You know that feeling. A pipe starts leaking a little bit or your air conditioning seems like it just isn't working quite like it should. Should you try to remedy the issue yourself or call a professional? You don't want to make the problem worse, but you equally don't want to waste the time and money on having someone come out if there is a simple fix.
We have put together a list of solutions to a few common household problems you may encounter at some point.
- The little squeak that won't stop
Whether you live in an old house or a luxury apartment, there is nothing more annoying than a squeaky door or floor. Fortunately, there are some easy fixes to these problems. Simply spray some WD-40 or rub petroleum jelly on the hinges of the door, and then move the door back and forth to get it into all of the nooks and crannies. For the squeaky floor, sprinkle a little talcum powder and let it get into all of the cracks. But note: this is just a temporary fix, so keep an eye on it to make sure there isn't a bigger issue at hand with your floor.
- Clogged toilet drain
Before you call a plumber, this is one matter you should almost always try to tackle yourself. First, try using a plunger to unclog the drain. Simply submerge the toilet plunger under water, and give it several downward thrusts to loosen things up. If the plunger doesn't get the job done, then try using a toilet auger. A toilet auger is better at handing more difficult clogs, and you should be able to pull the clog out with this tool.
- Small holes in the wall
So you decided to move that painting from one wall to the other, and now you are left with several unsightly holes in the wall. Small holes like this are an easy fix. Wipe the area clean, and apply some spackle to the areas. Once the spackle is completely dry, use sandpaper to get it smooth and flat. The holes will completely disappear once you paint the area to match the rest of the wall.
- Light switch replacement
Electrical issues can be tricky, but replacing a light switch is one time that calling an electrician isn't necessary. First, shut off power to the area. Then you can use a screwdriver to remove the faceplate and switch from the wall. Disconnect the two wires that are connected to the current switch, and attach them to the new switch. Voila! It's as easy as that.
- Broken toilet lever
A toilet that won't flush is quite the inconvenience. Fortunately, it is also typically a pretty easy problem to fix. If the toilet lever is not working, you should first open up the tank and re-attach the chain. If this doesn't solve the issue, then something may actually be damaged or broken. This means it may be time to purchase a replacement toilet lever kit. Thankfully, these are usually pretty cheap and easy to install.
If you're not confident in your home improvement skills, and would rather use a professional, it's also important to keep in mind that most apartment developments have on-site maintenance workers to help with these minor fixes. However, if you are a homeowner, be sure to do plenty of research to find the best local contractor.
