As a homeowner, you may not want to have to call in a professional each and every time you have a minor repair or maintenance concern. While you likely have a hammer and a drill or screwdriver set at home, there are a few more investments you can make in order to make completing quick fixes faster and easier. Consider investing in the eight tools below, so that you can accomplish the quick fixes you require without delay.
Toilet Plunger
From time to time the toilet bowl will get clogged, or maybe even overflow. The good news is, most of the time all you need to do is plunge the toilet a few times to get the drain moving again. Just make sure that you wait until the water goes down a bit before you start plunging, otherwise you will have even more of a mess to clean up. Keep in mind that if you are having to plunge your toilet more than once every couple of months, that there is likely a larger problem that a plumber needs to address.
Plastic Drain Snake
Another tool to keep nearby is a non-electric plastic drain snake. This is basically a long, skinny, and flexible piece of plastic with small hooks on it. The hooks are perfect for latching on to one of the most common causes of slow drains in your bathroom—hair. As an added benefit, a plastic drain snake is a chemical-free method of dislodging a clog. If you find that your drain is clogging with frequency, consider adding a mesh hair catcher. If that does not improve the situation—then you may need a plumber to help fix the problem.
Plumbing Tape
Plumbing tape is an excellent temporary fix. If you have a small leak or dripping a pipe, simply apply plumbing tape so that it does not continue to damage the surrounding area. This allows you to keep the water in your home on, and to schedule a plumber without the need for emergency services. Just make sure that you have a plumber come out in the next few days, and keep a close eye on the leaky area.
Flashlight
There are a multitude of reasons to keep a couple of powerful LED flashlights in the home. Flashlights are not only necessary when there is a power outage, but can be useful when you are doing repairs and maintenance in areas of the home with minimal lighting. For example, if you are in the basement checking to see where the leak in your hot water heater is coming from—a bright LED flashlight will help you to see.
Extension Ladder
Almost every homeowner has a step stool, but there are many places that will be easier to reach with an extension ladder. Whether you are changing a light bulb, cleaning a ceiling fan, or repairing a recessed light that has dislodged from the ceiling—an extension ladder will improve safety, and make the job easier to achieve.
Hand Cart
Even if the need is only occasional, investing in a hand cart can really make life easier. It will help you to move everything from heavy boxes, appliances, or furniture. Consider a hand cart that is semi-collapsible so that it does not take up too much room in your garage.
WD-40
WD-40 is a versatile spray that allows you to perform a number of functions. This includes loosening a stubborn bolt or screw, quieting a squeaky hinge, or even keeping the moving parts of your home electrical systems lubricated.
Adjustable Wrench
An adjustable wrench is a versatile tool that can be used throughout your home and garage. A wrench can be used to tighten bolts, address a leaking pipe, or access the filter of your water heater or HVAC system.
All of the tools above can be found at your local home and garden store. Aside from the functions mentioned above, each can be used for a multitude of quick fixes throughout your home. When tools alone aren’t enough to get the job done, reach out to Pittsburgh’s residential plumbing experts at Tudi Mechanical Systems. From clogged drains to blocked pipes, the Pittsburgh plumbing technicians at Tudi have the skills and experience to quickly diagnose and repair any plumbing problem your home can come across. Make sure your pipes are all in working order and contact the experts at Tudi today.
