The definitive guide to small home repairs

Gone are the days when, for any repair that was needed at home, a woman needed the help of her husband, brother, father, boyfriend or a specialized professional. Most small home repairs can be done by yourself, with willpower and a little practice. The guide below is a big step towards your complete independence.

changing the light bulb

As this is an operation that involves electricity, it is important to eliminate the risk of electric shock. Turn off the circuit breaker for that room in the house on the electricity board – if you don’t know which circuit breaker is for each room, just test one by one, turning it off and on, until you cut the power to the right place.

Holding the glass part of the lamp, turn it counterclockwise to release it from the base. Then, hold the new bulb also by the bulb and screw it into the base, clockwise. Reset the circuit breaker and test, turning on the ambient light.

It is important to make sure you replace the old bulb with one of the same voltage (it can be 110v or 220v). The old lamp must be properly disposed of.

painting a wall

Some materials are needed. Before you begin, provide a roll of faux or sheepskin wool, paint container, brush, masking tape, newspaper, or cardboard to protect the floor. Choose a water-based paint in your preferred color. Pour some into the paint container and “temper” according to the package instructions (the manufacturer usually asks that the paint be diluted with water before application; this process is called “tempering the paint”).

Then use masking tape to protect places you don’t want to paint, such as the baseboard, doorframe, and window frame, for example. Dip the roller in the paint, removing the excess in the container itself; then apply the paint to the wall (which must be clean), using paint whenever necessary. Use the brush to paint the corners close to the masking tape or that the roller cannot reach.

unclogging the sink

Small clogs can be overcome with a plunger. Remember to use it with the sink containing water. If, on the other hand, the case seems critical, there are two solutions. In the most basic, throw a cup of salt, a cup of baking soda and boiling water down the drain. In the most drastic, unscrew the siphon (it is under the sink and will be threaded in the drain), and throw the dirt accumulated in it away – be careful not to make too much mess; remember that what is there is a mixture of water with leftover food and the view may not be pleasant at all. Then screw on the siphon again.

Changing shower heater

Again, be sure to turn off the bathroom breaker before you start working on it. The risk of shock in this case is high if you do not take this precaution. Remove the bottom of the shower and then the resistance that is burned. Following the instructions on the package, install the new resistor, replacing the bottom of the shower head in place and screwing it in well, to avoid leaks. Before turning the power back on, open the valve and let cold water run through the shower – this procedure prevents the new resistance from burning out. Reset the circuit breaker and use the shower normally.

fixing the download

When the discharge goes off, it could be a problem with the spring inside the valve. The valve is that “button” that you press to flush. Open the cover and, using a screwdriver, remove the outer part, which contains the spring. The new set must be specifically the same brand as your discharge. Install it and screw again, using the screwdriver. Close the valve cover.

Hanging frames and shelves

The main difficulties, when hanging pictures and shelves, is keeping them completely straight and firm on the wall. You will need a drill, bits, plugs and screws – all items can be purchased at building supply stores -, screwdriver, hammer and masking tape.

For large frames or heavy shelves that need more than one screw, make sure they are all completely aligned. You can do this by using a tape measure, a meter or a tape measure to mark from the ceiling where the screws will go. After marking, protect the area with a piece of masking tape, this prevents the paint from peeling.

Position the drill where you want to drill the hole, at a right angle. After drilling, fit the dowel into the hole made – if necessary, use the hammer to get it in completely. Finally, place the screw in the bushing with the help of the screwdriver.

If you want to hang a small picture, like a picture frame, for example, you don’t need a drill, drill or screw, just mark the hole location and use a nail and hammer.

fixing cracks

Cracks are normal and tend to appear in the most diverse places in the house, but you need to make sure that the crack you found does not compromise the structure of the building. Gently tap the spot with your fist – if the sound is “hollow”, it’s best to call a specialist. If not, a little bit of spaghetti should solve the problem.

If the paint has “peeled off” from the wall, like a bubble whose shell has come off, it is best to finish peeling it off with the help of a spatula. If that’s not the case, just peel it off in a rectangle around the original crack. Cover the gap with putty and a synthetic nylon mesh – you can find this product at home improvement stores. On the canvas, apply another layer of putty. Wait for it to dry and sand until the surface is completely smooth.

Installing chandeliers and lamps

It is important to turn off the power to the room in which you want to install the chandelier or lamp. Electric shocks are dangerous and can even be fatal, so make sure you have turned off the main switch or circuit breaker in the room.

At the power outlet of the ceiling or wall there will be two wires of electricity. You must connect them to the wires of the lamp or chandelier – if they are covered, use a utility knife to strip the ends of both. To connect the wires, simply place them side by side and twist with pliers, covering the junction with plenty of electrical tape.

Fit the chandelier’s fastener into the screw holes that are already in the ceiling’s power outlet. Fix the chandelier to the ceiling with the screws and the help of a screwdriver.

finding leaks

It is often difficult to notice if there are leaks in the house and you may only realize it when your rooms are flooded. If you suspect that a pipe is leaking, an easy way to confirm the suspicion is to look at the water meter. After closing all the faucets in the house very well, dial the number recorded on it and stay an hour without using the faucets, the shower or even the toilet. Recheck the water meter to see if it still has the same number on the record – as it would normally – or if that number has increased – which indicates a leak

fixing the faucet

You’ll need pliers, a screwdriver, a wrench, a wrench, and a new faucet seal – also known as a leatherette. Close the water valve and unscrew the top pin of the faucet with the pliers. Take it out and set it aside. Remove, with the screwdriver, the internal screw of the faucet, which is under this pin. Loosen the top of the faucet with the wrench.

Then remove the old seal and replace it with a new one, snapping each piece back into place. If, when you remove the top part of the faucet, you notice that the seal is tight, you will need to change the faucet. In this case, it is worth following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Fixing wall imperfections

You will need spatula – you can buy it ready-made at paint stores or building materials stores –, a trowel, a spatula, sandpaper and a dust mop. This type of repair is used to cover holes or cracks in the wall. This work usually generates a lot of white dust, so it’s a good idea to cover the furniture with old sheets and the floor with newspaper or cardboard.

Start by using the spatula to put some of the batter on the trowel. Then, run the trowel on the wall, in order to spread the dough on the desired surface. Try to put a little pressure on the trowel so that the surface is as smooth as possible. Let it dry for approximately five hours and sand the surface hard to leave the wall completely smooth. Finally, use the duster to remove all the dust generated by the sandpaper.

sealing the window

If you suffer from rainwater leaking through your window, you first need to find out where it is entering. When the point is completely dry, use a spray gun to apply industrial silicone, sealing the hole.

changing the switch

Before changing the switch, make sure it’s not just a bad contact. To do this, turn off the power to the environment in question and remove the protective cover from the switch. Disconnect the wires and reconnect them, covering the seam with electrical tape. Put the cover back on and turn the power back on.

If the procedure does not work, remove the cover again and turn the switch to gain access to the wires that are connected at the back. Disconnect these wires and replace the old switch with a new one, reconnecting the wires with the help of a Philips screwdriver. Put the switch back in place and finally also the cover. Turn the power back on and test the new switch.