The definitive guide to small home repairs

Gone are the days when, for any repair needed at home, a woman needed the help of her husband, brother, father, boyfriend or a specialist. Most small home repairs can be done by yourself, with willpower and a little training. The guide below is a big step toward complete independence.

Changing the light bulb

As this is an operation involving electricity, it is important to eliminate the risk of electric shock. Turn off the circuit breaker of that house environment at the switchboard? If you don't know what the circuit breaker is for each room, just test it one by one, turning it off and on until the power goes off.

Holding the glass part of the lamp, rotate it counterclockwise to release it from the base. Then hold the new bulb by the bulb as well and screw it in the base clockwise. Reconnect the breaker and test by turning on the ambient light.


It is important to be sure to replace the old bulb with one of the same voltage (it can be 110v or 220v). The old lamp should be properly disposed of.

Painting a wall

Some materials are required. Before you begin, provide a roll of synthetic or mutton wool, paint container, brush, masking tape, newspaper or cardboard to protect the floor. Choose a water-based paint in the color you prefer. Pour some into the ink container and? Season? according to package directions (usually the manufacturer asks the paint to be diluted with water before application; this process is called "tempering the paint").

Then use masking tape to protect places you don't want to paint, such as the baseboard, door frame, and window frame, for example. Dip the roller in the paint, removing the excess in the container itself; then apply paint to the wall (which should be clean), using paint as needed. Use the brush to paint the corners near the masking tape or the roller does not reach.


Unclogging the sink

Minor clogging can be bypassed with a plunger. Remember to use it with the sink containing water. If, on the other hand, the case seems critical, there are two solutions. In the most basic, pour down a cup of salt, one of baking soda and boiling water. In the most drastic, unscrew the siphon (it is under the sink and will be threaded down the drain), and throw the accumulated dirt in it? Be careful not to make too much of a mess; Remember that what is there is a mixture of water and food scraps, and the sight may not be pleasant at all. Then screw the siphon back on.

Changing the shower resistance

Once again, be sure to turn off the bathroom breaker before you start tampering with it. The risk of shock in this case is high if you do not take this precaution. Remove the underside of the shower and then the resistance that is burnt out. Following the package directions, install the new heater by replacing the bottom of the shower in place and screwing tightly to prevent leakage. Before turning the power back on, open the registry and let cold water run through the shower? This prevents the new resistance from burning. Turn the breaker back on and use the shower normally.

Fixing the flush

When the discharge trips, it may be a problem with the spring inside the valve. The valve is that? Button? that you press to flush. Open the cover and, using a screwdriver, remove the outer portion containing the spring. The new set must be specifically the same brand as your discharge. Install it and screw again with the help of the screwdriver. Close the valve cover.


Hanging frames and shelves

The main difficulties when it comes to hanging pictures and shelves is keeping them completely straight and firm on the wall. Will you need a drill, drills, dowels and screws? All items can be purchased at home improvement stores - screwdriver, hammer and masking tape.

For large frames or heavy shelves that need more than one screw, make sure all of them are fully aligned. You can do this by using a tape measure, a meter or a tape measure to mark from the ceiling where the screws will be. After marking, protect the area with a piece of masking tape, this will prevent the paint from peeling off.

Position the drill where you want to drill the hole at a right angle. After drilling, fit the bushing into the hole made? if necessary, use the hammer to get it through completely. Finally, insert the screw into the bushing with the help of the screwdriver.

If you want to hang a small frame such as a picture frame, for example, you don't need a drill, drill or screw, just mark the hole location and use a nail and hammer.

Fixing cracks

Cracks are normal and often appear in many places in the house, but you need to make sure that the crack you find does not compromise the structure of the building. Lightly tap with a closed fist in place? if the sound is hollow, it is better to call a specialist. Otherwise, a little mass rush should solve the problem.

If the ink has detached? From the wall, like a bubble whose shell has come off, it is best to finish peeling it off with the help of a spatula. If this is not the case, simply peel rectangle around the original crack. Cover the flaw with racing mass and a synthetic nylon screen? You can find this product at hardware stores. Over the screen, pass another layer of running mass. Allow to dry and sand until surface is completely smooth.

Installing chandeliers and light fixtures

It is important to turn off the power in the room in which you wish to install the chandelier or luminaire. Electric shocks are dangerous and can even be fatal, so make sure that you have turned off the main switch or the environment circuit breaker.

At the power outlet of the ceiling or wall there will be two wires of electricity. Should you connect them to the luminaire or chandelier wires? if they are hooded, use a stylus to strip off the tip of both. To connect the wires, simply lay them side by side and twist with a pair of pliers, covering the joint with plenty of electrical tape.

Snap the chandelier fastener into the screw holes that are already in the ceiling power outlet. Fix the chandelier to the ceiling with the screws and the help of a screwdriver.

Finding Leaks

It is often difficult to see if there are leaks at home and you may only realize when you have flooded rooms. If you suspect a pipeline is leaking, an easy way to confirm the suspicion is by looking at the water meter. After closing all the taps in the house very well, dial the number registered on it and remain one hour without using the taps, the shower or even the toilet. Check the water meter again to see if it still has the same number on the log? how would it be normal? or if that number has increased? which indicates a leak

Fixing the tap

Will you need pliers, a screwdriver, a wrench, a griffon, and a new faucet seal? Also known as leather. Close the water tap and unscrew the tap top pin with pliers. Remove it and leave it separate. Using the screwdriver, remove the internal tap screw, which is under this pin. Loosen the top of the tap with the wrench.

Then remove the old seal and replace it with a new one, snapping each piece back in place. If, when removing the top of the tap, you notice that the seal is tight, you will need to change the tap. In this case, it is worth following the manufacturer's guidelines.

Correcting wall imperfections

Will you need mass racing? You can buy it ready-made in paint or building supply stores - playbench, putty knife, sandpaper and dust mop. This type of repair serves to cover holes or cracks in the wall. This work usually generates a lot of white dust, so it is advisable to cover the furniture with old sheets and the floor with newspaper or cardboard.

Start by using the spatula to put some of the batter into the wrapper. Then pass the treadmill to the wall to spread the batter on the desired surface. Try to put some pressure on the player to make the surface as smooth as possible. Let it dry for approximately five hours and sand the surface hard to make the wall completely smooth. Finally, use the duster to remove all dust generated by the sandpaper.

Sealing the window

If you suffer from rainwater leaks from the window, you must first find out where it is entering. When the point is completely dry, use a suitable gun to apply industrial silicone, sealing the hole.

Changing the switch

Before changing the switch, make sure it is not just bad contact. To do this, turn off the power in the environment and remove the protective cap from the switch. Disconnect the wires and reconnect them, covering the seam with electrical tape. Put the lid back on and turn the power back on.

If the procedure does not work, remove the cover again and turn the switch to gain access to the wires that are connected at the back. Disconnect these wires and replace the old switch with a new one, reconnecting the wires with the help of a Philips screwdriver. Replace the switch and finally the cover as well. Turn the power back on and test the new switch.

DIY Bathroom Renovation | Step by Step Guide | from A to Z (April 2024)


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