Top 10 DIY Home Repairs

For more information on plumbing repairs, please visit: Plumbers Canada

Starter Tool Kit

Before you start repairing things around the house you need tools. Here’s our suggestion of tools everyone should have in their tool box.

• Hammer
• Multi bit screwdriver
• Measuring Tape
• Wrench
• Pliers
• Flashlight
• Scrapper
• Level
• Sandpaper
• Exacto Knife
• Pencil
• Gloves

Leaking Faucet

1. Before you start, turn the water off to your faucet.
2. Plug the sink drain once the water has been turned off.
3. Remove the faucet handles. Some faucet handles might hide their screws behind plastic or metal caps. You will need to remove the caps to access the screws that are holding the handles to the sink.
4. Remove the old washer behind the handle and replace it with a new washer.
5. Put the faucet handle back on the post and put the screw back in. Tighten the screw until it feels tight.
6. Turn your water back on and test to see if the leak has been fixed.

Clean Bathroom Exhaust Fan

1. Turn off all power to the bathroom by flipping the switch on the fuse box to the “off” position.
2. Use a drill or screwdriver to remove the screws holding the bathroom exhaust fan’s outer vented cover.
3. Set aside the vent cover and slide out the fan blade assembly.
4. Clean the vent cover by wiping away any dirt and vacuuming up any debris.
5. Use a small amount of window cleaner to remove mildew, dirt and debris from both sides of the fan blades.
6. Reinstall the fan blades and screw the vented cover back into place.
7. Turn fuse box switch to “on” position and test to ensure that the unit is working.

Unclog Sink

1. Place an empty basin under the sink drain trap to catch any water that might come out when taking the trap off.
2. Use a pair of slip joint pliers to loosen the slip nuts and
3. Clean out the sink trap with an old toothbrush or the end of a clothes hanger.
4. Carry the trap to another sink and rinse it out with hot water.
5. Reconnect the trap by tightening it with your hands. Be sure to tighten the slip nuts with the slip joint pliers.

Patch a hole in Drywall

1. Cut around the loose drywall with a utility knife.
2. Cut a piece of fiberglass mesh tape to cover the hole (more than one piece may be necessary).
3. Prepare drywall compound according to package directions. Cover the mesh with a layer of drywall compound and let dry.
4. Apply a second coat of drywall compound, and let dry.
5. Sand the area to prime it for paint.

Fix a Running Toilet

1. Lift the tank lid and look in. Try adjusting the valve and float by pulling up on the float with your hand. If this action stops the flow, then adjust the level of the float.
2. Try flushing the toilet to make sure the chain is the right length for the new flapper. You may have to trim and adjust the chain by trial and error. The flapper should open when you push the handle and then drop closed all the way when the tank empties.

Caulk Bathtub

1. Clean all old caulk, mildew and soap scum from the edge of bathtub.
2. Using a sharp utility knife, cut into the old caulking to remove it from the ede of the bathtub.
3. Apply masking tape to both sides of where you want your new caulk bead, with the edges of the tape lining up to exactly where you want the bead of caulk to stop.
4. Open the caulking gun according to the directions on the package. Apply the new caulking between the masking taped area, starting from one corner to the end of the other corner.
5. Repeat for each seam.
6. Smooth the caulk out between the pieces of masking tape, pressing it into the corner with your finger as you go along, and removing excess caulk.
7. Remove the masking tape before the caulk starts to skin over. Allow the caulking to dry for 24 to 36 hours before exposing it to water and moisture.

Note:
You can smooth out the caulk with a wet finger, plastic spoon or rounded ice cube.

Clean a Shower Head

1. Remove the shower head by wrapping the chrome parts in a towel to keep the pliers from scratching the chrome.
2. Heat some vinegar (do not boil) and pour it into a container. Place the shower head in the vinegar and let it soak for 10 to 12 hours.
3. Use a very thin wire and poke any holes that are still clogged. Rinse the shower head vigorously with hot water.

Note:
An alternative to removing the shower head is to pour two to three inches of vinegar into a small sandwich bag. Place the bag over the shower head, tape it in place, and let it soak overnight. Check that all the holes are clear, run hot water through the shower head and you’re done!

Install a Draft Seal

1. Remove old draft seal with a drill or Philips screwdriver.
2. Leaving the door mounted on its hinges, simply measure the door’s width and cut the new draft seal to this length. Use a pair of tin snips or shears to cut it to size
3. Screw the draft seal along the base of the door. The seal should clear the floor when the door swings open.
4. Test the door for free movement and adjust if necessary.

Replace Window Screen

1. Remove the window screen from the window frame.
2. Remove the old screen by pulling out the rubber edging to separate the screen from the frame.
3. Measure the new screening from a roll of replacement material. Be sure to measure to the outer edge of the screen frame, and to leave an extra inch of material all the way around.
4. Measure and cut a length of new rubber edging that will reach all the way around the four edges of the screen.
5. Place the new screen on top of the frame and use a screen rolling tool to insert the rubber edging into the window frame. Start at one corner and press the rubber edging slowly but firmly back into the groove. Work all the way around the screen.
6. Trim any excess screen material with a utility knife or a pair of scissors.
7. Put the newly replaced window screen back in the window.

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