Maintaining a home often feels like a never-ending task. From broken drawer handles to cracked moldings and unexpected holes in the drywall, everyday wear and tear can leave you with a laundry list of repairs to tackle on any given weekend. The good news is that many of these common home maintenance issues can be fixed easily! Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or a seasoned DIY enthusiast, knowing how to solve a few common home maintenance issues will save you time, money, and frustration.
Indoor Air Quality Concerns
Indoor air quality issues can be hazardous to your health. Unfortunately, modern homes tend to be tightly sealed, allowing air pollutants to concentrate inside. The easiest way to solve indoor air quality concerns is to invest in a good air purifier.
Bedding is a common source of air-born bacteria and allergens. Washing your bedding and pillows regularly can minimize the buildup of sweat, skin flakes, mold spores, dust mites, and bacteria. If you have bamboo pillows—which are naturally anti-microbial and hypoallergenic—be sure to wash them in cold water on a delicate cycle. You’ll also want to use a mild detergent to avoid saturating the pillows with soap.
Unsecured Railings
Making small repairs and upgrades to your home is essential if you’re getting a home appraisal. One thing your appraiser will look for is unsecured railings on stairways, steps, and decks. Even if you’re not planning on selling your home anytime soon, unsecured railings can pose a serious safety hazard. Fortunately, this issue has a simple fix. DecksDirect suggests tightening the screws or bolts that secure the handrail to the wall or support structure. If that doesn’t work, inspect the railing for damaged or worn-out hardware. You can also use construction-grade adhesive or epoxy for additional strength and stability.
Inefficient HVAC System
An inefficient HVAC system can lead to high energy bills and reduced indoor air quality. This is also something a future home appraiser might look for. Address this issue quickly by replacing your HVAC filter. You may also want to install a smart thermostat so you no longer have to monitor your home’s temperature and make adjustments manually.
Clogged Drains
Troubleshooting clogged household drains is a very common maintenance task. For bathroom sinks, tubs, and showers, a DIY fix typically involves removing and cleaning the drain stopper or removing the drain elbow to clean out blockages. If your toilet is clogged and a plunger isn’t working, try an inexpensive hand-powered drain auger to break up whatever is clogging the pipe. Kitchen sink clogs may involve cooking grease or oil, so a combination of hot water and dish detergent may help.
Leaky Faucets
Faucets may drip for several reasons. According to WM Henderson, the most common causes of leaky faucets include a damaged cartridge, broken washers, water pressure problems, a malfunctioning o-ring, or a deteriorated valve seat. Just shut off the water to the faucet and disassemble the faucet so you can pinpoint the issue. If parts are worn out or damaged, simply head to your local hardware store for replacements.
Squeaky Floors
Many homeowners live with squeaking floors for years. Fortunately, you don’t have to tear up the floor to fix the issue. Repairs are easiest if you have access to the underside of the flooring from an unfinished crawl space or basement. If you need to repair squeaks from above, your options will depend on whether you can pull back the floor covering to access the subfloor. Whatever floor situation you’re dealing with, you’ll be able to find a DIY fix with a simple Google search!
Knowing how to tackle basic home maintenance tasks can empower you to take control of your living space. Whether this means staying on top of repairs to secure a higher home appraisal value or washing your bedding frequently to reduce indoor allergens, being diligent about maintenance will ensure you can enjoy a well-functioning and inviting living space for years to come.
Photo By: pexels.com