While there are many reasons that homeowners prefer to fix up their own home, for the weekend warriors out there, the satisfaction of a job well done is immensely rewarding. There is also an added benefit of possibly saving some money (and who doesn’t want to save a few dollars?).
Regardless of your motivation, there are, however, some DIY projects that might be a bit too advanced for many weekend warriors. With that in mind, here are some tips and “tricks of the trade” that can help you on your next weekend DIY project!
Installing a Smart Strip Surge Protector
Did you know that nearly 75% of the energy used by electronics are burned when devices are turned off? Instead of unplugging these devices, plug them into a smart surge protector that turns off the devices when they are not in use. This is a simple project that almost anyone can easily complete during a weekend.
Drafty Windows
Most homeowners appreciate the natural sunlight that windows in homes provide. However, windows can create a few issues. If your windows are drafty, they can adversely affect your energy bills during the hotter and colder months. An easy fix? Check the caulk around the windows. Remove any dry, cracked, or damaged caulk and run a new bead of caulk along the seam.
Loud Doors
If your doors are “slamming” shut, here is an easy fix. Add a few pieces of peel-and-stick foam weather stripping around the doorstop.
Refrigerator Door Sealant
One of the most used doors in the house, your refrigerator door, can also need some TLC at times. Excessive use can weaken the door seals. Here is how to test your door seals. First, close the door on a dollar bill and attempt to pull it out while the door is closed. If you cannot easily pull the bill out, your seals are in good shape. If you can pull it out without much resistance, it is time to replace the seals.
Plumbing Tips
How many of us have started on what seems to be a simple and common plumbing problem only to get frustrated and spend most of the weekend working on it? Here are some helpful tips for your next DIY plumbing project.
Clogged Drains
Clogged drains can cause major issues in a house. Thus a prudent course of action is to prevent them before they can cause issues. Here are some ways to avoid clogged drains:
– Do not put skins (chicken, turkey), starchy (potato peels, rice), stringy (celery) or fibrous waste (coffee grinds, corn husks) down the drain (these items cannot be broken down in the disposal).
– Do not pour cooking oil (or fat) down the drain (it solidifies in the pipes).
– Turn the disposal on (with water running) before putting anything down the drain.
– Allow the disposal time to “catch up” after each cup of waste is poured down the drain.
Another helpful item is a hair strainer in your shower drain. These only take a few moments to install, and when checked after each shower, you would be amazed at the number of plumbing issues they prevent.
When a clog does occur, it can be very tempting to turn to a drain clearing liquid, gel, or foam. While these products can help clear the drain, they can also cause significant damage that can require expensive repairs. Instead, if a pipe is clogged, use a small drain snake to clear the drain.
Leaky Faucets and Toilets
Often, the primary cause of a leaky faucet is a worn-out washer. Because the washers inside of the faucet handles are rubber, they can wear out quickly. The fix? Easy! First, turn off the main water supply. Next, unscrew the handle and remove the old washer. Last, insert the new washer.
Think you might have a toilet that is leaking? A leaking toilet can cause your water bill to increase over time. To find out, add some food coloring to the tank. Wait an hour and check back. If the water in the bowl is colored, you have a leak.
An easy way to make sure your house is in top condition is to make it a habit of conducting routine and regular reviews of your home and keeping a running repair list of what needs to be done. This list will help you prioritize your time and energy.
Once you’ve prioritized your action list, stop by Action Rentals and Sales and check out our selection of equipment for rent. We have you covered, from plumbing to carpentry to floor sanding to pressure washing and more. Stop by our store at 1861 North Eastman Road, check us out online, or give us a call at 423-226-0962, and get your house in tip-top shape.