Common around the Home Repairs in a Bathroom

source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Thyme-Bathroom-RGB.jpg

Paying for your home forms a big part of your budget. Whether you are renting or buying, you must ensure that everyone takes good care of it. Even when you are very careful, there will still be times when you will need to carry out common home repairs. While it may be tempting to call a professional, some of the problems can be repaired with little or no experience. However, homeowners should exercise caution when dealing with electricity. Knowing how to handle common bathroom repairs will help you to save money and avoid the inconvenience they bring.

Fixing or replacing a broken toilet lever
This toilet repair issue is relatively easy to fix. The first thing you can do when you experience this problem is to press the lever. If this does not flush your toilet, you should open the tank and re-attach the chain.

To replace a broken lever, the following steps should be taken:
• Open the tank and look for a number inside the tank. This will help you to identify the best replacement parts
• Unhook the clasp that attaches the lift chain to the arm
• Use the crescent wrench to loosen the nut then remove the old handle
• Clean any rust or mildew, insert the arm into the hole and firm the nut
• Attach the chain to the same hole as on the arm you removed

The tools and materials needed
• Adjustable crescent wrench
• Utility knife
• Replacement toilet lever kit

There’s a wide range of parts available online based on the exact repair needed.

Unclogging a toilet drain
Before calling a plumber to unclog your toilet, you can try to do it on your own. A toilet plunger will help you to deal with minor clogs while a toilet auger will handle major clogs.

Using a plunger:

• If there is no standing water, add until the plunger head is submerged
• Cover the drain hole with the cup of the plunger and apply several downward thrusts
• After clearing the clog, flush the toilet to wash away any remaining obstructions

Using an auger:
• Insert the tip of the auger into the opening of the toilet drain. Make sure the bend in the auger is pointed towards the back of the toilet bowl
• Push the handle while extending the cable until the auger reaches the clog. Turn the handle and push the cable to break up the clog
• Pull the handle to remove the auger then flush the toilet

Get specifics on what a toilet auger is

Tools and materials needed
• Toilet plunger
• Toilet auger
Fixing a leaking bathroom pipe
Most leaks in the bathroom will occur under bathroom sinks. This could either be due to a loose or broken compression or a worn out washer.

To fix a leaking bathroom pipe, the following steps should be taken:
• Turn off the water supply to the sink with a leaking pipe
• Place a bucket under the leaking pipe to hold the leaking water
• Twist the compression nuts off and clean out any dirt in the curved pipe using clean water
• If this does not work, you can use a joint compound around the leaking area
• Consider replacing the washer before turning the water back on

The materials needed
• A bucket
• A replacement P-trap
• A replacement washer

Replacing a light switch 
Bathroom repair may involve replacing a light switch. Electricity presents the risk of serious injury and death, making it important to leave the job to a professional. However, replacing a light switch can be quite easy.

To replace a light switch, the following steps should be taken:
• Turn off power at the switch in the main circuit breaker
• Unscrew the switch plate and test if the circuit is dead
• Unscrew the switch and pull it out with wires still intact
• Ensure that the new switch is the correct position
• Attach the wires to the same-colored screw on the new switch as in the old one
• Push the new switch in the electric box and screw it firmly in place
• Turn the power back on

Tools needed 
• Fathead screwdriver
• Head screwdriver
• Replacement light switch

 

Patching a Hole in Drywall
It is normal to have holes in walls, whether you are renting or buying. Small holes made by screws or nails can be fixed easily.

To patch a hole in Drywall, the following steps should be taken:
• Clean the area in which the hole is located and then wipe down the wall.
• Use the putty knife to press spackle into the affected area and allow it to dry
• Once it is dry, sand the spackle using sandpaper to ensure that it is flat and looks nice.

The tools required
• Putty knife
• Joint compound
• Drywall
• Electric drill
• Wood screws
The major box stores carry a range of patch kits that can also work utilizing the steps above

Numerous things can break in your bathroom; however, most of these problems can be repaired easily if you have the right tools, get some supplies from the hardware and a bit of information from the internet. When the problem is serious, or you do not have the skills to repair it, you should call for professional help.