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.
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.
