As a new homeowner, identifying and fixing common household problems can be intimidating. The good news is many problems are simple to repair—as long as you have the right tools. This guide offers tips on preventing common home repairs and fixing issues you might encounter along the way.
Garbage Disposal
The most common problem is that food gets stuck between the blades and the grinding plate. To fix this, place ice cubes in the sink disposal unit and run it. This should help dislodge any food trapped in there.
If you have a dishwasher attached to your garbage disposal unit, run the dishwasher during this process to clear out any excess water from the pipes.
If the disposal still continues making noise, add a few drops of vegetable oil to the drain pipe before turning on the power again. If none of these fixes work on your garbage disposal unit, call an appliance repairer as soon as possible so they can take care of it for you!
Clogged Drains
One of the most common problems with a new home is clogged drains. This is because the pipes are new and not yet broken in. The best way to keep them clear is to use a drain cleaner that contains enzymes or natural bacteria to break down organic matter. Other drain cleaners will leave behind dangerous chemicals that can harm your septic tank or water supply over time.
Leaky Faucet
Worn-out rubber seals, lack of cleaning, and the buildup of minerals in the water can cause faucet leakage. It can also occur if you have recently moved into a house that hasn’t been used for many years.
Turn off the water supply and unscrew the handle to fix a leaky faucet. Remove the cap on top of the valve stem where it connects with the spout. Look inside to see if there are any pieces broken off or missing. If so, replace them with new ones available at hardware stores. Reassemble everything and test to see if it leaks before turning on the water supply again.
