Home improvement and maintenance is very vital, especially in ensuring that your home remains as valuable as possible and comfortable. As much as there may be some fixes that may need the attention of a professional, there are so many simple fixes that most car owners can do by themselves with the right knowledge and equipment. This article will help you with some simple instructions on how to perform several home repairs by yourself and thus save money on hiring a professional. And if you have any need for further professional help, you can always hire a home maintenance company in Dubai.
1. Fixing Leaky Faucets
A dripping tap is not just a nuisance; it can cause you to waste more water and hence is costly for your utility bills. Fortunately, to repair a leaky faucet does not pose a tough challenge with immensely required tools.
Steps to Fix a Leaky Faucet:
- Turn Off the Water Supply: In order to repair any pipe, place your fingers under the sink and find the shutoff valves. If you can’t find them, shut off the water supply to your house completely.
- Plug the Sink Drain: This will make the small parts not to fall down the drain, some people use a sink plug while others use a rag to achieve this.
- Remove the Handle: As for the faucet handle, compare your options and check the type of the handle, in some cases you may need to delete a beautiful cap and then only twist the handle. Next, you want to undo the handle but you can only do this by using a screwdriver.
- Disassemble the Faucet: For cartridge faucets, remove the cartridge that is inside it. To replace the packing nut and stem of compression faucets, one must use a wrench.
- Replace the Washer or Cartridge: Many times, leaks are caused by a washer or cartridge that has worn out and needs to be replaced. If it is the case then replace these parts with the new one. It is possible to obtain the replacement parts in most of the stores dealing in hardware.
- Reassemble the Faucet: Replace the faucet back in the similar manner and in the similar sequence that was followed while removing the faucet parts. Try to check every bolt and screw and you will find that something is loose sometimes.
- Turn On the Water Supply: Close the shut off valves, turn on the water supply and check for leakage. Open the tap and use it to test if works properly or just in case it has been turned off for quite sometimes turn on the tap to let the water to flow.
2. Unclogging Drains
Drains are one of the most frequent issues in any household, yet, it doesn’t necessarily mean that a professional is needed. In most cases, minor clogs can be removed just by using a couple of tools and employing certain methods.
Steps to Unclog Drains:
Use a Plunger: Runners are versatile gadgets that are quite helpful in the event of minor lines blockages. Check that there is sufficient water in the sink into which the cup of the plunger can submerge. At this stage, make sharp jabs to make the suction effect and get rid of the clog.
- Try a Drain Snake: If the clogs are deeper, a drain snake (or an auger) may be of help in removing the clog. Put the snake into the drain then rotate it both ways to deal with the clog or to recover it.
- Use Baking Soda and Vinegar: It has best results when used as a natural remedy for mild blockages and foul smells. Baking soda: measure up to cup and pour it into the drain, then measure up to cup of vinegar and pour into the drain also. Leave it to soak for about 30 minutes after that – it’s best to flush out with hot water.
3. Replacing Light Switches and Outlets
Eventually, the light switches or the electric outlets that are being used become defective or old. It is not very difficult to replace them, provided one follows certain safety measures in this regard.
Steps to Replace Light Switches and Outlets:
- Turn Off the Power: Make sure the power supply is interrupted by switching off on the circuit breaker. With power off use a voltage tester to ascertain that there isn’t any voltage before you proceed to work.
- Remove the Cover Plate: Loosen the cover plate of switch and outlet by using a screwdriver and take it out.
- Disconnect Wires: Even where the wires are connected to the existing switch or outlet should also not be ignored. Disconnect them carefully.
- Install the New Switch or Outlet: Now reconnect each of the wires at the switch or outlet in the same manner that you disconnected them. Ensure the switch or the outlet is firmly screwed into the electrical box.
- Secure the Cover Plate: After that, connect the cover plate and activate the power again. Some of the steps that can be followed include; Turn on the lamp and use the switch or outlet you have installed to see if it will work correctly.
4. Patching Holes in Walls
The minor imperfections such as the small holes and dents may be an eyesore but these are problems that are very easy to solve by using some spackle and paint.
Steps to Patch Holes in Walls:
- Clean the Area: There might be other random debris or paint around the hole and these should be cleared out. For large openings you may need to trim it with a utility knife to remove the affected section of the dry wall.
- Apply Spackle or Joint Compound: The method of applying the spackle to small holes is very simple; use a putty knife and spread it on the wall ensuring that the top of the spackle is even with the rest of the wall. When the holes are bigger, use paint and joint compound while a wall repair patch is also advisable.
- Sand the Area: Once the spackle or joint compound is dry, sand the area smooth. Start with coarse sandpaper and finish with a fine-grit paper.
- Paint: Apply a primer, if necessary, then paint over the patched area with a color that matches the rest of the wall.
5. Fixing Loose Cabinet Doors
Open cabinet doors which do not close properly can be quite irritating and can also impact on the storage of their items. Thankfully, this is a quick fix.
Steps to Fix Loose Cabinet Doors:
- Tighten the Hinges: Loosen the screws on the cabinet hinges and then tighten it with a screwdriver. If the head of the screws are rounded, as shown below, it is time to replace it with longer screws or make use of wood filler in order to produce a new hole for the screws.
- Adjust the Hinges: Cabinet hinges usually consist of screws which can be turned in order to help level the door. Tighten these screws until they set the door into right position.
- Replace the Hinges: If you find rust, bending, cracking, rough or stripped cut surfaces on the hinges then it is better to replace the hinges with new ones. Stock up on new hinges for the doors and lock and match the new hinges directly to the old ones so that they fit in the right way.
6. Fixing Squeaky Doors
A creaky door is an irritant, however, with this kind of malfunction the only thing you need is some oil.
Steps to Fix Squeaky Doors:
- Apply Lubricant: Use products like WD-40 and spray them directly to the door hinges. If you wish, you could also use a silicone-based lubricant for the proper care of the toy.
- Move the Door: Swing the door back and forth several times to help the lubricant penetrate into it especially on the hinges. This should help them to reduce or completely do away with the squeaking sound.
- Wipe Off Excess: After using the lubricant, make sure and ensure that you use a cloth to wipe off all the excess substance that could have dropped on the floor or any other area close to the equipment.
7. Cleaning and Maintaining Gutters
Gutter is an important part of a building that above all should be maintained frequently since it delivers rain and melted snow for flooding, this results to water damage and other complications. Gutter cleaning is one of the tasks that can easily be done by the individual at home without the help of a professional.
Steps to Clean and Maintain Gutters:
- Remove Debris: Due to this, it is recommended that when cleaning the gutters, one should wear gloves to scoop the leaves, twigs, and other debris with bare hands. For this task, the use of a small trowel, or what can be referred to as a gutter scoop is most advisable.
- Flush with Water: Finally wash down the area with water using a hose and ensure that there is efficient drainage. Clean from the other side of the downspout and head in the direction of the downspout.
- Check for Leaks: Check weather gutters and downspouts are in good condition and leaking at some places. If there are any leakages, then one has to fix them using gutter sealant and at times replacing some of the parts.
When to Call a Professional
However, there are cases that may require the services of a professional in do it yourself repairs. A professional is required in cases of complicated plumbing maintenance of the pipeline system, major issues of electricity, or/and major structural damages. If you are experiencing such a situation, do not wait until the situation gets worse, consult a reliable home maintenance company in Dubai. Hiring these experts will help you gain specialized solutions to make your home look like it is new.
Efficient electrical maintenance companies are capable of addressing multiple needs of their clients, including repairing problems that may range from simple to complicated as well as handling routine maintenance requirements. They come with specialized skills and they are able to solve any issue fast and professionally so that everything is done professionally.
Conclusion
Fixing problems at home on your own is cost effective and a good way of ensuring that your house is well fixed. Some of the jobs to do include repairing broken taps, clearing the drainages, and changing the light switches among others since seeing your home in good working condition gives you the satisfaction of having done the repairs yourself. Nonetheless, when it comes to doing complex or tasks that require professional practice, it is possible to hire a home maintenance company in Dubai for everything to be done as expected right.
Being proactive when it comes to maintenance of your home adds to the functionality of the house as well as the aesthetic value of the living space, while boosting the value of the home at the same time. So, don your work gloves, get the right tools and begin with the do-it-yourself projects today. It is true that your home will definitely thank you for opting for unusual wallpaper designs.