Sooner or later, you’re going to need to call in the professionals to help fix a problem at your home. But don’t spend money calling a fix-it man, plumber or electrician for just the little things! Below are a few home repairs that even a “dummy” can do:
If your door hinges squeak… Use some WD-40 or similar lubricant to spray on the hinges, moving them back and forth as you do to make sure the lubricant works its way down into the hinge itself. Petroleum jelly may also fix the squeak and you may have that readily available around the house, saving you a trip to the store.
If your window is stuck… Use some silicone spray lubricant like WD-40 to grease the sides of the windows. Spray it on a rag first so you don’t overcoat and then rub it along the tracks. This should work for any material window.
If the caulk around your doors and windows is starting to crack or peel away… First use a sharp utility knife or a chisel to completely remove the caulk away, being sure to remove it all before applying the new caulk. Brush away the debris and then use a caulk gun to lay a thin bead of caulk along the window or door. Wet your finger and then run it along the bed, using it to press the caulk into the crevice. Allow it to dry completely.
If your toilet is clogged… First use a plunger to attempt to dislodge the culprit by sealing the edge and then pushing it in and out vigorously. Usually most clogged toilets can be resolved after a few minutes of plunging, but if it doesn’t resolve, use a toilet snake to remove the clog itself. Turning the snake clockwise allows you to insert it in and through the toilet pipes; turning it counterclockwise allows you to remove the offending object and pull it out.
If you need to change out a light fixture… Locate the electrical panel and turn off the circuit for the room in which you’ll be working. Remove the current fixture and then disconnect the hardwired wires from the fixture’s wires. Attach the new wires, matching like to like, to the light box wires, wrapping them with electrical tape and then securing them with wire nuts. Put all of the wires into the electrical box and then secure the new fixture with screws.
And remember that YouTube is a great place for detailed instructions on home repair, but if anything ever feels over your head, don’t hesitate to call in a professional!