10 Common DIY Maintenance Videos for New Homeowners

As you’re getting settled into your new home, it’s likely that you will probably run into a few common home maintenance issues. At Hoffman Home Inspections, we’ve performed inspections on hundreds of homes and have come to find that most of the common problems are a result of the lack of experience and knowledge of new homeowners.

However, we also know that a majority of these typical home maintenance problems can be remedied easily on your own. Here is a list of 10 common DIY maintenance issues with video links to help you get started.

Clogged drain

A slow drain is a sure sign you have a clog somewhere. Whether it’s in the kitchen or bathroom, this can be more than just a hassle. All plumbing systems are bound to develop clogs at some point, and there’s no way to avoid that. However, you can probably fix most clogged sinks and toilets can without calling a plumber. But don’t ignore the problem! If left unfixed, it can lead to severe issues. This video that contains helpful tips to unclog those drains.

Leaking faucet

The drip, drip, drip of a leaky faucet means you pay more on your water bill. No one wants to throw money down the drain. There are 4 main causes for leaky faucets:

Problem in the o ring
Corroded valve seat
Worn out washer
Improper installation of washer.

Each time you use your faucet, the force of the water causes friction, which can wear out the washer or o ring, or accumulate sediment buildup on the valve seat. Fixing a leaky faucet is a simple process. Check out this video for full instructions.

HVAC maintenance

Maintaining your HVAC is important to ensure it will operate efficiently. You can do much of the routine maintenance yourself and save money. One simple thing you can do to get ready for summer is clean the condenser coils. This part of your air conditioner sits outside. Watch this video for directions.

Here are some tips that will extend the life of your HVAC:

Use a high-efficiency pleated filter and replace it at least every 90 days
Remove debris from outdoor a/c units and heat pumps
Shut off water supply to the furnace humidifier in the summer

Gutter extension

Sometimes gutter downspouts are positioned too close to the house. This means that after heavy rains, water may lie against the foundation of your home, causing potential damage. Extending the downspouts an extra few feet will greatly improve the performance of your gutters.

Gutter extensions are installed at the end of a downspout to help carry rainwater away from a home so that it doesn’t cause damage to your roof, siding, foundation, and even your landscape.

Watch this video illustrate how to do the job.

Install anti-tip device on the range

If you have small children around, you may want to consider installing an anti-tip device on your range. This device ensures small children do not accidentally pull a stove over on top of them. You’ll find this video a great guide to complete the task.

Flush hot water heater

Your hot water heater needs an annual flushing in order to perform optimally. If the sediment isn’t flushed out regularly, it accumulates and can cause damage to your unit. Here is how you can accomplish this goal yourself.

Replace damaged window screens

Damaged window screens diminish the beauty of a house and they allow bugs inside if you have the window open. No reason to let those damaged screens take away from your house’s attractiveness, this video will help you make the repairs.

Ventilation in bathroom

If your bathroom doesn’t have a ventilation fan, then you likely deal with a lot of steam and fog in the bathroom. Installing a ventilation fan is not as hard as you think. Here is a video to help you with the project.

Leaking water heater

When your water heater is leaking it may mean a serious problem for you. Getting it fixed right away will reduce the likelihood of further problems. Some people aren’t sure if their water heater is actually leaking or if they are seeing condensation. This video will help you know when your water heater needs repair and how to do it.

Squeaky wood floors

Do you have a loose board or two on your floor? You will know if you do if you hear a squeak when you walk over sections of your floor. This sound can be annoying but more importantly, you don’t want a loose board on your floor. Fixing it can be tricky but possible with the help of this video.

Taking care of these simple DIY home repair projects will reduce your costs and make increase the value of your home. Contact us at Hoffman Home Inspections for more information.

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