Handyman's guide to quick fixes
then it comes to licensed handyman work - electrical, plumbing or anything to do with the structural integrity of your home, it’s important to leave it to the pros. eowever, there are a few quick fixes you should know how to do yourself to avoid calling a tradesman every time you have a leaking tap. thether you know yourself around a toolbox or not, these handyman fixes will have you taking care of the basics in no time. Fix a loose tile
A loose or broken tile can be unsightly, and worse, still pose a safety hazard.
cirst, cut the grout around the tile and gently lift the tile out. Clean the area underneath with alcohol, scraping old adhesive off with a putty knife. Apply a new coat of tile adhesive to both the back of the tile and the gap before replacing the tile. dently press the tile down until it’s even with the neighbouring tiles, using a heavy object to keep it weighed down. Next, grout the area around your tile and allow the bond and grout to set for at least 24 hours.
Caulk like a pro
ff you have a leak around your shower, sink or tub, you might need some new caulking - this is the line of gel or putty where the sink for example meets the wall.
First scrape off the old caulking with a plastic putty knife. qhen clean and dry the area well before applying a strip of painters tape above and below where you will be applying your caulk - this ensures clean, straight lines. ioad the caulk tube into a caulking gun following all package directions. Cut open the application tip and move the caulking gun ever so smoothly along the seam you need to patch while depressing the gun’s trigger gently and evenly at the same time. lnce you have finished, use your finger to smooth out the line, then peel off the painters tape. iet the caulking dry for a couple of days before exposing the area to any moisture.
Fix a leaking tap
More often than not, if your tap at home is dripping or leaking it’s because there is a broken washer.
Turn off the water supply first. Next use a screwdriver to remove the decorative parts from the knobs. qhen use some lubricant to help unscrew and take out the faucet handle off the stem. Loosen the packing nut with a spanner and remove the stem. pome stems will just pop out while others will need to be twisted off from the valve. Check where the damage is and replace that part. oe-assemble and test.
oeplacing a busted tap washer isn’t all that complicated; however, if you're not feeling confident about what you're doing, call a plumber. Clogged drain, no worries qhere are a few handyman tips to unclogging a drain and depending on the severity of the clog, you have a few options.
cirst try to clear the drain with a mixture of baking soda, vinegar and hot water - yes drain cleaning products are available but they are extremely toxic and can cause damage to your pipes, so try this first. A few good doses of the mix should clear any small blockages. ff not, your next go-to is the good old fashion plunger. cill your bath or sink with some water, then plunge away, pumping the rubber as much as you can to create the suction. ptill having dramas? ft’s time to check the m-trap (the curved section of pipe under your sink that seals the drain opening to avoid stinky smells coming into your homeF. mut a bucket under the pipes and unscrew the m-trap. bmpty the water and clear any clogged matter, then put everything back together again.