Handyman Glendale CO: Handyman
services are companies that specialize in small home repairs and the “to-do”
list. Handyman services are ideal for
handling the smaller home repairs that building contractors typically turn
down. A handyman specializes in and
makes his living performing small home repairs and remodeling projects.
Here are some simple home repair tips from a HandyPro Handyman serving
the Glendale
community. If you are a do-it-yourself
homeowner, this information will be helpful to you. Otherwise, hire it done by your local
handyman service!
Dear Keith. My husband has taken a job that will cause him to travel,
which means that I have become the “do it yourselfer” of the house. What advice
would you have to the first-time DIYer? Janice S. Whitmore Lake
Welcome to the world
of home improvement. You took the first step in the right direction by asking
for help. By doing so, you can avoid many common home improvement mistakes and
pitfalls, (many that I have made). Several home maintenance and improvement
projects are difficult if you don’t have the right tools or knowledge. Although
we could write a book on your question, I’ve decided to compile a few shortcuts
that may help in your new venture.
1. Do you have a leaky
copper pipe? Many leaks are caused by frozen pipes or worn connections. There
is a product called Sharkbite Fittings that can help you replace damaged or
leaky pipes by “clicking and fitting.” Sweating the copper pipes and fittings
are no longer necessary for many of these projects. If you ever played with
LEGOs and used a saw, you can work with the Sharkbite fittings and possibly
save hundreds of dollars.
2. Have a door that
sticks? Many doors become loose due to the worn screw holes at the hinges.
Remove the loose hinges and insert toothpicks into the holes then apply wood
glue. Allow the glue to set overnight then cut the excess toothpicks. Next,
predrill a hole if necessary, screw the hinges back in place and your door
hinge will be as tight as new. This process also works with cabinet knobs.
3. Have a squeaky floor under a carpet? Once thought impossible to fix, now there is a solution for the novice DIYer. There are many products such as “Squeeeeek No More” which can fix a squeaky floor with only a drill and some patience. The screw is inserted through the carpet and the floor boards by using this product and a drill. The screw tightens the floor board(s) and the joist together, eliminating the squeak. The screw head is then removed below the rug, leaving no trace of the screw or the repair.
4. Need a stud finder
and don’t have one? Heavy picture and mirrors that are hung on the wall require
extra support from nailing or screwing into a stud providing extra strength. A
stud finder is the tool that locates a stud behind drywall. If you do not have
one, take an electric razor and run it across the wall while turned on, when
the tone changes, you now have your stud.
5. Got a sluggish
kitchen or bathroom drain? Pour a ½ cup of baking soda down the drain and add ½
cup of vinegar. Cover and seal the drain for a few minutes, then add 6 cups of
boiling water and watch the water flow. How it works: the combination of the
baking soda and vinegar causes the fatty acids to break down into soap and
glycerin allowing the drain to open.
6. Toilet running
continuously? Before you call a professional plumber try these two tips. Water
will flow through the inside of tank if the rubber flapper is not properly
positioned and sealed against the inside rim.
a. In most toilets, the handle is connected to a rod inside the tank. When flushed it will pull against a connected chain and open the rubber flapper allowing the water to drain. Often the rubber flapper does not completely seal the inside rim, causing the water to continuously flow. The rod may need adjusting to completely seal the rim. Correct this issue by bending the rod downward with your hands.
b. If it continues to run and the flapper has not been replaced in years, turn off the water to the toilet and then flush. This will empty the tank allowing you to remove the flapper and take it to your nearest hardware for replacement.
This article was written by Keith Paul, a State of Michigan Licensed Builder. Paul serves as
president and founding member of nationally franchised HandyPro Handyman
Service, servicing Washtenaw, Wayne and Oakland Counties. Listen to Paul every Saturday
at 11 a.m. on “It’s Your Home, Let’s Talk About It” WAAM Talk 1600AM. Email
questions or comments to kpaul@handypro.com
What’s on your to-do list? HandyPro Handyman Services offers affordable
solutions to a wide variety of home
repairs and maintenance projects.
They also offer senior
home modification services including kitchen and bathroom remodeling, stair
lifts, wheelchair ramps, super strong grab bars, walk-in
tubs and showers and more. HandyPro
specializes in helping the homeowner, business or property manager have minor
repairs completed professionally, in a timely manner, and guarantees 100%
customer satisfaction.
Hiring
a Handyman, Senior home modification, wheelchair ramps, stair rails and
grab bars, stair lifts, kitchen and bathroom retrofitting, Carpentry, Plaster,
Drywall, Acoustic Ceilings, Grout tub, fix leaky faucet, home
warranty/maintenance, paint
home, caulk bathtub, replace locks, garage doors, cabinets, countertops,
fix running toilet, repair squeaky door, install molding, security services,
stained glass, door repair/install, drywall repair, painting, kitchen,
insulation, concrete, masonry, repair gutters, remove wallpaper, replace
ceiling fan, caulk awning, siding repair, install shelves, organizers, ceramic
tile, window well covers, replace bathroom fan, draperies, blinds, shades,
glass, mirrors, decks, and much more…just ask!