Landlords

How to Handle Minor Repairs at Home by Yourself

Minor repairs around the home are a common occurrence, and many of them can be fixed on your own with a little bit of know-how. Tackling these small repairs yourself can save you both time and money, and it keeps your home in great condition. Here are some common issues and tips on how to address them on your own.

1. Fix a Leaky Faucet

A leaky faucet can be annoying and can also lead to higher water bills. Often, the culprit is a worn-out washer or O-ring. Start by turning off the water supply under the sink, then remove the faucet handle and valve to access the washer. Replace the worn washer, reassemble the faucet, and you’re good to go.

2. Patch Small Holes in the Wall

Small holes in the wall, like those left by nails or screws, can be easily patched up with spackle. First, clean the hole of any dust or loose material. Apply spackle over the hole with a putty knife, smoothing it out evenly, and let it dry. Once dry, sand it smooth with sandpaper and paint over it if needed. For larger holes, you may need to use some wall tape or a wall patch for extra support before spackling.

3. Stop a Squeaky Door

Squeaky doors are a common nuisance but are easy to fix by lubricating the hinges. You can use regular household oil or a lubricant like WD-40. Remove the door from the hinges and apply a small amount of oil to the hinge pins. Put the door back in place, then open and close it a few times to evenly distribute the oil. This should stop the squeaking.

4. Unclog a Slow Drain

Slow drains are a common issue in both kitchens and bathrooms, but they can often be cleared with a few simple steps. Start by removing the drain cover and clearing away any visible hair or debris. Use a plunger to dislodge clogs further down the pipe. If the drain is still slow, try pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain, letting it sit for a few minutes, and then flushing it with hot water.

5. Replace Broken Tiles

If you have a broken tile, you can replace it yourself with some basic tools. Start by carefully breaking the damaged tile with a hammer and chisel, taking care not to damage the surrounding tiles. Once removed, apply tile adhesive to the back of a new tile and press it into place. Allow the adhesive to dry, then apply grout to fill in the gaps around the tile.

Handling these minor repairs yourself can help you keep your home in good shape and make you more confident in basic home maintenance. Knowing how to fix small issues saves you both time and money, and it’s a great way to become more familiar with your own home.