It would be awesome if our homes could just maintain their current state throughout the years without any required intervention on our part to make repairs. But unfortunately, that's not the case.
Like most other things in life, things break down in the home and require some upkeep to ensure our homes are in tip-top shape and functioning properly.
The good news is we have the tools and equipment to help you make the fix at West Ashley Tool & Rental!
And while you'll need to call in the pros to help out with big jobs that require some in-depth knowledge or experience — like fixing major plumbing issues or repairing faulty wiring — there are plenty of other things you can do yourself to make minor repairs. Rather than having to call in a handyman every time something needs attention, you can save yourself the hassle — and your wallet — by tackling certain issues on your own.
If you're planning to become a homeowner sometime soon, here are some tasks you should get familiar with.
Changing Air Filters
The filters on your furnace or air conditioner need to be cleaned or changed from time to time, otherwise, the system can become overloaded and have to work harder than necessary. This will waste both energy and money.
Changing your air filters on a regular basis is also important to maintain good air quality and help avoid your home from being dusty all the time. Air filters should be changed every three to six months, depending on whether or not there's anyone in the home with allergies or other respiratory issues.
Fixing Running Toilets
If you hear the constant noise of water continually moving long after you're toilet's been flushed, it doesn't mean there's a big problem with your plumbing. In fact, running toilets are usually an easy fix. Most often running toilets are the result of an issue with the chain, flapper, or float. Don't worry about putting your hands inside the tank to deal with the issue, as the water in there is clean.
Shutting Off the Water
One of the first things you do when you first move into a home is locate the main water shut-off valve for your home. This can prove to be very important if you suddenly experience a burst pipe and water is gushing out of the pipes.
The longer the water is allowed to come pouring out, the more damage can be done to your home. As soon as you notice something like this, all you need to do is turn off the water valve and the water will stop. At that point, you may need to call a plumber.
Unclogging Drains
It's easy for hair to makes its way into a bathroom sink, or large food particles to do down the drain. In either case, you may experience slow draining due to a clogged drain.
You may be able to unclog the drain by pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain, then pouring a mixture of baking soda, water, and vinegar. Cover the drain and wait a few minutes, then pour more boiling water down the drain. If that doesn't work, there are chemical products you can buy at your grocery store that may work.
For more stubborn issues, you may be inclined to get yourself a plumbing snake and fish out the debris manually. This is not a job for the faint of heart, as what you pull out maybe gross. That said, it can still save you a visit from the plumber, which can save you a few bucks.
Fixing Caulking
There's a lot of moisture that builds up in places like showers and sinks. That's why these areas are caulked to prevent any damage done to the drywall by the humidity. Plus, caulking helps to prevent the growth of mold.
However, caulking can succumb to time and break down, which may eventually need to be replaced. In this case, a recaulking job may be required.
To recaulk, start by removing the old caulk with a tool and some vinegar, then tape the area that must be re-caulked. Using a caulk gun, apply the material where needed and finish off by smoothing the line with your finger — ensuring you're wearing gloves — to get a smooth finish.
Patching Dents in the Wall
It's tough not to get your walls marked up, especially if you've got kids or pets in the house. You might even be the culprits of dents in the wall, whether because of moving furniture or simply bumping into the wall when walking with something in your hand. Or maybe you're looking to patch up an area where you once had something hanging.
Whatever the case may be, fixing dents can be easy with a little know-how and the right materials.
To fix holes and dings in the wall, use some quick-drying spackle to fill the hole. Once dry, sand the area down, then finish it off with a little touch-up paint. If you're dealing with a larger hole, you'll likely need a patch kit from the hardware store. Either way, this is definitely a job you can do yourself.
This content was originally published here.
