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Household Repair Horrors: How to Handle Them -

Brian Lee BurkeBrian Lee Burke
Aug 8, 2024 4 min read
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Household Repair Horrors: How to Handle Them -

Buying your first house is an exciting and exciting dream come true for everyone. Moving to your new home alone comes with a long list of chores. However, with this vast responsibility comes even more tasks: household repairs! Dealing with these labors on your own may be daunting, from leaky faucets to clogged drains. But not anymore. This guide covers some of the most common household repair issues you may face at some point and how to deal with them efficiently and on a budget.

Clogged Drain

Clogged drains have to be at the top of the list of household nuisances that can happen to anyone at anytime thanks to a simple case of hair buildup, food debris, or soap scum. The blockage can often be cleared using a drain plunger or drain snake. After plunging the solids out, pour a simple concoction of baking soda and vinegar down the drain to clear up minor blockages. If you wish to avoid getting your hands dirty next time, invest in drain covers, which catch debris and prevent them from going further down, clogging the plumbing.

Cracked Tile

Cracked tiles are standard, especially if you have kids or have recently moved heavy furniture. What’s worse is that they stick out like a sore thumb in the rest of your pristine flooring. To fix this:

  1. Remove the grout around the broken tile and use a hammer to shatter the rest of the tile.
  2. Remove the broken pieces and use a scraping tool to remove any leftover adhesive from the floor.
  3. Apply a fresh layer of adhesive and replace a new tile, regrouting around it to finish it off.

Stucco Damage

Stucco finishes add a classic and elegant look to your house, but it can sometimes be difficult to identify damage, especially if it is not visible. Some signs to look out for are cracks, discoloration, or bulging, which can indicate underlying issues. If you notice small cracks, clean the area with a damp washcloth and use a stucco patching compound to fill it up. Then, smooth it out to blend in with the surrounding area. However, seeking expert consultation for more significant issues is always better. 

Dealing with stucco damage is not everyone’s cup of tea, and I would always prefer searching for good, professional stucco remediation near me to help with this problem. 

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Paint Peeling Away

There is nothing that gives your home a haunted mansion feel like peeling paint does. First, scrape away peeling paint and use sandpaper to smooth the surface. Use a primer to prepare the surface, then repaint it with the same paint as the rest of the wall. There is little you can do to prevent paint from peeling in the outdoors. However, indoors, ensure you ventilate your house adequately and take moisture-prevention measures to avoid moisture buildup.

Leaky Roof

A leaky roof is one of the most problematic household troubles, which compromises roof safety and can make things worse during the rainy season. If that’s not all, it can cause structural issues in the foundations, mold growth, and water damage. To deal with this, first, identify where the leak is located. This is best done when it’s raining so you can take an attic tour and look for the problem spot. Then, use roofing cement, tarp, or sealant to fix the crack or hole. This should fix the issue, at least temporarily. If the leak persists, call in professional roofing help to prevent further damage.

Stuck Garbage Disposal

Another kitchen trouble is a jammed garbage disposal. If this happens, first turn off the disposal. Then, use an Allen wrench, commonly available at hardware stores, to insert it into the bottom of the disposal and rotate it. This should free the jam and get the disposal running. Do not make the mistake of inserting your hand inside to unclog the jam because this can lead to severe injury.

Conclusion

Having to deal with household repairs as a first-time house owner is a daunting experience because one often doesn’t know how to handle the issue. Therefore, it is better to learn beforehand about typical repairs your home may need now and then, stock up on supplies you might need to perform said repairs and understand the steps you will need to take. And that’s it: you are ready to take on the task of having your own home, making it last for years to come, and ensuring it is a safe space for you and your family. 

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WRITTEN BY
Brian Lee Burke
Brian Lee Burke
AUTHOR, E-PRO®, REALTOR® BROKER

Brian Lee Burke is the founder and team leader of Kenna Real Estate Group, a real estate team at Keller Williams DTC. A licensed REALTOR® since 2002, Brian helps Colorado buyers and sellers navigate residential real estate, new construction, pricing, and negotiation. He is also the author of The Real Estate Playbook and Mastering Real Estate: Your Guide to Becoming a Top Agent.

View Brian Lee Burke’s full profile.