30 DIY HOME REPAIRS HACKS THAT YOU CAN DO DURING COVID 19 QUARANTINE

1) Leaky Washing Machine (case no. 1)

Solution: Check the hose at the back of the washing machine where the water supply is completely ng from. The hose comes with a rubber and even when a small crack in the rubber creates big damage for the entire hose connection.

Turn off the washing machine. Turn off the water supply. Replace the hose if you have spare (Rubber seal does not come separately but in a set with the hose).

2) Door Handle that is Loose

Solution: You may check all the side of the door handle. Best is to unscrew all spare parts as much as possible then reinstall them. Most common issue for door handles is just loose screws.

3) Fixing a Clogged Kitchen Sink Drain

Solution:  (a) It is usually caused when you don't use kitchen sink filter. You may apply chemicals like Mr. Muscle, or Dac Drain Opener.

(b) If you don't have chemical, you may remove P-trap under the sink carefully. In this spare part, all solid foods are usually just trapped in this area.

(c) You may also use Snake pipe. Remove the drain cover first. Then insert the pipe. Make circular rigid motion. Then pull the pipe.

Hacks: You may declog the oil that has hardened by two basic household items - Bank ng soda + Vinegar.  These 2 makes a good acid that melts some solid stuffs and declogs drainages.

4) Fixing Clogged Washbasins in Comfort Rooms

Hacks: Use any of the following
    (a) Long single core / stranded wire that can penetrate into the drainage pipe.
   (b) Straightened hanger
   (c) Big cable tie
   (d) Tie wire
 
5) Patching a Hole in the Dry Wall

Solution: You may use All Purpose Filler mixed with Water then allow to dry. (Gypsum Powder is only reliable on gymsum board. Never use gypsum powder for cement since it would only be for temporary fix. Best recommendation if we use stronger and Branded type All Purpose Fillers instead. Believe me, this is based on experience.)

Note:  As per other articles in the internet, common items such as Crayons of the same color with the wall, Candles, or even Bar Soap can be used. However, this type of materials only patch holes for a temporary period of time and easily melts with heat or water.

6) Removing Wall Marks

Solution: Sponge and Soap will Do. But if you have a white cement wall, and you have a spare Sandpaper, having an extra rub with the sanding paper will make thing easier. Just be prepared to clean the cement residue afterwards.

Hacks: Jif (Cleaning chemical for oil stains) dubbed on sponge with Water can also be used to clean. However, make sure you use as little as possible as Jif can also damaged paint.

7) Fixing Squeaky Sound for Door

Solution:  WD - 40 which is normally used for lubrications of spare parts for bicycles and motorcyles, can also be used here. Apply this to the hinges as per needed.

Hacks: You may apply also common kitchen material such as Cooking oil.

8) Sharpening Dull Scissor at home

Solution:. Use File to sharpen it. In case you have Sandpaper, you may also rub a portion of it to the edges of the scissors.

Hacks: Aluminum Foil will also be helpful. Check aluminum foil from cigarettes or the foil used to insulate foods in the kitchen. Stacks sheets of these foils, or fold them in half to thicken them. Then cut with the scissors for at least 8 times. The blade will be sharper afterwards.

9) Door Bumping on the Wall

Solution: You may make a DIY door stopper with a spare wooden piece (2 x 2). If you have a Hacksaw, cut the wood into Triangular piece to make a door stopper.

10) Dents on the Carpet

Solution: If you have a Scraper and Adhesive, you may remove the carpet, then reapply it properly. Make sure all areas of the carpet stick to the floor.

Hacks: Place Ice Cubes on the dent of the carpet and let it melt there. You may also use Blower to dry up the carpet faster.

11) Locked up Door

Solution: Place a Hard / Thick card ( old Credit Card, ID Card, or Discount card) in between the door frame and the door to gently push the lock and open it.

12) Fixing Broken Hose / Leaking Water for Outdoor Gardens

Solution: While you have to save the hose by using Super glue, take note that water pressure damages slowly and even very small hole causes great damage after a while. Best is to cut the broken area and reinstall the hose without any damaged part.

13) Vacuum Cleaner Hose that Keeps Getting Out

Solution: Use Duct tape to fix the hose into the vacuum. Duct tape is best applicable to plastic items (You may also use it for Trash bins, paint trays and even mosquito nets)

Hacks: Masking tape is also helpful.

14) Flyscreen of Kitchen Net Broken

Solution: Replace kitchen net. You may ask assistance with other family member as this usually done in pairs by technicians.  However, if you are confident that you can pull this DIY home repair properly, there is no harm in trying.

First measure the net to be used. Gently cut with Big Scissor. Remove the door. Then replace the kitchen net. Make sure it is properly spread out. For this procedure, there are DIY videos in the internet that you can follow easily.

Hacks: If the damage is small, you may use Nail Polish (colorless) to ensure the broken parts stay in place.

Plastic Sheet or Acetate can also be used to cover the hole for the Flyscreen. You may use Transparent Scotch Tape for tape it.

 15) Fixing Furniture with Screwdrivers

Solution: Loose joints, hinges, spare parts that are connected by screws can be tightened during your spare time. Use the correct screw driver.

You may also use Drill machine, usually with drill bit of 3mm size, not only for drilling holes for the screw but to tighten or untighten screws as well.

16) Screw Hard to Remove

Solution: In case you don't have drill machine, you may use Screwdriver and Wrench to be able to twist the screwdriver more easily.

Hacks: You may use Rubber Band or any type of thin Rubber. Simply put it on top of the screw before applying the screwdriver. In this way, friction will add resistance to the screw, causing the screwdriver to take a more grip onto it.

17) Adjustable Wrench Missing

Hacks: If you have a Bolt and Knot, simply put the Bolt horizontally across the other bolt that needs to be untightened and removed, with the head on one side. Then use Knot, to  lock it up on the other side of the bolt. To turn it around, you may use Multifunction Pliers. Resourcefulness is most convenient for this case.

18) Water Leakage from AC Drain (Split type)

Solution: Water leakage means clogged drainage. Use Vacuum Machine to pull out some debris from the Clogged pipeline
First turn off AC, then find AC Drain line. Most AC Drain are outside, near condenser unit. Point the vacuum hose to the drain line to suck out any solid item clogging the unit.

Hacks: (a) Use one cup of Bleach for every one cup of Water Ratio (1:1). Pour on top of the drain pipe and wait for 30 minutes.

b) You may also use Tie Wire that can act as Snake Pipe. Two persons can best fix the issue with this method.  One person will insert the Tie Wire from the Top of the drain pipe near the indoor AC unit. Another person on the end of the Pipe. Once inserted, the second person will pull the Tie Wire strongly. Some debris will surely also be pulled out with this method.

c) For minor clogging, and if you don't have above materials, you may use Blower. Kindly point the blower from the top of the drain pipe, near Indoor Unit. This method is pushing the solid items into going out of the drain pipe, opposite process of Sucking out when you use Vacuum cleaner from outside.

19) Quick Fix for Damaged Wall Paints

Solution: Check out the following steps

  (a) With Masking Tape, cover all outlets, switches and other devices. Also cover the floor either with Plastic Roll or Cartoon for protection from paint drops.
   (b) Remove dilapidated wall paints with Scraper and Paint Thinner.
   (c) Prepare the wall. Smoothen the wall with Sandpaper. For fixing the holes, you may use All Purpose Filler.
   (d) Application of Primer Paint. Then leave the wall to dry.
   (e) With medium size Paint  Roller, apply first coating of the Paint. Then let it dry for 3-4 hours. You may use Small Brush to cover or paint edges and corners.
   (f) Apply second coating of Paint. Then let it dry.

Hacks: For big holes, you may use Gypsum tape available upto 8 inches.

20) Removing Sticker from Appliances

Solution: You may remove unnecessary stickers during your spare time with Paint Scraper. Dab with water first, then gently use scraper.

Hacks: Gently apply Cooking Oil with small soft cloth.  Dun the oil and let it be absorbed for a few minutes. Then gently rub out the sticker.

21) Fixing a Leaking Shutoff / Angle Valve

Solution: If minor problem, you may apply Teflon Tape counterclockwise and wrap around the leaking area carefully.

If there is a major water leak and needs replacement but you don't have spare shutoff valve, temporarily turn off the Angle Valve for the affected pipeline.

Hacks: If in case you don't have even Teflon Tape, you may contain or lessen the leakage by wrapping the area with leak with a flat Wide Rubber.
 


WD-40 QUICK FIXES (Unlike the previous cases that mention first the maintenance issue and the home repairs needed afterwards, below descriptions are just applications of WD - 40 that you may use at home.

22) Removing paint stains on carpets
23) Removing paint stains in bath tubs
24) Cleaning oil spots in Garage by applying WD-40, then use pressurized water with Hose
25) Removing stains from Toilet Bowl. Apply WD-40 then use toilet brush.
26) Removing hair dye stains on furnitures or even clothes
27) Squeaky sounds of drawers, door closers, etc.
28) Removing crayon markers from walls (in case you have kids)
29) Refurbishing plastic furnitures. Renewing faded colors for old plastic chairs or tables.
30) Lubricating sliding door wheels / rollers, windows, floor mechanisms, door locks, etc.