One of the best things about being a homeowner is the sense of independence and self-reliance that comes with it. When something goes wrong in your home, you don’t have to wait for someone else to come and fix it — you can do it yourself! If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry.
Here’s a list of five handyman techniques that every homeowner should know. With these skills in your toolbox, you’ll be able to handle all sorts of common household repairs and maintenance tasks.
Fixing a Leaky Faucet
A leaky faucet is not only annoying, but it can also waste a lot of water. If you have a leaky faucet, the first thing you’ll need to do is identify the source of the leak. Is it coming from the handle? The spout? Once you’ve located the source of the leak, you can begin to make repairs.
For a leaking handle, you’ll likely need to replace the O-ring. This is a small rubber ring that helps to seal the connection between the handle and the valve. If the leak is coming from the spout, you may need to replace the washer. The washer is a small, disc-shaped piece of metal that helps to create a watertight seal.
You can also find replacement washers at most hardware stores. Once you’ve replaced the O-ring or washer, reassemble the faucet and turn on the water to test for leaks. If the leak persists, you may need to call a professional plumber for help.
Changing a Light Bulb
Changing a light bulb may seem like a simple task, but it’s one that many people are afraid of. If you’re not comfortable changing a light bulb, there’s no need to worry — it’s actually very easy to do. Start by turning off the power to the light fixture at the breaker box.
Once the power is off, remove the old light bulb from the socket. To do this, twist it counterclockwise until it comes loose. Now, take the new light bulb and insert it into the socket. Again, rotate it clockwise until it’s tight. Finally, turn on the power to the light fixture and test the new bulb.
Repairing a Faulty Door Lock
If you have a door lock that’s not working correctly, it can be frustrating — and even dangerous. A faulty door lock can be caused by a variety of things, such as a misaligned strike plate or a broken spring. Start by inspecting the strike plate. This is the metal plate that the bolt engages when the door is locked.
But if the strike plate is loose, tighten the screws that hold it in place. If the strike plate is damaged, you’ll need to replace it. You can find replacement strike plates at most hardware stores. If the lock is still not working correctly, the problem may be a broken spring. This is a small piece of metal that helps hold the bolt in place.
If the spring is broken, you’ll need to remove the old one and install a new lock cylinder. This is a relatively simple process, but it’s best to leave it to a professional if you’re not comfortable working with small pieces.
Unclogging a Drain
If you’ve ever had a clogged drain, you know how frustrating it can be. Luckily, you can do a few things to fix the problem yourself. Start by pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain. This will help to loosen any grease or soap that has been building up in the pipes.
However, if that doesn’t work, try using a plunger. Put the plunger over the drain and push down, then pull up. Repeat this process several times until the clog is dislodged. You can also use a drain snake to clear out a clogged drain.
To use a drain snake, insert the end of the snake into the drain and turn the handle. The snake will travel through the pipes and help to break up any clogs.
Fixing a Squeaky Floorboard
If you have a squeaky floorboard, you can do a few things to fix the problem. Start by locating the squeaky board. Once you’ve found it, try to determine what’s causing the squeak. Is it loose? Misaligned? Damaged?
If the board is loose, try tightening the screws that hold it. If that doesn’t work, you may need to glue or nail the board down. But if the board is misaligned, try to pry it back into place gently. But if the board is damaged, you’ll need to replace it.
While some of these tasks may seem daunting, they’re effortless to do once you know how. And knowing how to fix simple problems yourself can save you a lot of money in the long run. So don’t be afraid to try; after all, practice makes perfect!
