3 out of 10 Americans don’t have money saved for home improvements or repairs. Instead of worrying, learn basic repair skills today, and save money!
Are you wondering what repair skills everyone should know? Not to worry! In this guide, we’ll go over essential repair skills to use around the house.
Want to learn more? Keep reading.
1. Sanitize Your Garbage Disposal
Have you begun to notice a smell coming from your sink? Kitchen sinks get used so often that you need to do a deep clean before calling for help.
You can try to get rid of the odor by pouring half a cup of baking soda down the sink. Next, pour half a cup of vinegar.
Leave the sink for a bit and work on other household tasks. After a few minutes, flush the disposal with hot water.
2. Clear a Drain
Do you know what to do when your kitchen sink clogs? You may have used your plunger only for your bathroom. Yet, you can use your plunger for clogged sinks throughout your home to clear a blockage.
Make sure you sanitize it before and after. Learn more about plumbing basics to continue expanding your knowledge.
3. Sanitize Dryers and Front-Load Washers
If you don’t take care of your washer and dryer, they could stop doing their job well. Your clothes will begin to smell like mildew and mold.
Front-load washers don’t dry after a load. Make sure you clean the front-load washer at least once a month.
Set your machine to a hot and long cleaning cycle. Next, add a quarter cup of baking soda and two cups of vinegar. After, grab a wet sponge and wipe down the rubber seal and the inside of the drum.
Dryer maintenance isn’t difficult either. You’ll want to make sure the dryer vent remains clear. Do this before or after every load. You’ll also want to clear out the dryer duct.
Make sure you unplug the dryer first and pull it away from the wall. Look for lint inside the duct. You might need to replace the duct. Try vacuuming it clean first.
4. Caulking
Showers will hold a ton of moisture. You might notice that mildew or mold is growing. The caulking will get to a point where you need to replace it.
Remove old caulk with a sharp tool. You can use vinegar or mineral oil. Tape the area so you can control the caulk lines. This way, the new caulk goes in the right spot.
After that, use a caulking gun and apply it to the specific area. Use an ice cube to get a smooth surface.
5. Turn off the Water Supply
The main water valve will control the water supply for your home. You might not need to turn it off for an overflowing toilet.
Yet, during an emergency, you’ll want to know how to shut it off. An emergency could look like a leak, burst pipe, or plumbing issue.
First, you’ll need to locate the water meter. The valve tends to be inside the basement, the garage, or the side of the house. Turn off the valve by twisting it clockwise and cut the water supply to your home.
6. What About the Dishwasher?
Grease and food will leave a residue in your dishwasher over time. Unfortunately, your dishes will have an odor and will be less clean.
Make sure you add this maintenance task to your list and complete it once a month.
All you need is to pour one cup of vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container. Place the container on the upper rack and run the dishwasher.
Also, make sure you’re clearing food from the drain often.
7. Clean Downspouts and Gutters
Gutters direct rainwater away from your house’s foundation and roof. Over time, the gutters can get clogged with debris or leaves.
After this happens, they won’t function well, and this can result in roof damage. Pests might make a home in the cluttered debris.
Clear out the gutters a few times a year with a leaf blower or a wet-dry vac. If you don’t want to get up on a ladder, consider picking up an attachment for your leaf blower. This way, you can clear the gutters and stay on the ground.
8. Putting up Shelves
Do you want to put up a shelf to display your cute plants or keepsakes? You’ll want to know how to install new shelves on the drywall in the proper manner.
You’ll need to support the shelves with the right anchors. Otherwise, you could damage the wall or cause the shelf to fall.
9. Fix a Cracked or Loose Tile
Do you have a wobbly tile in your bathroom or kitchen? You will want to complete this repair job right away before it worsens. Is the tile loose right now? If so, it will be straightforward to replace the tile.
Run a preheated iron over your loose tile. You will be able to lift the tile. Next, clean the area beneath with alcohol. Scrape the area clean with a putty knife and get rid of old adhesive.
You can apply a new coat of tile adhesive to the back of the tile and the gap. Try using a rolling pin to press the tile into place. You’ll also get rid of any air bubbles. Wipe the area clean of extra adhesive around or on the tile.
If you’re replacing a floor or shower tile, weigh the new tile down with a heavy object until the bond sets.
Now You Know Essential Repair Skills
We hope this guide on common repairs skills was helpful. Keep a running list of maintenance tasks to complete throughout your home. Practice these repair skills, and save yourself money.
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