3 Common Home Repairs You Can Do Yourself

Homeownership can sometimes feel daunting, especially since you will be the one responsible for handling any repairs that need to be done. You can no longer simply call your landlord to take care of things. While there are some tasks for which you will need professional help, there are many small things you can do yourself to save time and money. Let’s discuss some common repairs you can take care of on your own.

Switch out a broken toilet handle

Not all toilet troubles require a plumber. A broken toilet handle is a common concern that can cause flushing issues, but it can easily be taken care of with just a few household tools.

• Open the tank. Be careful when you set it down, as porcelain is fragile. Locate the model number and write that down so you can get the right replacement part.
• Unhook the lift chain that connects the long arm to the flush valve.
• Remove the old handle. You may need to use a crescent wrench to loosen the nut that holds the handle in place. Don’t force it, as you don’t want to damage the porcelain.
• Purchase a replacement. Go to your local home store with either the old valve or the model number and get a new one.
• Attach the new handle and chain. Make sure you do some test flushes to ensure the chain isn’t too loose or tight.

Fix a jammed garbage disposal

Has your garbage disposal stopped running? It can be a relatively simple fix in many cases.
First, you’ll need to know if the disposal needs to be reset. If you turn it on and don’t hear a humming noise, reset it via the button under the cylinder for the garbage disposal. If you do hear a humming noise when you turn it on yet the blades aren’t spinning or the sink isn’t draining, it might be jammed.

• Unplug the disposal and/or turn off its circuit breaker.
• Look inside to see what could be blocking it. Remove objects with tongs—never stick your hand down the drain.
• Use a broom handle or something similar and stick it down the disposal to nudge the blades to turn. Gently push back and forth until the blades move freely.
• Reset the garbage disposal.
• Reconnect it to the power source and turn it back on.
• You may need to repeat this procedure several times until it starts working. When in doubt, call a professional.

Replace a light switch

Whether you want to update your home style or fix a problem, there are times when you may need to update a light switch. To save you the hassle of calling a professional, you might want to do it yourself. It’s important to practice safety measures when dealing with electricity, however, so proceed with caution.

• First, go to the circuit breaker and cut the power in the room where you’ll be working. Even if they are labeled, test various items in the room to ensure power is off before you start working.
• Remove the light’s faceplate and hold a non-contact voltage director up to the terminals. If it doesn’t register a current, it’s safe to continue.
• Remove the screws that fasten the switch to the wall and pull it away from the wall.
• Remove the wires and begin attaching the wires to the new switch. Find more details on how to do that here.
• Push the switch back into the electrical box and screw it back to the wall.
• Turn power back on and test to be sure it works before replacing the faceplate.

Though maintaining a home can seem overwhelming, there are many things you can do on your own. The more you learn, the more comfortable you’ll feel about being handy. If you own a Perry Homes home, don’t forget to take advantage of our exclusive Two-Year Workmanship Warranty, which covers issues related to HVAC, plumbing, and more.