Everyone should learn some important DIY skills. With this knowledge, you can fix basic issues around your home without having to engage expensive professionals.
Although you should leave some things to experts, various problems are easy to fix given the right information.
If you’re constantly calling professionals to fix everything, you’ll end up spending considerable money, which you can save. Learn these top DIY maintenance skills, which will save you money and time as well.
1. Unclog a Toilet
Toilets are one of those modern conveniences we take for granted until they stop functioning. A clogged toilet is one of the most frustrating issues for a homeowner and while the inconvenience can produce a major mess, anyone can unclog a toilet.
You’ll discover that you simply need the right tools and a little patience. The first thing you require to fix this problem is a toilet plunger.
This tool functions by filling up with water and pushing the water through the clogged drain. When unclogging your toilet, the process involves plunging up and down several times, filling the plunger with water.
You may have to do this numerous times in order to clear the blockage. If a plunger doesn’t work, try an auger, which costs $20-$50 at most hardware stores.
2. Painting
If your home requires painting, you can perform this task yourself instead of hiring someone. Although painting seems like the simplest DIY tasks, it takes attention to detail and time to do it right.
Be sure to take your time when preparing the area by taping off moldings and clearing furniture. Bear in mind that prepping the wall surface is key to completing the task successfully.
Use water and soap to clean the walls before you begin this task and make sure you smooth out and patch any drywall holes. It’s also important to remove any switch plates or outlet for optimum results.
3. Patch Holes in Drywall
Walls can reveal damage from nail holes and doorknobs, however; the repairs are easy with DIY repair kits that you can find at any home center.
The kits comprise sandpaper, spackle, and a putty knife. You’ll discover there are various techniques for fixing them depending on the damage size.
When accomplishing this task, leave a few inches at corners to avoid spreading taping compound onto adjacent ceilings or walls. Although repairing drywall is relatively easy to do, take care not to leave a lumpy mess.
4. Maintain Your Cooling and Heating System
You don’t have to call an expert to give your air conditioner or furnace a seasonal checkup. You can maintain the cooling and heating system by simply following the manufacturer’s proposed maintenance schedule, which helps prevent issues before they start.
Bear in mind that HVAC systems, particularly gas and oil heaters can be hazardous to work on. Fuel, carbon monoxide, and oil are toxic, so you must treat them with caution.
You may still hire a professional for an annual checkup; the professional will reveal areas of concern that you should watch out for during the year.
5. Unclogging Drains
If you’re fortunate, you can go for years without thinking about drains. However when your sink water suddenly doesn’t go away or the toilet won’t flush, this can be a source of frustration.
A plugged drain obviously requires attention, but fixing it is something you can do yourself. You’ll obtain faster results and save money as well.
Clogging drains successfully is dependent on simple tools and your knowledge of the layout of pipes concealed in your home.
Bear in mind that certain sections of all drain systems are vulnerable to blockage, so it’s imperative you understand potential trouble zones before an emergency occurs.
Do you constantly hire a professional to conduct maintenance on your home? Perhaps it’s time you mastered these DIY skills, so you can save money and time.
For more information on the DIY skills you should know, contact us at Apartment Agents or leave other suggestions.
