HANDY TIPS: THINGS AROUND THE HOME THAT ARE EASY TO FIX
Learning how to handle common household repairs is a practical and invaluable skill that can help save you a lot of time and money. While some jobs may require professional help, many minor issues in the home are surprisingly easy to fix yourself.
From a dripping tap to a squeaky door, these everyday problems can be tackled with just a few basic tools and a bit of simple knowledge.
This guide by property and construction expert Thomas Goodman at MyJobQuote.co.uk highlights some simple and effective solutions for common issues around the home, allowing you to keep things running smoothly without forking out on the cost of a handyman. Take a look at the guide below…
Leaky Tap
A dripping tap is one of the most common and annoying household problems. This issue can often lead to wasted water and a higher-than-necessary water bill. The fix is usually quite simple. All you’ll need to do is replace the worn-out washer or O-ring.
Firstly, turn off the water supply to the tap. You can do this at the main shut-off valve, which is usually located under the sink or at the main water line for your home. Then, use a wrench or a screwdriver and carefully disassemble the handle and spout to access the cartridge or valve stem.
Replace the faulty rubber washer or O-ring with a new one of the same size. Reassemble the tap, turn the water back on, and the drip should be gone.
Clogged Sink or Drain
A slow-draining or completely clogged sink can be extremely inconvenient and can also lead to some very bad smells. Before you reach for the harsh chemical drain cleaners, it’s better to try a more eco-friendly approach first.
Most clogs are caused by hair, grease, or food particles. Start by trying a plunger. Make sure there is enough water in the basin to create a seal over the drain and then plunge vigorously.
For more stubborn drain clogs, a drain snake is a great option. Feed the snake down the drain and turn it as you go to grab and pull out the blockage.
Loose Door Handles or Hinges
Do you have a loose door handle, or is your door sagging and scraping the floor? These are common problems, and the fixes are very easy.
Most of the time, loose handles or loose hinges are caused by screws that have worked their way out over time. You can simply tighten these with a screwdriver.
If the screw hole is stripped, the screw won’t stay tight. You can fix this by removing the screw and then filling the hole with a few wooden toothpicks coated in glue. Once the glue is dry, snip off the ends so that they are flush with the surface and screw the hinge back in. This will give the screw a new, firm grip.
Squeaky Door Hinges
A squeaky door is a minor but irritating problem. The sound is usually caused by friction between the metal parts of the hinge. The easiest way to fix this is to apply a lubricant directly to the hinges.
Products like WD-40, silicone spray, or even just a few drops of vegetable oil can work perfectly. Open and close the door a few times to work the lubricant in, and your problem will be solved.
Wobbly Chair or Table
A wobbly chair or table is annoying and may also be potentially dangerous. Most of the time, the problem is a loose connection between the legs and the frame.
Start by turning the piece of furniture upside down and inspecting the joints. Tighten any loose screws or bolts with a screwdriver or wrench. If the fasteners are stripped or missing, replace them with new, slightly larger ones. You can also use wood glue on the joints before you tighten them up for a more permanent fix.
Sticking Wooden Drawers
If you have a wooden door that sticks, it can be annoying when you want to quickly retrieve something from the drawer. This problem is most common in humid conditions as the wood swells.
To ensure the drawer gets back to its smooth gliding glory, you won’t need any fancy tools. Simply rub the wooden tracks on the drawers’ sides or bottom with a dry lubricant. A bar of soap or a candle will work perfectly. The wax or soap residue fills in the microscopic gaps in the wood and creates a smooth surface for easy sliding.
Rattling or Loose Cabinet Doors
If you have rattling or loose cabinet doors, this can disrupt the clean lines in your kitchen or bathroom. Usually, this can be fixed just by adjusting the hinges.
Most modern cabinet hinges have screws that will allow you to adjust the position of the door up, down, left, or right. Use a screwdriver to make small adjustments until the door hangs straight and closes properly without any rattles. If the screws are loose, simply tighten them and this should fix the problem.
Cracked or Chipped Tiles
Cracked or chipped tiles can be very unsightly and could also be dangerous, as the sharp edges could cause cuts or become a tripping hazard.
Repairing minor cracks or chips in tiles can easily be done with ceramic or tile adhesive. Clean the area on the tile, apply some adhesive, and carefully fit the broken piece back in place. Finish it off with some grout if needed.
Frayed Electrical Cords
A frayed electrical cord is a very serious safety hazard, and it should be repaired immediately.
For minor damage to the outer sheath of the cord, you can use some electrical tape to wrap the area tightly. For a more durable fix, heat shrink tubing can provide a professional-looking and secure repair.
If the inner wires are exposed or if the damage is quite severe, the best option is to replace the cord or the appliance entirely.
Leaking Hose Connections
Whether it is a garden hose or a washing machine hose, a leaking connection is often a sign of a bad seal. Most hose connections will rely on a small rubber washer to create a watertight seal.
If the connection is leaking, the first step is to ensure that it is tightened properly. If it is still leaking after tightening, turn off the water and check the washer inside the connector. If it is flattened, brittle, or cracked, this will need to be replaced. These are inexpensive and can be found at any DIY shop, and you can simply remove the old one and slot the new one in place before reattaching the hose.
Final Thoughts
Tackling these small, minor repairs on your own is not only a brilliant way to save money, but it also provides a huge sense of accomplishment. By knowing how to fix a leaky tap or a wobbly chair, you can maintain your home much more efficiently and prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. These simple tips just show that a little bit of effort and a few basic tools can go a long way in keeping your living space comfortable, functional, and safe.
MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR… THOMAS GOODMAN
Thomas Goodman has worked as a property and construction expert for MyJobQuote for six years and has worked in the construction industry for over twenty years. Thomas continues to work on building projects while providing expert construction and property advice to industry professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
