When you became a new homeowner, you probably started collecting common tools. Now, it's time to put those tools to good use and handle some of the most common home issues yourself.

It may seem easier to just call a repair person, but why should you waste hundreds of dollars when you can fix the issue yourself? In addition, you'll gain a sense of pride knowing you can handle fixing some of the things that happen around your new home. Here's a look at three common home issues and how to fix them.

A Loose Toilet Seat

loose-toilet-seatOver time, toilet seats can become loos. This is an easy thing to fix and it shouldn't take much time or effort. While the short-term fix is to simply tighten the hinge-bot nut, you can actually use the following fix for a longer-term solution.

You will need a toilet-seat tightening kit, which you can get in the plumbing section of any hardware store.

First, remove the cover for the hinge-bold and remove the nut holding the hinge bold in place. Make sure to leave the hinge bolts in place, however.

Second, use the kit and put a washer onto the hinge bolt under the toile. Make sure it's wedged tightly underneath the hinge-bolt hole.

Finally, just replace the hinge-bold and tighten it into place. You will need to repeat this on the other side, as well.

Jammed Garbage Disposal

garbage-disposalGarbage disposals can be great, but they can also be a problem. If you have a clogged garbage disposal, you can fix it yourself with just a few tools.

You will need pliers, a flashlight and an Allen or Hex wrench.

First, turn off the disposal and turn off the electric feed to it (usually found in your circuit breaker box).

Second, use the flashlight to look down inside the disposal, while pulling out the clog with the pliers. DO NOT put your hands in the garbage disposal for any reason whatsoever.

In most cases, this will solve the issue. If not, you can try using the reversal feature as you run cold water into the disposal. Some garbage disposals don't have a reverse feature.
In this case, you will need to turn off the power to the disposal, get under the sink and work an Allen wrench into the hold back and forth in both directions. The hole is found at the bottom of the disposal.

Once you can move the wrench in a full circle, you can use pliers to remove the object jammed in your disposal. Before you turn the disposal back on, push the reset button and run plenty of cold water through it.

A Sticking Door

door-hingeA door that sticks can be very annoying and even dangerous. This fix may be simply fixed by tightening hinge screws.

You will need a screwdriver, wooden matches or toothpicks and wood glue.

First, take out the screws from the hinge and take the hinge off the door or jamb, depending on which side is loose.

Second, put some wood glue in each of the screw holes.

Third, use the toothpicks or the wooden part of a match and put them into the screw holes. After about 10 minutes, cut or snap off the excess wood.

Finally, reattach the door with the screws. This should provide a tight fit.

There are several easy repairs you can make yourself with a few tools and instructions. These three are rather easy fixes you can do around your new house in Tampa.

Posted by Mike + Michelle Grizzell on
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