From plumbing mishaps to failing appliances, household repairs come up when you least expect them. Being prepared for common issues around your home and knowing when to call in a professional can save you money, time, and stress when repairs are needed.
This article outlines six of the most common household repairs you may encounter and provides tips for troubleshooting or calling for expert help.
Plumbing Repairs
Plumbing problems like leaks, clogged drains, and broken fixtures can cause extensive water damage if left unaddressed. For clogged sinks or toilets, try using a plunger, snaking the drain, or using a commercial drain cleaner before calling a plumber. Try tightening fittings with an adjustable wrench for minor leaks from faucets or pipes. If a major pipe bursts, immediately shut off the main valve and call an emergency plumber.
For leaky faucets, replacing worn washers and O-rings may do the trick. Consult online tutorials. Hire a professional plumber for more complex issues like slab leaks or whole-home pipe replacements. Regular maintenance like sealing pipe penetrations and replacing old supply lines reduces plumbing emergency frequency.
Electrical Repairs
From flickering lights to power outages, electrical issues require prompt attention to avoid bigger problems. Check breakers or fuses first when outlets or lights stop working. Reset tripped breakers or replace blown fuses. The issue may be loose wiring for outlets/switches that spark or feel warm. Tighten connections or replace the device.
For minor fixture issues like replacing light bulbs or loose wires, consult DIY repair guides. Hire an electrician immediately for any signs of an electrical fire, like burning smells. Leave major electrical panel upgrades or rewiring to licensed electricians. An annual inspection by an electrician helps identify potential electrical hazards before they cause breakdowns.
Roofing Repairs
Your roof takes a constant beating from the weather and requires vigilance to spot issues before water damage results. For a few missing shingles, use roofing cement and replacement shingles to patch the problem area.
Clogged gutters can cause water pooling. Clear debris from downspouts and realign gutters if needed. Hire a professional roofer for structural repairs for major damage like extensive leaks or storm damage. Check attic insulation, ceilings, and walls for signs of water infiltration from roof leaks. Schedule regular roof inspections and tune-ups to find minor problems before they escalate.
Appliance Repairs
Appliances often malfunction at the worst times, from broken refrigerators to faulty dishwashers. Consult repair manuals and YouTube tutorials to troubleshoot basic appliance issues first.
For refrigerators, check if overloading, accumulated dust, or blocked vents are causing problems before calling for service. With washing machines and dryers, imbalanced loads or broken hoses are common culprits behind leaks and shaking. If your appliance is under warranty, contact the manufacturer for repair before attempting DIY fixes.
For complex appliance issues like a compressor or motor failures, hire experienced appliance technicians. Stay on top of maintenance, like cleaning coils and changing filters to improve appliance longevity.
HVAC Repairs
Heating and cooling issues must be addressed swiftly for comfort and to avoid system damage. For lack of airflow at vents, change clogged air filters, straighten bent ducts, or remove obstructions. If AC units don’t turn on, check if the thermostat batteries need replacement. And let professionals handle refrigerant recharges, blower motor issues, or compressor problems, which require special equipment. Get regular maintenance by looking into services for heat and air in OKC, or wherever you live, to spot issues early.
Structural Repairs
From cracked foundations to shifting walls, major structural issues threaten a home’s safety and call for prompt repair. Filling and repainting during routine maintenance may suffice temporarily for small drywall cracks. If cracks reappear or grow larger, consult structural engineers to determine if foundation repairs are needed.
For sticking doors, misaligned windows, or new cracks indicating shifting, hire contractors to inspect and stabilize the underlying issue. For bowing basement walls, cracked floors, or sinking exterior concrete, foundation repair specialists are required. Regularly inspect your home’s structural elements, like the roof, walls, and foundation, for early signs of problems.
Conclusion
Being ready to tackle common household repairs can save you from massive headaches down the line. Know when DIY fixes will suffice versus when professional repair is crucial. Take steps to improve preventive maintenance around the home. With the right preparation and vigilance, you can stay on top of household issues as they crop up and prevent small problems from turning into costly repairs.
