When you’re a homeowner, you have a laundry list of responsibilities to manage at all times. Blocked drains, cracked tiles and split grout are just the beginning.
Fortunately, you don’t need to hire a maintenance specialist for these problems. That’s right. It’s up to you to break out your toolbox and get a little dirty. You don’t have to worry, though, it’s simple!
Take a look at these easy fixes for common house issues.
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1. Blocked Gutters
Like many of us, you probably forget to clear out our home’s gutter system. Common outdoor debris, such as leaves and twigs, often find their way inside these fixtures when it’s windy. Then, when there’s a storm, water can’t travel through downspouts. As a result, your yard and basement flood – and as you know, that’s a problem.
Luckily, there’s a quick solution. Grab a sturdy ladder or step stool and head to every gutter around your house. Use your own two hands to remove debris so that drains aren’t blocked or clogged. Then, take a hose to flush out dirt. Let the water run and make sure the gutters work appropriately.
Of course, it’s easy to put off smaller tasks like this, and many homeowners do. In fact, 32% of homeowners postpone at least one maintenance project for 12 months or longer. But your gutters should be a priority if you want to avoid costly repair work.
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2. Carpet Stains
If you’ve never deep-cleaned your carpets, now’s the time. These surfaces gather dirt and germs like no other, so it’s important to attack them with some elbow grease. Unless absolutely necessary, you probably won’t need a steam cleaner. Instead, you can use a non-toxic and eco-friendly mixture of baking soda and warm water.
First, vacuum the space to get rid of airborne particles like dust. Then, tackle spots one by one – cover the area with baking soda and use warm water to scrub. You don’t need to douse your carpet, as a little effort goes a long way. Once you’re satisfied, wait for the floor to dry and vacuum once more. This tactic works for wine stains as well.
3. Leaky Fixtures
A leaky faucet, showerhead or toilet can cost you a ton of money on your water bill. A dripping sink, for instance, can waste 20 gallons of water per day. Unfortunately, if you don’t address these problems right away, they create more substantial issues down the road. Whenever you notice that your kitchen tap leaks or your toilet runs for too long, you’ll need to set aside an hour to fix it.
Before you head to the hardware store, it’s essential to write down the brand of your fixture. This way, you’re able to buy the appropriate kit. Usually, these products include replacement washers and O-rings. For a toilet repair, a new flapper works wonders. You may also need a lubricant spray. Once you’re home, reassemble the spout or tank with the new parts.
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4. Mold Build-Up
Wherever there’s a warm, damp environment, you’ll likely find mold nearby. It’s an unavoidable issue that homeowners typically discover in their showers and basements. This fungus takes on different forms and colors, so it’s not always easy to pick up on right away. In general, you’ll want to look for fuzzy green or black spots. If you discover growth, scrub the area thoroughly with bleach.
Once you’ve cleaned up the mold in your house, it’s time to regulate the moisture. Purchase a dehumidifier for your basement and other damp areas. The indoor humidity levels should remain between 30% and 60% constantly. Try to perfect airflow, as well – warm air from your kitchen and laundry room can cause issues.
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5. Water Spots
One day, you wake up and see a massive water stain on your ceiling. Usually, leaks are to blame for these common house problems. Maybe there’s an issue in an upstairs shower or with a pipe. Either way, water spots can be both unsightly and troublesome
First, you’ll want to locate the source of the stain. If spots only show up after it’s rained, you should take a look at your roof. Otherwise, cut out a small hole by the offending area and investigate. Check for a nearby pipe and feel for water. Once you’ve discovered the issue, it’s time to fix it. More often than not, this step involves caulk replacement or patchwork. After, remember to clean the spot with bleach and apply a coat of primer and paint.
- Take Note of These Solutions for Common House ProblemsDo you want to keep your humble abode a place you can feel proud of? Then use these fixes for common house issues so that they don’t turn into more significant problems.
– This is a guest post not written by the websites’ owner.