Owning a property can be a very rewarding experience, but it also means not being able to rely on a landlord for repairs! And while hiring someone can be the easiest way to fix something, it is often costly, and some tradespeople can be unreliable.
Due to this, you’ll need to make some repairs on your own at some point. Luckily, the bulk of these issues are fairly commonplace. As such, there is a wide array of tutorials and advice out there for most household repair issues.
Here are five of the most common problems and the best ways to go about fixing them.
Leaking Windows and Doors
One of the most common issues you’ll see with houses is that their windows and doors are poorly fitted. Installing them correctly requires a high amount of precision, so it is not surprising that they are often imperfect.
Air leakage as a result of faulty windows can quickly cause temperature losses, leading to higher heating bills. In severe cases, rain leakage can also cause dampness to surround your windows and doors. Fortunately, the commonality of this issue means builders have innovated a simple solution.
Door and window seals are cheap, widely available, and effectively protect against this problem. For severe damp issues, you may consider hiring outside help.
Faulty Boiler
Boiler issues are one of the most inconvenient issues to have with a home, especially during winter. This is why it is crucial to check out boilers in a property thoroughly prior to purchasing. Although, the modern complexity of today’s boilers means you will most likely have to call a plumber. (You can take a look at the boiler repair service in Bury by Lacey Plumbing for an idea on prices.)
In some instances, you will be able to diagnose your boiler yourself and save some money on call-out fees. If your boiler is not giving off any heat, this can often be easily fixed by bleeding your radiator or repressurizing. These are two things you can probably accomplish without much trouble at home, but you still may want to consult a guide beforehand.
Frozen piping is also something that can easily be taken care of yourself. In cases of serious leaks and breakdowns, however, it may be worth getting a new boiler installed.
Clogged Gutters
Clogged gutters are something that happens to every house at one point and can cause a lot of issues. Some of which include leaks, rot, mould, and the building up of water around your property. While it may seem daunting at first, it is possible to fix it yourself (as long as you do it safely).
To get started, all you need to do is purchase a high-quality ladder that reaches your roof. Then you can start by clearing out the debris. It’s also a wise idea to have an extra hand there to keep the ladder still. The amount they need cleaning does depend on where you live, but generally, once or twice during spring and fall should be enough.
Jammed Garbage Disposal and Sink
Without a doubt, clogged and jammed garbage disposals are one of the most frequent home repairs out there. However, while it may look and sound scary, fixing the problem can be pretty straightforward. You just need to make sure that you cut the power first.
After you’ve disabled everything and tested (twice) that it is not turned on, you can get started. Pour a natural cleaner made up of ¼ cup baking soda and ½ cup vinegar down the drain and wash out with hot water after a few minutes. If that doesn’t work, you can try using a plunger or even an Allen wrench to loosen the flywheel inside. If it still doesn’t seem to be working, you may have to call a professional.
Broken Toilet Lever
A broken toilet lever can be another problematic issue, but luckily in most instances, it is easily fixed. The first thing to do when solving this problem is open the tank. This way, you’ll be able to diagnose what’s wrong. An adjustable wrench is the most effective tool for this. In most instances, you can fix things straight away by reconnecting the chain to the lever handle. However, there is a chance that one of the components is damaged or corroded. If so, you’ll need to purchase and install a replacement.