• Clogged drains can be fixed without expensive chemical solutions by using boiling water or a drain snake.
• Hiring a professional contractor to repair a damaged roof is the best solution and may include discounts on off-seasons.
• Leaky faucets and toilets can be easily fixed with just a few tools, or you can hire a plumber.
• DIY projects gone wrong can be solved with a little creativity and know-how.
As a homeowner, you know that common issues can crop up around the house. From clogged drains and leaky faucets to DIY projects gone wrong, these problems can cause stress and frustration. But the good news is that there are a lot of ways to fix these problems without breaking the bank. Read on for tips on tackling common household issues without spending too much money.
Clogged Drains
One of the most annoying things about being a homeowner is dealing with clogged drains. While plenty of products on the market promise an easy fix, they can be expensive and toxic.
Before reaching for chemicals, try using boiling water or a drain snake first. Boiling water can help break up grease buildup in your pipes, while a drain snake can help unclog tough blockages like hair or soap scum.
Both methods are effective but far less expensive than buying chemical-based solutions from the store. It’s also a lot safer for the environment.
Damaged Roof
Looking for quality roof repair is the best solution if you’re dealing with a leaking or damaged roof. Instead of trying to fix it yourself (which can be dangerous and time-consuming), hire a professional contractor to do the job for you.
Reputable contractors will provide quality workmanship that meets all local building codes and comes with a warranty. This will ensure that the repair is done properly and won’t need to be redone in the near future.
Furthermore, a qualified contractor can provide you with an estimate before beginning the work so that you know exactly how much it will cost. In some cases, you may even be able to get a discount if you book repair services during the off-season.
Leaky Faucets & Toilets
Leaky faucets and toilets are not only annoying, but they also waste water and cost you money in higher utility bills. Fortunately, fixing them doesn’t have to be costly or time-consuming.
In most cases, all you need is a new washer or O-ring—which costs just a few dollars—and some basic tools (such as pliers and a wrench). If you’re more comfortable bringing in a professional plumber to do the job, that’s great too.
Just make sure to get an estimate before signing any contracts, so you don’t end up paying more than expected. If possible, look for a plumber who offers flat-rate pricing so that you know exactly how much the repair will cost before they start work.
DIY Projects Gone Wrong
Everyone’s been there at one point or another. Whether it’s hanging wall art crookedly or painting your bathroom walls blue instead of white (oops!), mistakes happen when tackling big home improvement tasks. Here are some common scenarios and how to solve them:
Crooked Picture Frames
If you’ve hung your picture frames crookedly but can’t bear to start over, try using a spirit level to make sure the frame is level. Alternatively, use adhesive putty or sticky tack to free up some wall space and re-hang it in the right spot.
Painting Too Bright of a Color
If you’ve painted a wall in your house the wrong color, don’t panic! Depending on how light or dark the paint is, you can either repaint it with the right color or use a white primer to help tone down any bright colors.
Installing Outlets Incorrectly
If you’ve installed electrical outlets incorrectly, the best (and safest) thing to do is call in a professional electrician. Trying to fix it yourself could be dangerous and may even void your home insurance policy if something goes wrong.
Unstable Furniture
If you’ve made the mistake of putting together a piece of furniture that isn’t stable, go back and double-check your work. Make sure all screws and bolts are tight and use wood glue or epoxy to reinforce any loose joints.
Cracked Drywall
If you’ve damaged drywall, you can usually repair it yourself. Start by cutting out any damaged sections and replacing them with new pieces of drywall. Use joint tape and compound to fill in the seams and sand down any rough edges.
Common household issues don’t have to mean emptying out your wallet. With these low-cost fixes for common household problems, homeowners will be able to tackle those pesky little tasks without breaking their budget — which means more money saved in the long run. So keep these tips in mind next time an issue arises around your home; who knows? Maybe those savings will even cover that well-deserved vacation you’ve been wanting.
