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1. Fix the garbage disposal: If your garbage disposal does not work, pressing the reset button is usually the quickest fix. If that does not fix it, then chances are something is lodged in it. With the disposal in the off position, take a short broom or plunger handle, stick it in your garbage and force the blades in a clockwise position. . Once you get the blades to move, you can fish out the item causing your problem. Next, press the reset button and try the garbage disposal switch. Nine times out of 10, this will fix the garbage disposal quickly and easily. If this method does not instantly fix your disposal, then it is now time to call a repairperson.
2. Fix a dripping faucet: If your sink faucet has two knobs, one for hot and one for cold, you can easily fix the problem yourself. After turning off the water to the sink, open the faucet as you would if you were turning on the water. Take the stem assembly apart and take the old washer to your local home repair store where you can purchase a new one. Replace the old washer with the new and reassemble the faucet. Test your work by turning the water to the sink back on and turning the faucet off.
3. Stop the toilet from running (continuously filling): The float mechanism is usually the problem when the toilet is running. Test to see if the water stops running when you lift the float. If it stops, simply bend the arm of the float so that the float is at a higher position. If you find that the float is damaged or is holding water, replacing the float is as simple as screwing it off and screwing on a new one.
4. Caulking the tub and shower: This job needs to be done at least every two years to prevent water damage around the tub or shower. First, scrape off any loose or peeling caulk around the tub. Next, treat the area with a bleach cleaner to remove mold and mildew. Once the area is completely clean and dry, you can use a caulk gun purchased at your home supply store to re-caulk the areas. Simply squeeze the product out of the tube while running it along the seams, next smooth with a plastic grout tool or your index finger.
5. Dealing with mold and Mildew: Mold and mildew can be very damaging to a home. They often appear as black spots that are difficult to clean, or that return shortly after cleaning. Using bleach cleaner is the ideal way to keep mold and mildew at bay. However, on painted surfaces, it is nearly impossible to clean. This happens often in bathrooms and in homes that are extremely humid. Clean the mold and mildew to the best of your abilities, then repaint starting with a primer / sealer product. Once you have primed the walls, you will be able to repaint and the mildew problem should go away for at least a couple of years.
6. Re-grout tiles: On kitchen and bathroom countertops, the grout can get to a point where it is in a state of disrepair and cannot be cleaned. In these cases, just makes sense to re-grout these surfaces. You can purchase a kit at the home supply store that includes one Qt pre-mixed tile grout, a grout removal tool, a clean sponge, grout sealant, and a plastic spreader. You will need to remove enough grout to make room for the new grout. Next, follow the instructions for spreading the pre-mixed grout. Finally, clean the excess off with the sponge, and clean again after the grout has dried. To prevent the need to perform this task again, use the sealer about a week after the surface has cured. Better yet, if you are in a new home or have new counters, apply sealer every two years so that you will not have to re-grout again.
7. Install linoleum squares: linoleum squares are a great quick fix to an ugly kitchen or bathroom floor. Linoleum squares can be applied over pre-existing linoleum, wood, or cement floors. It is important to make sure the floor is smooth and level before installing the squares. If your floor is very damaged, you may have to put down fresh plywood before installing the floor. You can also purchase a floor patch product to fill in any holes or cracks in the floor. Next, clean the surface of the sub flooring and make sure it is free of debris. Your final step is to lay the peel and stick linoleum tiles starting in a corner of the room. Use a straight edge knife to trim the final tiles to fit.
8. Touch up a damaged hardwood floor: Some damage is easier to fix than you might think. Black scuffmarks on the floor are easier to remove than many would think. Simply remove your sock and shoes and rub your big toe across it. It works just like a pencil eraser, when solvents and scrub brushes will not. If your damage is below the surface like a scratch, simply purchase special floor repair crayons, felt markers, and fill scratch with this wax-like product.
9. Replace your Microwave fuse: Many people throw away the microwave when it stops working, when it possibly has a few years left in it. Simply open the microwave back by loosening the screws, locate the fuse, and look up a fuse supplier in the yellow pages. They will gladly replace for fuse for very little money, and all you need to do is put your microwave back together.
10. Fix a slow running toilet. If you have a toilet that constantly is continuously clogged or does not flush thoroughly, there is probably a partial clog somewhere in the line. You can fix this problem without chemicals or plungers. What you need to do keep a five-gallon bucket filled with water by the toilet. Every time you need to flush, poor the water in the toilet instead. Do not pour it slowly in toilet; instead pour it as quickly into the toilet as you can without it overflowing. The force from the bucket of water will loosen the partial clog and after about a week, your toilet will be as good as new.
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