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Empowering Homeowners: 10 Common Home Repairs You Can Easily Do Yourself

Updated: May 20


Common DIY Home Repairs in Edinburgh

As a homeowner, there's a sense of pride and satisfaction in taking care of your own home. While some repairs may seem daunting at first, many common issues can be tackled with just a little know-how and some basic tools. Not only can DIY repairs save you money, but they also empower you to maintain and improve your living space. Here are 10 common home repairs that any homeowner, with a bit of guidance, can easily tackle:


1. Fixing a Leaky Tap: A dripping tap not only wastes water but can also be irritating. Often, the cause is a worn-out washer or O-ring, which can easily be replaced with a spanner and some replacement parts from a nearby hardware shop.


2. Unblocking a Drain: A clogged sink or shower drain is a common annoyance. Try using a plunger first to dislodge the blockage. If that doesn't work, a drain snake or auger can often clear the obstruction quickly.


3. Replacing a Light Fixture: Whether you're updating the style or replacing a broken fixture, swapping out a light fixture is simpler than it may seem. Just be sure to turn off the power at the fuse box before you start, and follow the instructions carefully.


4. Painting Walls: A fresh coat of paint can transform a room and is one of the easiest DIY home improvements. Just be sure to properly prepare the walls by filling in any holes or cracks and applying painter's tape to protect trim and edges.


5. Repairing Holes in Walls: Accidents happen, but fixing a small hole in a wall is a straightforward task. Filler or patch kits are readily available at hardware shops and include everything you need to repair minor damage.


6. Replacing a Door Handle or Lock: Over time, door handles and locks can become loose or worn out. Luckily, replacing them is a simple process that requires just a screwdriver and a new handle or lockset.


7. Sealing Windows and Doors: Drafty windows and doors can lead to higher energy bills. Sealing gaps with caulk or weatherstripping is an easy and cost-effective way to improve energy efficiency and comfort.


8. Fixing a Running Toilet: A running toilet can waste a surprising amount of water. Often, the problem is a faulty flapper valve or fill valve, both of which are inexpensive and easy to replace.


9. Replacing a Broken Tile: Cracked or broken tiles not only detract from the appearance of your home but can also lead to further damage if left unaddressed. With a few tools and some replacement tiles, you can restore your tiled surfaces to their former glory.


10. Maintaining Gutters: Keeping your gutters clean and free of debris is essential for preventing water damage to your home. Grab a sturdy ladder, some gloves, and a scoop, and spend an afternoon removing leaves and other debris from your gutters.


By learning how to tackle these basic home repairs yourself, you can save money on professional services and gain confidence in your abilities as a homeowner. Remember, though, that safety should always come first. If a repair seems too complex or requires specialised knowledge or equipment, don't hesitate to give us a call. With a little practice and patience, you'll soon be a DIY expert, ready to take on whatever home maintenance tasks come your way, and for all other tasks, you know where we are.


FAQs – Common Home Repairs


Ques 1. How often should I clean my gutters? Twice a year—once in spring and again in autumn. If you have overhanging trees or heavy storms, check them more frequently to prevent blockages and water damage.

Ques 2. What’s the quickest fix for a dripping tap? Replace the washer or cartridge. Shut off the water supply, disassemble the handle, swap the worn part, and re-assemble. Most leaks stop immediately.

Ques 3. My circuit breaker trips repeatedly—what should I do? Unplug all appliances on that circuit, reset the breaker, then plug items back in one at a time. If it trips again with nothing plugged in—or trips on multiple circuits—call a licensed electrician.

Ques 4. How can I tell if a wall crack is serious? Hairline cracks under 3 mm are usually cosmetic; mark the ends with pencil and monitor for growth. Wider, jagged, or widening cracks may signal structural issues—get a professional assessment promptly.

Ques 5. What’s the best way to stop a squeaky floorboard? For accessible sub-floors, drive trim screws at an angle into the joist beneath the squeak. For finished floors, use a break-away screw kit or sprinkle talcum powder between boards for a temporary hush.

Ques 6. Why is my toilet constantly running?

Most commonly the flapper isn’t sealing or the fill-valve height is off. Replace the flapper (a 5-minute task) or adjust the float so the water stops 2 cm below the overflow tube.

Ques 7. How do I know when to re-seal my shower grout? If grout looks chalky, cracks, or absorbs water (it darkens), it’s time. Clean thoroughly, let dry, apply a penetrating sealer, and wipe excess after 5 minutes.


Ques 8. When should I replace old caulk around windows?

If you see gaps, peeling, or drafts, scrape out the old bead, clean the surface, and apply fresh exterior-grade silicone or acrylic-latex caulk for better energy efficiency.


 
 
 

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