Some pesky home problems you can DIY; however, sometimes you need to call a Geelong handyman. So how do you know when it’s a DIY fix or a phone call to your local Geelong handyman? Here are some home repairs we think you can DIY.
Clear a slow-draining sink
Clogged drains are a common problem in households around the Bellarine. Generally, a slow-draining sink is caused by a build-up of oils, fats or sticky foods in the trap under the sink. Thankfully, clogged drains are generally an easy fix.
Start by trying to clear the blockage with Drano; just follow the instructions provided. If this doesn’t work, you will need to remove the trap and clear it manually. Firstly, remove all excess water from the sink and then ensure that you put a bucket under the sink to catch the water contents left in the trap. If the blockage is caused by a food solid, you will need to prise it out with a skewer or something similar.
Geelong plumbers
If clearing a slow-draining sink sounds too tricky for your abilities, call a Geelong plumber like MMD to help! Our local plumbers in Geelong can clear slow-draining sinks, clogged drains, and more.
Open jammed windows
Jammed windows are an issue in Ocean Grove and Torquay. Often people put too many layers of paint on windows and perhaps don’t let the paint dry before they close the window! Don’t despair; it’s fixable. To open jammed windows, you need to re-instate the gap between the window frame and the sash so there is enough room to slide the windows open freely.
How to open jammed windows
First, examine the inside and outside of the jammed sash where it meets the window frame and determine what needs to be done to open the window. Then follow these steps to open the jammed windows:
- Carefully cut through the paint and widen the joint
- Using a scraper, carefully separate the sash from the frame around the window to free it up completely.
- Slowly try to lift the sash gently (you may need to use a pry bar between the base of the window and the sash to lever it up).
- Once the sash is released, use a scraper and some sandpaper to remove the excess paint from the frame and sash.
- You can touch up these areas with a new pint, but make sure to leave the window open until it dries completely!
Crack in the wall
With extremes in weather, our homes move and cracks in the walls appear. A small hairline crack can be handled yourself; however, if you suspect the crack is a foundational failure, you should consult a professional Geelong carpenter.
Patch cracks in walls
First, ensure you have all the tools, such as a scraper, sanding block, paintbrush, plaster and plaster tape and all the PPE (mask, safety glasses etc). Then follow these steps to fix a hairline crack in your wall:
- Remove any loose material from the crack
- Apply a base coat of plaster followed by plaster tape and then another thin layer of plaster over the tape
- Repeat this step to adequately fill the crack
- Sand between each layer of plaster, including the last layer
- Let each layer of plaster dry for 6 to 8 hours.
- Paint the entire wall where you patched the crack
If you don’t have the right tools or time to repair the cracks in your wall, contact the experienced carpenters at MMD for help. Our Geelong tradies provide a comprehensive range of indoor and outdoor home repairs and home renovation options, from plastering to painting to fixing locks to custom cabinetry and beyond.
Geelong handyman, plumbers and carpenters for Bellarine & Surf Coast
As a full-service home maintenance service provider for Geelong, Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads and Surf Coast, MMD should be your go-to option for anything beyond your DIY expertise.
When it comes to home repairs, we suggest you give it a go yourself first, and remember MMD Maintenance isis here if you are not confident in tackling your home repair tasks yourself. Request a quote or call us on (03) 5222 6022.
