Image Credits: Evil Erin via Flickr
1. HOLES IN THE WALL
To fix the white wall blemishes that are smaller than 1/4 inch wide then try covering it up with plain toothpaste. Put enough to fill in the whole and scrape off the excess with a knife. If the imperfection is still evident then sand it flat and re paint. For larger cracks you will have to cover it up with “wall filler or spackling compound” that is available for about S$5-7 at the hardware store.
2. UNEVEN WOODEN FURNITURE AND FLOORS
To avoid sanding the whole floor or table to smoothen it up, try this simple solution. Spread a wet towel over the scratched or uneven area then place a hot flat iron on the top then move it in a circular motion for 3-5 minutes. Color it with varnish afterwards if you want.
3. CLOGGED DRAIN
To clear the drain, avoid chemical cleaners as much as possible. Most clogs are in the P-trap (curved pipe below your sink), which is usually easy to access yourself. Place a bucket below to catch any overflow and unscrew the two connections. Clean any debris inside then, screw everything to place.
4. WOBBLY CHAIRS
To silence the creaks and to stabilize the chair’s frame, tighten all the screws first. If the chair has interlocking joints, disassemble the joints. Fill the cracks with an adhesive to bring the parts together.
5. LOOSE CABINET DOORS
Loosen the cabinet screws on the hinge to adjust the door up and down. Adjust accordingly then, retighten once again. A worn out or a bent latch can be replaced by a new one.
6. DIFFICULT SLIDING DOORS
To smoothen the move of the sliding door, you must clean the debris that are jammed within the track and the wheels. Clear it all by running a paintbrush or vacuum along the track.
7. CLOGGED TOILET
This is one of the usual issues faced in the house. To unclog your toilet, use a plunger that is completely submerged. Plunge vigorously! If this does not work, then buy a toilet auger or plumber’s snake in hardware stores that cost about S$13-15. Insert the flexible tool into your toilet drain then rotate it around.
Image Credits: Gary J. Wood via Flickr
There you have it. See, you can solve household problems without calling for backup!
