re handy with tools.
5. Peeling Paint
Whether it’s on your walls or your ceilings, peeling paint is never a good look—not to mention it can be dangerous if ingested by young children or pets. The good news is that this damage is usually quite easy to fix with just a few supplies from your local hardware store.
Start by sanding down any loose paint chips (be sure to wear a respirator mask to avoid inhaling any fumes). Next, apply primer to the area and let it dry completely before painting over it with your desired color (you may need more than one coat).
And that’s it! You’ll have eradicated that unsightly peeling paint in just a few short hours.
6. Squeaky Doors
Squeaky doors are annoying and can also be quite embarrassing when guests come over (imagine trying to sneak out of your child’s bedroom without them hearing!). The good news is that there are a number of ways to silence that door once and for all—no special tools are required!
One way is to use oil lubricants; spray some onto the hinge and open/close the door until the squeak disappears (usually after just 10-15 repetitions). Another way is to use dental floss; thread it through the hinge and tie knots on either side so that it’s snug but not too tight (you don’t want your door falling off its hinges!).
Whichever method you choose, one thing is for sure: You’ll never have to hear that irritating squeak again!
Homeownership comes with its fair share of responsibilities—but not all are extremely hard to solve. Next time you’re faced with damage around your home, consider tackling one of these common problems yourself—you may be surprised at just how easy they are to fix!
