Maintaining a home can be tough sometimes. No matter how well you look after the place, things will occasionally go wrong, and when they do, it can be useful to be ready for them and have some awareness of how to deal with them, that way you can prevent small house problems from becoming big house problems.
With that in mind, here are some of the most common house problems you are likely to face and what to do about them:
1. Blocked drains
Unfortunately, blocked drains are a really common issue and they can cause a number of problems including bad smells, water overflow, and even flooding. Luckily, it’s often very easy to deal with blocked drains. For instance, indoor blockages can often be relieved by pouring equal parts white vinegar and baking soda down the plughole or using a drain snake to remove blockages. Similar techniques can be employed outdoors but if the blockage is significant and nothing you do works, you may need to use a plumber who is experienced in blocked drain clearance instead. This is typically a simple job for plumbers, so you shouldn’t worry about calling them out when required.
2. Mould and mildew
Mould and mildew is another common problem that many households face, particularly in the bathroom and shower area. If you notice any mould or mildew in your home, it’s important that you take fast action so that it does not spread and grow. There are numerous products you can buy to get rid of mould and mildew, but if you’re looking for a quick fix, mix equal amounts of bleach and water, put into a spray bottle and cover the affected area. Leave for a few minutes and then scrub off. Keep treating the area for a week or so, then periodically, to keep the mould at bay.
3. Kitchen stains
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and the palace where you do much of your cooking, eating and drinking, so it isn’t surprising that it’s a prime area for stains, particularly on the countertops.
If your kitchen counters are stained, put a little peroxide or ammonia on a kitchen towel and gently scrub. This should lift the stains without causing any permanent damage, Just remember to wear some rubber gloves to keep your hands safe, and clean any excess ammonia off before you next use the countertops.
4. Low pressure
If you are experiencing low pressure which is causing your hot water to drop out or your radiators to stop working efficiently, try bleeding your radiators. You can do this by turning the valve clockwise until air begins to escape. As soon as the air stops hissing, close them again. Then, top up the water to your boiler until the gauge rests at between 1 and 1.5. If this doesn’t solve your problem, you may need to call in a heating engineer who can assess the problem more thoroughly, but nine times out of ten, this should do the job.
Take care of your home!
