Home DIY Tricks of the Trade for the Weekend Warrior

There are many reasons why homeowners choose to fix up their home. For the weekend warriors out there, if the upgrade or fix is not dangerous, then it is worth the time and effort repair themselves. After all, there is a great deal of satisfaction for a job well done.

Do you like the satisfaction of a job well done or simply want to save a few dollars?

For example, not ever drip or air leak requires professional help, but some do. Many DIYers simply want to make a couple of improvements that will save some money, such as installing a smart strip surge protector. Nearly 75% of energy used by electronics are burned when devices are turned off. Instead of unplugging these devices, plug them into a smart surge protector that turns off the devices when they are not in use.

Obviously, this is a trick that anyone can complete during a weekend. But for others, whether there is a small plumbing problem or general home improvement upgrade, here are some tricks of the trade that should help the weekend warriors save some time (and money).

Plumbing Tricks for the Weekend Warrior

Seemingly simple and common plumbing problems can take significant time to get right and growing frustrations will eat up all of your weekend.

• What happens when the faucet starts leaking?
• Who do you call when the toilet starts running?
• What is your instinct when a pipe starts dripping?
• How do you fix that clogged drain?

Plumbing issues can really drive a home weekend warrior crazy!

One way to manage these plumbing projects is plan for extra time to reduce some frustration as the clock ticks away. Additionally, there are a few simple plumbing tricks that may help as well.

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains can wreak havoc on a home, so the best course of action is to help prevent them from occurring in the first place. Fortunately, there are a few things the weekend warrior can do to help prevent clogged drains.

- Do not pour cooking oil (or fat) down the drain because it solidifies in the pipes.
- Do not put skins (chicken, turkey), starchy (potato peels, rice), stringy (celery) or fibrous waste (coffee grinds, corn husks) down the drain because these substances cannot be broken down in the disposal.
- Turn the disposal on (with water running!) before putting food or waste down the drain.
- Allow the disposal to "catch up" after each cup of waste is poured down the drain.

Additionally, take a couple of minutes and install a hair strainer in all of your shower drains. Check the strainer after each shower to reduce the amount of hair that may eventually find its way down the drain and into the pipes.

If a clog does occur, then skip the drano or similar product. The products will help unclog the drain, but will also cause significant damage that will require costly repairs. If a drain (either kitchen or bathtub) is clogged, then use a small drain snake to clear the drain. If you cannot remove the clog using a drain snake, call a professional plumber to help.

Leaky Faucets and Toilets

Frequently, the main cause of leaky faucets are worn out washers. Leaks occur because the washers inside of the faucet handles are rubber and tend to wear out quickly.

To fix, then turn off the main water supply, unscrew the handle and remove the old washer, while inserting the new washer.

Along those lines, leaking toilets often cause weekend warriors a major annoyance.

Why?

The running water is annoying and can add to your water bill over time.

Find some food coloring and add it to the tank to confirm if you have a leaky toilet. Check back in about an hour and if the water in the bowl is colored, then you have a leak.

General Tips for any Weekend Warrior

Drafty Windows

Windows are a big part of every home and can create a few issues. For example, drafty windows have a huge impact on energy bills in the winter and summer. To help, check the condition of any caulk around the windows:

- remove any dry, cracked, or otherwise weathered caulk with a box cutter or other sharp knife.
- run new bead of caulk along the seam.

Additionally, some homes may have sliding windows that may get stuck. Try adding some silicone spray lubricant to grease the skids by spraying it onto a rag, then wipe the window tracks.

Slamming Doors

The opposite of sticky windows might be slamming doors.

To help, find a wide rubber band and wrap it around the doorknobs on both sides, stretching it across the edge of the door. Don't cover the latch and the band should stop the slamming.

Conversely, to stop the slamming, add a few pieces of peel-and-stick foam weather stripping around the doorstop.

Refrigerator Air Sealant

For many of us, the refrigerator door might be the most used door in the house. With excessive use, the door seals may weaken, which can cause a couple of issues. To test the door seals:

- close the door on a dollar bill and attempt to pull it out with the door closed.
- if you cannot easily pull the dollar bill out from the door, your seals are in good shape.
- if the bill slides out without much resistance, it's time to replace the seals.

Routine & Regular Repairs

Like everything in life, we are a reflection of our habits. Making routine and regular reviews of your home will help keep your repair list low and prioritize your weekend warrior time. Take some time every few weekends to walk around your home and list the little things that require repair.

When it is time for the repairs, then consider this time tested trick, the glove of tools, which was shared in January 1949 is still relevant today.

• cut a slit in the cuff of the glove so a belt can pass through.
• snip off the fingertips and thumb tip.
• wear on your hip and the open fingertips can carry pliers and large screwdrivers to help with any repairs.

Snappy offers the same high quality service, anytime, any day, so if you have any issues that are beyond your technical capabilities to fix, then give us a call!