Our homes, while sanctuaries, can sometimes develop minor nuisances. Leaky faucets, creaky doors and unsightly cracks can chip away at our domestic tranquillity. But worry not, these are often solvable with a little know-how and some basic tools.
Silencing the drip: Fixing a leaky faucet
A leaky faucet is not just annoying, it can also waste a significant amount of water. Here’s how to tackle this dripping dilemma:
Turn off the water supply
Most kitchens and baths have shutoff valves under the sink. Locate these valves and turn them completely off before working on the faucet.
Access the washer
With a wrench, carefully remove the handle of the faucet. This might involve loosening a screw hidden beneath a decorative cap. Once the handle is off, you’ll see a nut holding the washer in place.
Replace the worn washer
The washer is a small rubber ring that creates a seal against dripping. Purchase a replacement washer that matches the size and shape of the old one.
Reassemble and tighten
Put the new washer in place, secure it with the nut and reattach the faucet handle. Remember to tighten everything securely, but avoid overdoing it to prevent damage.
Turn on the water and check
Turn the shutoff valves back on and check for any leaks. If you see drips, tighten the faucet handle or the nut holding the washer slightly.
Calming a creaky door
The nightly symphony of squeaks from a creaky door can disrupt even the deepest sleep. Here’s how to silence the culprit:
Identify the source
The sound most likely originates from the hinges. Open and close the door to pinpoint the exact location of the creak.
Lubricate the hinges
Apply a light coat of a lubricant, like WD-40, to the hinge pins. Open and close the door repeatedly to work the lubricant into the mechanism.
Tighten loose screws
If the creaking persists, check the screws securing the hinges to the door frame and jamb. Use a screwdriver to tighten any loose screws, but be mindful not to over-tighten and damage them.
Smoothing things: Patching up wall cracks
Small cracks in the wall can be an eyesore, but they’re often manageable with a DIY approach. Here’s how to get a smooth finish:
Prepare the crack
Before applying any patching material, widen the crack slightly with a putty knife. This creates a better surface area for the spackle to adhere to.
Fill and smooth
Apply spackle, a paste-like substance available at hardware stores, to fill the gap in the wall. Use a putty knife to ensure a smooth and even application.
Sand and paint
Once the spackle dries completely, use fine-grit sandpaper to lightly smooth the repaired area. Then, apply paint that matches your wall colour to conceal the repair seamlessly.
Pro tip
When dealing with electrical issues or major plumbing problems, it’s always best to consult a qualified professional. But for these everyday occurrences, a little DIY spirit can go a long way in keeping your home a haven of peace and quiet.
FAQs
My faucet is dripping; any tips on how to fix it?
The culprit behind a leaky faucet is often a worn washer. By following the steps above, you can shut off the water supply, replace the washer and tighten the faucet components to stop the dripping.
What if the leak persists after replacing the washer?
If a new washer doesn't solve the leak, the issue might lie deeper within the faucet. In such cases, it's advisable to consult a plumber for a more thorough diagnosis and repair.
My door creaks every time I open it. What should I do?
A creaky door hinge is likely the cause. Apply a lubricant like WD-40 to the hinge pins and tighten any loose screws to silence the squeaking.
Can I paint over a repaired crack in the wall?
Absolutely. Once the spackle is dry and sanded smooth, apply paint that matches your wall colour to seamlessly hide the repair.
What tools do I need to fix these common problems?
A wrench, screwdriver, putty knife, sandpaper and spackle are the basic tools you'll need for the DIY fixes mentioned above.
Are there any safety precautions to take?
Always turn off the water supply before working on faucets. For electrical issues and major plumbing problems, avoid DIY solutions and seek help from a qualified professional.
When should I call a professional instead of attempting a DIY fix?
If you're uncomfortable with any step of the repair process, or if the problem seems beyond the scope of these basic fixes, it's always best to err on the side of caution and call a professional.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
