Are you a weekend warrior that plans your home improvement projects months in advance?
Do you like the satisfaction of a job well done or simply want to save a few dollars?
There are many reasons why homeowners choose to fix up their home. For example, not ever drip or air leak requires professional help, but some do. For the DIYers out there, if the upgrade or fix is not dangerous, then it is worth the time and effort repair themselves. After all, there is a great deal of satisfaction for a job well done.
Whether there is a small plumbing problem or general home improvement upgrade, here are a few tips that should help the weekend warriors save some time (and money).
Weekend Plumbing Tricks
Plumbing issues can really drive a DIYer crazy. What seems like a simple and common plumbing problem can take significant time to get right and growing frustrations will eat up all of your weekend.
One way to manage these plumbing projects is plan for extra time to reduce some frustration as the clock ticks away. Additionally, there are a few simple plumbing tricks that may help as well.
Fix Faucet Issues
Typically, worn out washers provide the main cause of leaky faucets. Leaks occur because the washers inside of the faucet handles are rubber and tend to wear out quickly. To fix, then turn off the main water supply, unscrew the handle and remove the old washer, while inserting the new washer.
Check Leaking Toilets
Leaking toilets cause weekend warriors a major annoyance that can add to your water bill over time. Find some food coloring and add it to the tank to confirm if you have a leaky toilet. Check back in about an hour and if the water in the bowl contains food coloring, then a leak exists.
Avoid Clogged Drains
Clogged drains can really cause a nightmare, so the best course of action is to help prevent them from occurring in the first place. Fortunately, there are a few things the weekend warrior can do to help prevent clogged drains.
For example, never pour fats or other oils down the drains. However, if some oil does go down the drain, simply run some hot water, along with dishwashing soap, down the drain.
Additionally, take a couple of minutes and install a hair strainer in all of your shower drains. Check the strainer after each shower to reduce the amount of hair that may eventually find its way down the drain and into the pipes.
If a clog does occur, then skip the drano or similar product. Although the acids will help unclog the drain, they will also cause significant damage over time that will require costly repairs. If a drain (either kitchen or bathtub) is clogged, then use a small drain snake to clear the drain. If you cannot remove the clog using a drain snake, call a professional plumber to help.
General Tips for any Weekend Warrior
Window Woes
Windows are a big part of every home and can create a few issues. For example, drafty windows have a huge impact on energy bills in the winter and summer. Weekend warriors should check the condition of any caulk around the windows. If the caulk appears dry, cracked, or otherwise weathered, remove the old caulk with a box cutter or other sharp knife and run a new bead of caulk along the seam.
Additionally, some homes may have sliding windows, which occasionally get stuck. Try adding some silicone spray lubricant to grease the skids by spraying it onto a rag, then wipe the window tracks.
Stop Slamming Doors
The opposite of sticky windows might be slamming doors. To help stop the slamming, then add a few pieces of peel-and-stick foam weather stripping around the doorstop.
Conversely, find a wide rubber band and wrap it around the doorknobs on both sides, stretching it across the edge of the door. Don’t cover the latch and the band should stop the slamming.
Check the Refrigerator Air Seal
Depending on your family size, the refrigerator door might be the most used door in the house. With excessive use, the door seals may weaken, which can cause a couple of issues.
To test the door seals, close the door on a dollar bill and attempt to pull it out with the door closed. If you cannot easily pull the dollar bill out from the door, your seals are in good shape.
However, if the bill slides out without much resistance, it’s time to replace the seals. You can purchase new seals from any home repair outlet store.
Make Routine and Regular Repairs
Like everything in life, we are a reflection of our habits. Making routine and regular reviews of your home will help keep your repair list low and prioritize your weekend warrior time. Individually, small repairs might not seem important. However, if every room has just one thing wrong, those small things add up and provides the impression of a neglected home. Take some time every few weekends to walk around your home and list the little things that require repair.
When it is time for the repairs, then consider this time tested trick. The glove of tools, which was shared in January 1949 is still relevant today. Simply cut a slit in the cuff of the glove so a belt can pass through it. Next, snip off the fingertips and thumb tip. Worn on a hip, the open fingertips carry things such as pliers and large screwdrivers. As a result, this subtle tool provides easy access as you work on repairs.
If you are a weekend warrior and have any issues that are beyond your technical capabilities to fix, then give us a call. We offer the same high quality service, anytime, any day.