Should You Fix Common Household Problems Yourself?
Unless you’re a DIY-savvy mom that’s had experience fixing things on her own, you’re probably used to phoning up the nearest services in order to get the job fixed. However, it can be pretty expensive and time-consuming, and there isn’t a whole lot that needs to be fixed in order to get stuff working again. So to help you out, here’s a list of common household problems and a brief description of if it’s worth fixing it yourself or if you need to hire a professional.
Leaky Pipes
A leaky pipe can be very troublesome. You’ll need to turn off the main water supply so that the affected area doesn’t get soaked in water. Next, you’ll want to inspect the pipe and determine how bad damage is. If there’s a small crack or a breach, then you can buy self-amalgamating tape that can wrap around the pipe to fix it. However, this is just a temporary solution and shouldn’t be relied on for a long period of time. Self-amalgamating tape can be bought for just a couple of dollars at the local hardware store and is a quick and cheap fix to get your water up and running again. It’s recommended that you look for plumbing services in the area as soon as possible to get the pipes replaced so that the leak doesn’t develop into a fully burst pipe.
Holes and Cracks in Walls
Holes and cracks in your walls might indicate a sign of internal structural damage, so it’s best to get these checked if the cracks are long and reach up to the ceilings or walls. However, if it’s just a simple crack or hole that was caused by bumping into it or accidental damage, then these can easily be fixed with some plaster compound. Once it’s dried, you can easily paint over it to keep the color of the wall consistent. These typically won’t need a contractor or a repairman. However, if these small issues are covered by your landlord then you can contact them and ask for the repairs to be done. As mentioned before, cracks normally aren’t a cause for concern unless they stretch all the way up to the ceilings.
Lights Not Working
This can typically be a result of a blown bulb. If the lights worked previously and you are experiencing no other electrical issues, then you can try to turn off the lights and replace the bulb. If you can’t reach it or you don’t know which bulbs to use as a replacement, then consider reading the manual for the lamp or asking your landlord. If you aren’t sure about climbing a ladder, then consider asking a friend or family member to help you replace the bulb.
Unfortunately, if you are experiencing other power problems in the home or the lights aren’t working in other parts of your home, it could indicate a problem with the wiring inside of your home and you may want to contact an electrician to help diagnose