Sometimes it can be too easy to just call the repairman and get out your chequebook. Leaky faucet? Tub tile cracked? Call.
Here are 10 repairs that every home owner should know how to do — for a fraction of the cost of calling a pro.
“Some projects might seem a little dirty, but a bar of soap is a lot less expensive than an hour of a handyman’s time,” says Daniel Vannoni, founder of the website ProperSee, which connects consumers with home repair information.
1.Change a showerhead
Why: “Showerheads can clog with mineral deposits and sediments over time, and newer models have low-flow designs saving on your water consumption without sacrificing the strength of spray,” Vannoni says.
Tools: Crescent wrench or slip-joint pliers and Teflon tape
Time: Five to 15 minutes
More help: Home repair expert Barbara K of AOL’s home improvement channel provides guidance in a video titled How-To Change a Showerhead, on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHBaTCKcYPU
2.Fix a running toilet
Why: It wastes water and has an annoying sound.
Tools: A flapper replacement kit from the hardware store
Time: Five to 15 minutes
More help: Check out Howcast’s video How to Fix a Running Toilet on identifying and fixing your porcelain throne’s issues: http://www.howcast.com/videos/112977-How-to-Fix-a-Running-Toilet
3.Change a light fixture
Why: Swapping out a light fixture can turn around a room.
Tools: Wire tester, screwdriver, pliers, electrical tape and ladder
Time: 30 minutes, depending
More help: Buildipedia’s YouTube video How to Replace a Light Fixture gives some safety and DIY tips:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRFKsnyidjA
4.Stem a washing machine water supply hose leak
Why: The hose and washers need replacing.
Tools: Adjustable locking pliers
Time: 20 to 30 minutes
More help: Home repair guru Ron Hazelton shows you How to Replace Washing Machine Hoses:http://www.ronhazelton.com/tips/how_to_remove_and_replace_washing_machine_water_supply_hoses
5.Fix cracked ceramic tiles
Why: Safely remove the broken tile to replace with a new one.
Tools: Safety glasses, hammer, chisel, grout saw, adhesive, new tile and grout
Time: One hour
More help: Eric Stromer gives step-by-step instructions to Replace a Broken Tile on YouTube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGWmuDCAkS8
6. Keep the dishwasher door gasket/seal from leaking
Why: The rubber seal is worn down and needs replacing.
Tools: A new gasket (take the old one to your hardware store along with the dishwasher model number)
Time: 10 to 15 minutes
More help: RepairClinic.com gives a quick Door Gasket Replacement demo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qe-zNyP02Z8
7.Replace the furnace filter
Why: It keeps your air clean, prolongs the life of the appliance and reduces energy costs.
Tools: Just a new filter
Time: Two seconds (once you identify the filter location)
More help: Check out this How to Change a Furnace Filter for Dummies video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGYrVgFSzV4
8.Fix a leaky faucet
Why: Dripping plumbing wastes water, leads to stains and causes an annoying sound.
Tools: Faucet repair kit, which should include any needed hardware, plus a wrench set and Philips screwdriver
Time: 20 minutes
More help: Lowe’s shows you How to Fix a Leaky Faucet With a Single-Handle Design:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7e2bIfP8Us and How to Fix a Leaky Faucet With a Two Handle Design.:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRls_2q4AHA&feature=relmfu
9.Regrout your tub
Why: Remove old grout that’s cracked or mouldy to prevent deep-water damage.
Tools: Screwdriver for scraping as well as grout and a sponge
Time: 30 to 60 minutes, plus drying time
More help: Los Angeles contractor Chris Wade demonstrates How to Regrout a Bathtub:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uyn5RmLzyc on a flamingo-pink tub.
10.Repair small wall holes and dents
Why: Smooth out your wall to prep for a clean paint job.
Tools: Mesh, spackle, putty knife and sandpaper
Time: 10-plus minutes
More help: AOL’s Barbara K shows you How to Patch or Repair a Hole in a Wall: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4yqVFb96bo
McClatchy-Tribune News Services
www.teambluesky.ca
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