Your home is one of the most expensive things you will pay for, so whether it’s a mortgage or rent, you should take care of it! And we aren’t talking about home improvements! While you may be tempted to call in a professional when something breaks, there are loads of items in your house that you can fix yourself without having to break the bank account. It’s not a good idea to fix a septic tank! That is when a septic tank service comes in, but there are other things! Always remember to research it before you get started!
Unclog a Toilet Drain
Now, this isn’t the most glamorous repair, but doing it yourself will save you some money! Before you call a plumber to unclog a toilet, there are two things you should try. You will need:
- A toilet plunger (not a sink plunger)
- A toilet auger (if the plunger doesn’t work)
First things first, make sure you’re using toilet-specific tools. Toilet plungers have flaps at the business end that form a tight seal with the drain. Sink plungers are round and may not do much to a stubborn clog. Augers are very similar to drain snakes, but they’re explicitly designed to work with toilets. Neither of these tools is hard to use. It is also a good idea to pour three tablespoons of liquid dish soap into the toilet before plunging (or auger-ing) to lubricate the drain and help dislodge clogs.
Replace a Light Switch
Most electrical work in your home should probably be done by a professional, but light switches are among the easiest to replace. If you have a switch that’s not working properly, you can do it with these standard tools:
- A flathead screwdriver
- A Phillips head screwdriver
- A replacement light switch
Make sure the circuit breaker and any other electronics are switched off before attempting anything! Once you’ve unscrewed the faceplate, you need to disconnect the wires, connect your new switch, and replace the plate.
Loosen a Stiff Window
If you go too long without opening a window, it can get so mucked up with dirt and outdoor residue to the point where it is difficult to open. This isn’t a complex problem to solve, but it can require some elbow grease. If your window is painted shut, you will need some paint thinner! Physically unsticking the window from the frame is a pretty good place to start. If prying and (gentle) hammering aren’t doing the trick, you might need to get chemicals involved. A paint thinner can help loosen stubborn painted-shut windows, and WD-40 or a silicone lubricant can help the window slide in its tracks again. Just keep in mind that WD-40 will gum up vinyl windows; you can use a little to dissolve rust, but don’t spray it all over the tracks.
Fix a Leaky Faucet
Few things are more annoying (or wasteful) than the dripping of a leaky sink or showerhead. So thankfully, it’s possible to fix them all on your own — no plumber necessary. All you need is a wrench, new O-rings (the gasket used to seal connections in pipes), a screwdriver, and some WD-40. First, make sure the water supply is off!Â
