Fixing things up around the house can sometimes feel like an endless money pit. However, did you know there are many home repairs that you can do to save you money in the long run? Some of these repairs may seem like a lot of work, but they are worth it in the end. By taking care of these repairs yourself, you will be able to avoid even more costly repairs down the road. This article will discuss some of those home repairs that will save you money.
Contents
Loose Faucets
Do you have drippy, leaking faucets? It’s an easy fix. The first step to repairing a loose faucet head is to turn off the water supply lines near the fixture. Then remove the decorative cover, which usually twists off. There will be two screws underneath the cover, which you can remove with a screwdriver or wrench (counterclockwise to loosen). Once these are removed, remove the stem and replace it with a new one. Then follow in reverse order to finish up the process. This is an easy task that you can do yourself instead of calling a plumber. This repair will save you from higher water bills caused by a slow leak as well as a costly service call.
Clogged Drains
One of the most annoying and frustrating things is a clogged drain. Luckily, there are some easy fixes for this problem that won’t cost you more than ten or twenty dollars. The first thing to try is using chemicals. There are many chemical remedies, but be sure that you follow the instructions on the packaging precisely. If this doesn’t work, it’s time to move into mechanical methods. You can use a plunger or plumbers snake. Be sure that there isn’t any standing water in the sink before using these methods to avoid an overflow.
Some tools can be used to unclog drains which you can attach onto your drill, but these are usually reserved for severe clogs. This is a more involved method that will require some expertise and may not always work. However, fixing it now will save money later by avoiding pricey drain-cleaning services.
Leaks In The Basement
Waterproofing your basement will require you to determine where the water is coming from. This could be caused by cracks in the foundation, faulty sump pumps, or other issues. Once you have pinpointed where the leak is coming from, you can start fixing the problem. If the water is seeping through cracks in your foundation, then you can use “mud” (cement, trowel, and water) to fill in the cracks. This is the first line of defense against leaking foundations, but you may have no option other than to call a professional if this doesn’t work.
If the water is coming through your sump pump, inspect it to see what needs to be replaced. Most basements will have a sump pump and backup pump. This is an extensive project that you will need some experience and expertise to complete, so it may be best to leave it up to professionals. However, if you fix it now, you can avoid even more costly repairs from mold and water damage down the road.
Faulty Wiring
Faulty wiring can lead to electrical fires, so it’s always good practice to take some extra time and do your due diligence when checking for faulty wiring in your home. Go around the house with a voltage tester and ensure that all of your outlets and light switches are not producing a current. If you find one, then take an electrician with you to determine what is causing the faulty wiring to be fixed quickly. This will save on potential fire damage in the future and unnecessary costs for repairs or preventative measures.
Caulk
By applying caulk between bathtub and tile, you can avoid water leaks that can cause extensive damage to your bathroom. With the use of a caulking gun, apply an appropriate type of caulk around the entire perimeter of your tub. This will prevent leaks and give the appearance of a new bathroom. This is a simple fix that you can do yourself, saving money from hiring a contractor to repair the damage and replacing any materials that have been ruined from water leaks.
Cracks In Your Driveway
Cracks in your driveway can be a hazard if they are deep enough for water to pool. You’ll need to patch these cracks permanently with a hot asphalt layer. To do this, you will need some plastic sheeting, tar paper, an edging tool, a trowel, and aggregate. Apply the tarpaper on the crack first using a layer of hot asphalt.
Next, apply the aggregate and smooth it out with a trowel. Finally, cover the entire thing with more hot asphalt using your edging tool to create a level result. However, this repair itself is a little more costly. Doing this now will save you money later on if the cracks get worse and you have to pay a company to resurface your entire driveway.
Wobbly Doors
Wobbly doors can become a hazard if they come off of their hinges or begin to fall regularly, so it is essential to fix them as soon as you notice. One way to do this is by applying wood glue and clamps to the problem areas of your door. This will add extra support and prevent any more wobbly doors from potentially happening. This is a quick and straightforward fix but can save you from paying for expensive door replacements later on if the problem worsens.
Conclusion
Home repairs can seem daunting, but they are necessary to avoid further damage down the road. Some of these simple fixes you can do yourself, saving money from hiring a contractor, whereas others are best left up to the professionals because the task requires too much expertise. However, fixing these problems sooner rather than later will save you money in both the short and long term. In the end, it is better to prevent the problems that could arise rather than wait for things only to get worse.
