How To Repair A Large Rusted Hole In Floor Of Van

4 Beginner-Level Repairs Every Renter Should Know How to Make

SaveComments

spackle knife in white spackle tub on wood surface.another knife and sandpaper in photo — Credit: Tetra Images/Getty Images

One of the biggest appeals of renting is that you're not usually responsible for maintenance or repairs — but aid isn't always at the ready in a pinch. "Supers, flat complex maintenance teams, and landlords have never-ending to-do lists, so sometimes it can have hours or fifty-fifty days earlier your repair is completed," says Mallory Micetich, home care expert at Angi.

A basic knowledge of the most common repairs can keep your rental space functional without relying on your landlord for everything — and, of course, ensure you become your security eolith back when your lease is upwardly. That said, always carefully read your charter agreement earlier attempting a repair on your own; Micetich says some landlords don't allow tenants to make repairs of any kind. If y'all're unsure, call yours to inquire for permission.

Ahead, notice four beginner-level repairs every renter should know how to do, according to experts.

Unclog a Toilet

When your toilet's chock-full, y'all might not have time to phone call for help (or, you lot might non feel great airing your issue to someone you barely know). That'south why Matt O'Rourke, president of Z PLUMBERZ, recommends all renters keep a toilet plunger handy to clear any tricky blockages.

Fixing the trouble is easier than yous think. Micetich recommends laying erstwhile rags or newspaper towels at the base of operations of the toilet to forestall a mess on your flooring. Using a bucket, empty out half the h2o from the toilet bowl. And so, insert your plunger into the bowl, with the flange (the condom part) inside of the drain hole.

"Push the plunger down once to get the air out, so plunge upwards and down forcibly for ten to twenty seconds," she says. "You lot may need to do this a few times to unclog the toilet completely." If information technology still isn't flushing properly, call your maintenance team for professional help.

To foreclose future clogs, O'Rourke says information technology's best not to flush anything that isn't toilet paper. "This includes 'flushable' wipes, feminine hygiene products, and other items, as these might finish up bottleneck pipes and causing larger harm," he says.

Credit: Photo: Sarah Crowley; Location: Publishing House, Chicago

Clear a Clogged Shower

Some other common qualm: A clogged drain in your shower. Kevin Busch, VP of operations for Mr. Handyman, a Neighborly company, suggests snaking a plastic drain zipper — a long, plastic tool with notches that selection up hair or other debris in drains. First, use a screwdriver to remove the drain cover. Then, push the plastic zipper down the drain as far as you can, twisting it around so it can grab whatsoever's clogging it.

Patch a Hole in the Wall

Holes in your wall can be an eyesore. If the drywall damage in question is minor — for example, nail holes — so the fix is pretty simple. How small is minor enough to fix on your own? "We simply recommend trying this if your hole is less than half an inch in diameter," says Micetich. "If it'southward a larger hole, phone call your maintenance team to properly repair the impairment."

Here's her suggested method: First, smoothen out the affected expanse with a slice of sandpaper. One time you make sure there aren't any rough edges well-nigh the hole, spread spackle or drywall compound into the hole using a putty knife. After you lot apply your concluding layer, plumage the edges of the compound with a damp rag to blend the patched spot in with the existing wall. Once the compound is dry out, sand the wall area using 120-grit sandpaper. Sand the wall using clockwise motions and so again using counterclockwise motions. Look at the wall from all angles to ensure a smooth finish.

Turn Off the Master Water Supply

If yous rent a house and y'all've got a water emergency, such as a flare-up piping or leak, it's a good idea to know where the main h2o supply valve is — and how to plough it off.

Co-ordinate to Issabel Williams, a handyman coordinator at Fantastic Services, every home has a primary water shutoff valve that controls the water supply for the unabridged house. "Information technology'due south normally located close to where the water principal enters the house from the street. Information technology's likewise possible it might be in the basement, the garage, or in a utility room or a closet," she says.

When you've found it, turn the cycle handles clockwise to cut off the water supply. For levers, slowly turn the lever handle a quarter turn. If it'southward not already been done, mark it with "on" and "off" for future reference, or for anyone else who may need to use it.

Ashley Abramson

Contributor

Ashley Abramson is a writer-mom hybrid in Minneapolis, MN. Her work, more often than not focused on health, psychology, and parenting, has been featured in the Washington Post, New York Times, Allure, and more. She lives in the Minneapolis suburbs with her husband and two young sons.

Follow Ashley

SaveComments