While not every home is a fixer-upper, all houses occasionally need repairs and all need ongoing maintenance. You can handle those repairs like a professional if you know how to do the following home improvements. Here are six things every homeowner should know how to repair or improve in their home.
Fixing the Toilet
At some point, every homeowner will face a clogged toilet. However, a toilet is easy to fix if you have a plunger, auger, bucket, and rubber gloves. First, shut off the water supply located behind the toilet and proceed to empty out half the water if you think the toilet might overflow. Try the plunger first to unclog your toilet. If that doesn’t work, use the auger. If you can’t undo a clog with these tips it might be worth it to see if a Victor NY sewer line repair professional can get it done.
Stop Leaky Faucets
A leaky faucet can be repaired with just a bit of elbow grease and common sense. Start by shutting off the water supply to your sink and stop the drain using a rag so you won’t lose any parts while you’re taking apart the faucet. A dripping washer-less faucet can be fixed by installing a new O-ring, and a compression faucet will require a new rubber washer in order to seal the valve. Look up a how-to video for reference or call an A P Plumbing company to get advice on the best parts to use.
Installing a New Shower Head
Replacing a worn shower head is a small project that offers a huge impact. First, remove the old shower head and lay thread seal tape near the base of the shower arm prior to screwing in the new shower head. Be careful not to fasten it too tight. Within just a few minutes, you now have a free-flowing, new shower head to improve your overall shower experience and can even save you money on water.
Maintaining Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors are one of most inviting features in any home. Keep them looking that way with good maintenance. Only use cleaning products that are specifically designed for hardwood floors since other commercial cleansers may damage them over time. Use just a bit of water on a cloth to clean up spills, but keep in mind that too much water may damage the surface of the wood. To keep your hardwood floors looking fabulous, vacuum them often with a hardwood floor attachment in order to eliminate the dust between boards.
Make Your Tiles Sparkle
Want squeaky-clean, sparkling porcelain tiles? Sweep and vacuum them 2 or 3 times a week for best results. Wash them with a 50/50 mixture of water and vinegar once a month for deep clean results. Use a microfiber cloth to dry.
Maintaining your home is one of the most satisfying aspects of being a new homeowner. Keep it in top working order by performing the necessary repairs and have your home look it’s best at all times of the year.
