Owning a home means dealing with occasional repairs. While some require a professional, others can be handled with basic tools and a little know-how. Here are some essential home repairs every homeowner should be familiar with, and how to tackle them if you love a DIY project — as well as when to call in a pro.

Unclogging a Drain

Blocked sinks, showers, and toilets are common household issues. Grease, hair, soap scum, and food debris are usually to blame. It’s often easy to alleviate yourself by:

• Using a plunger to try and loosen the blockage.
• Using any household drain cleaner.
• Pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain, followed by hot water.

But how do you know when to call in a plumber? Signs that there could be in a bigger issue with the main sewer line include:

• If the clog persists, even after using a plunger or drain cleaner
• When more than one drain is backing up at the same time
• Water backing up from another drain e.g. flushing the toilet causes water to come up in the bathtub or sink

Patching Up Wall Holes

Nobody wants a hole in the wall — whether it’s small holes from nails and screws, or larger holes caused by accidental damage.

• For small holes, apply spackle or wall filler. Smooth it out and repaint.
• For medium holes, use a self-adhesive drywall patch. Cover it with a plaster compound and repaint.
• For large holes, cut a drywall patch and secure it with screws. Finish with plaster compound and repaint.

Remember to match the paint colour first, to ensure a seamless finish after patching (unless you’re keen for a total revamp!).

Fixing a Leaky Tap

Don’t pour your money down the drain. A dripping tap can waste thousands of litres of water per year — up to 20,000 litres to be exact! If your tap is leaky, it’s usually due to a worn-out washer. Here’s how to fix it:

1. First, shut off the water supply under the sink.
2. Use a spanner to remove the tap handle.
3. Unscrew the gland nut inside, and lift out the old washer.
4. Screw on a new one.
5. Reassemble and test for leaks.

If the leak persists, you may need to replace the entire tap. This is where you might have to call in a professional.

Replacing a Broken Tile

Cracked tiles can cause a number of issues, from tripping hazards to allowing water to seep through to the substrate and causing structural damage. If you know which tile was used, and have a spare handy or are able to buy one, you can actually just replace it yourself.

1. Remove the broken tile using a hammer and chisel.
2. Clean the surface.

*Optional: Apply two coats of SEMCO Liquid Membrane*™ onto the substrate for waterproofing protection.

1. Apply tile adhesive.
2. Place the new tile, press firmly, and let it dry.
3. Finish with waterproof grout and seal the edges.

Waterproofing

Water damage can cause mould, weaken structures, and lead to expensive repairs if left untreated. If you notice a leak, using a liquid waterproofing membrane is our top choice for DIY repair. SEMCO Liquid Membrane™ is designed for easy and quick application onto 15+ substrates, using the following method:

1. Identify the problem area (whether it’s a shower floor, balcony, basement wall, or exterior roof)
2. Prepare the Surface: Clean the surface to remove dirt, dust, and debris. Ensure that it is dry before applying the membrane.
3. Apply the First Coat: Use a brush or roller to apply an even layer of the liquid membrane over the area. Pay special attention to joints and corners where leaks are more likely to occur.
4. Allow it to Cure: Let the first coat dry (around 1 hour or until you don’t leave a fingerprint).
5. Apply a Second Coat: For maximum protection, apply a second coat to create a thicker barrier. Ensure that the entire surface is covered evenly.
6. Inspect and Maintain: Once the membrane is fully cured, check for any missed spots or thin areas and simply patch with any leftover product.

Resetting a Tripped Circuit Breaker

If your power suddenly goes out in one room, a tripped breaker is likely the cause. Luckily it’s an easy fix! Locate your home’s electrical panel, find the breaker that has flipped to the "off" position, and flip it back to the "on" position. Note that frequent tripping might indicate an overloaded circuit — if it happens multiple times, consider calling an electrician.

Lubricating Squeaky Hinges

Squeaky doors and cabinet hinges can be annoying, but are simple to tackle with something you already have in your pantry: cooking oil! Just apply it directly to the hinge. You can also take a quick trip to the shops to grab some WD-40, which will ensure longer lasting results.

If the noise persists, you might have to remove the hinge pin, clean it, and reapply lubricant before putting it back onto the door.

So there you have it — some essential home repairs that can save you time and money while keeping your home in great shape. However, if an issue seems complex or unsafe (especially electrical, plumbing, or structural problems), it’s always best to call in a professional. By staying on top of these repairs, you’ll extend the lifespan of your home and prevent costly damage in the future.