On average, homeowners in the United States spend around $6,000 a year for home repairs and maintenance. That huge amount can already be a nice upgrade for your kitchen or bathroom, a year of paying for childcare, or, depending on where you live, around 500 to 600 burgers! That’s a lot. If you own a home or plan to buy one soon, be ready. You can save a lot of your hard-earned cash if you know some handyman secrets for homeowners. These useful and practical skills can save you from being overwhelmed by home maintenance tasks or costly repairs if you need to hire professionals.
1. Toilet Water Running Nonstop
It happens to all of us. Press it, and it flushes, but the water doesn’t stop running! That might be a less worrisome nightmare than a clogged toilet, but it can up your water bill. One of the best home repair tips from professionals is to get to know what’s inside that toilet tank. Fixing the issue can sometimes involve pushing some things here and there. If you hear water continuously hissing into the tank, the water might be flowing out of the overflow tube. You might need to adjust that float cup by turning a screw. You may also want to check if the fill valve isn’t filled with debris or dirt.
2. Caulking Window Frames and Other Gaps
Sealing cracks and gaps keeps air, water, and bugs out of your home. Most of the common way to seal these crevices is by caulking. However, remember that the material doesn’t last a lifetime. So, be ready to reseal those gaps, maybe every few years. First, remove the old caulk with a putty knife and thoroughly clean the area (Pro Tip – use some isopropyl alcohol). Prepare the caulk by cutting the tube 45 degrees and setting it into the caulk gun. Lay caulk thinly and smooth it with a wet finger. Yes, that’s one of the secrets your handyman won’t tell you. This way, there’s a smooth transition between the two surfaces.
3. How to Find and Turn Off Your Main Water Shutoff Valve
What do you do when you come home from work and find out your house is flooded? And the bigger problem— you can’t see the source of the water leak. Another one of those handyman secrets for homeowners is knowing where your main shutoff valve is located. The primary function of this valve, for the unfamiliar, is shutting the water supply to the whole house. Some of the most common locations of the main valve are near your water meter. So, look at the perimeter of your home, and you might spot it quickly. Other possible locations include the garage, closet, basement, or the crawlspace.
4. Unclogging Drains
A clogged drain is one of the most common issues any homeowner faces. For most, you don’t need to hire a pro to unclog it. To dislodge a clog, you can use a plunger. If that does not resolve the issue, you can pour vinegar and baking soda to dissolve whatever buildup caused the clog. You can also use a dish detergent or hot water with vinegar if you don’t have baking soda. If it’s a more stubborn clog, you might need to use an auger or a plumber’s snake, which can reach deeper into the pipe to clear it. Remember, you can prevent this headache by performing regular house maintenance. You also need to remind all household members to be cautious about what things they flush down the drain to ensure your pipes won’t have clogs in the future.
5. How to Fix Sticky Doors
When a door at home doesn’t close or open smoothly, it can be a sign of swelling because of humidity or an alignment issue. You don’t have to call a handyman to fix it immediately. You can save money on home repairs by first inspecting the door hinges. See if they are properly secured and aligned. You might need to tighten the hinges or align them. Sometimes, sanding the edges of the door also helps. You can also spray some lubricant on the hinges to improve the door’s operation.
6. Cracked Cement
Cracks on the wall are unsightly, and if left alone, they can worsen. If you need to fix a cracked driveway or sidewalk, clean the area first to remove dirt, leaves, or debris. You can scrape the crack with a knife or a screwdriver to clear it out. Use your garden hose to finish the job. Once done, apply the crack filler until you fill the gap and the surface level with the rest. You need to wait for around 24 hours, and if you still see a crack, don’t hesitate to apply another coat of filler.
7. Clean The Grout
Grout in between tiles of the bathroom, on your kitchen backsplash, and around the bathtub. If you want them immaculately clean and looking pristine, you have to know how to clean them properly. One of the handyman secrets for homeowners is knowing that grout is sensitive. You can easily damage them if you use harsh cleaners. Bleach, for example, can erode it. Instead, use some baking soda and vinegar. Clean grout using a stiff brush or an old toothbrush. Focus on the most visible stains. Let the solution work, and then brush it again. Rinse the area thoroughly and wipe clean. If your elbow power doesn’t work and the deep stains are really nasty, you might have to replace the gout.
8. Clean or Change the Filter of Your HVAC System
Regular HVAC maintenance is essential every spring and fall. However, when it comes to air filters, you have to inspect them every month. If they’re dirty, you need to clean or replace them because dirty filters will shorten the lifespan of your HVAC. Don’t be intimidated. It’s pretty easy to do, and you don’t need the help of experts to do it. First, you need to know whether your air filter is disposable or washable. If it’s the former, you just need a new one and put it back in. Job done. If it’s the latter, you can vacuum the filter and remove the dust buildup. You can use a clean rug or a microfiber to clean the dusty frame or edges of the filter. After that, you can put the filter in the sink and rinse it gently. You can also soak it in some warm water with vinegar to deep clean it. Rinse and let it dry. You can then reinstall your filter. Tip: Do not use a pressure washer to clean your air filter; they’re too delicate for that.
9. Secrets To Keeping Your Roof Healthy
If the paint on your roof is good, they’re most likely still healthy. While you want to do regular inspections, staying off your roof will also help. If you have overhanging branches that hit your roof, make sure you trim them. After a storm, make sure you clear the debris on your roof. Clear the gutters at least twice a year. If you notice any leaks, attend to them quickly before they get bigger.
10. Inspect the Attic
One of the handyman secrets you need to remember to avoid unwanted home repair costs in the future is to get familiar with your attic. Go up there and inspect for any leaks. Check for signs of moisture or if there’s some growth of mold. Be on the lookout for animal droppings, any torn screens on vents, or exhaust fans pushing air into the attic instead of blowing it outside. When you do all these, make sure you’re stepping on steady, sturdy wood and not on any insulation material.
Know Maintenance Hacks: Don’t Be Afraid to DIY
Knowing these handyman secrets for homeowners can help save you some money in the long run. From fixing the flush, unclogging a drain, or cleaning the grout, it is such an empowering feeling when you can do these home maintenance and repairs on your own. All it takes is a little bit of research and some effort to tackle the issues yourself. Take a proactive approach when it comes to home maintenance and repairs. Attend to issues as soon as you can so problems won’t get bigger. Once they do, you also need to be ready for a big bill.