Simple home DIY projects anyone can try | Produced by Seattle Times Marketing

This article outlines several do-it-yourself (DIY) home repair and improvement projects that homeowners can undertake with minimal effort, offering both a sense of accomplishment and potential cost savings. The article emphasizes practical advice and simple steps for common household issues. The first section focuses on toilet repairs, specifically addressing issues with fill valves and flappers. It explains that constant running water often indicates a problem with these components. The repair process involves shutting off the water, draining the tank, and then replacing the faulty valve or flapper, noting that these parts are inexpensive. Next, the article discusses bathroom caulking. It advises against caulking over existing dirty caulk and suggests using an X-ACTO knife to remove old, discolored caulk, often a sign of mold and mildew. Homeowners should then apply 100% silicone-based caulking, which is water-resistant and durable, smoothing it with a finger and cleaning up excess as they go. For picture hanging, the article provides guidance on situations where wall studs are unavailable. It recommends using drywall anchors designed to hold adequate weight, rather than the flimsy anchors often included with frames. The process involves drilling a small hole, installing the anchor snugly, and then tightening the screw an additional five to ten turns to secure the anchor behind the drywall. For better weight distribution, it is suggested to use two anchors, measuring from the floor for even alignment. Additionally, placing a metal washer under the screw for pictures with hanging wire is advised to enhance security. The article then moves to LED lighting, highlighting canless LED lights as a stylish, brighter, more energy-efficient, and easier-to-install alternative to traditional recessed lighting. These lights come as a single unit (housing, trim, and light) and can be installed over existing recessed cans. Retrofit models screw into the existing socket, eliminating the need for complex wiring. A crucial safety tip is to ensure the power is off and to use an electric tester before installation. Garbage disposal issues, particularly when the unit hums but doesn't grind, are often due to clogs. The article suggests two methods for clearing obstructions: a 'top down' approach where one removes the obstruction directly from the disposal's opening (after unplugging for safety), or a 'bottom up' method using a hex wrench to jiggle the flywheel from underneath. Taping the hex wrench to the disposal for future use is a practical suggestion. Regarding dishwashers, the article advises homeowners to first clean the filter and drain basket according to the manual, as no tools are typically required for this. If that doesn't resolve the issue, checking and clearing the air gap hose or the hose connected to the disposal is recommended. When reattaching the hose, it's important to ensure a high loop above the disposal to prevent food waste from flowing back into the dishwasher. The article also covers door adjustments, explaining that as houses settle, doors can become misaligned. For minor misalignments, filing the latch or creating a bigger opening in the door jam can be effective. For more serious issues, adjusting the strike plate vertically or horizontally by loosening and re-screwing it is suggested, with a note to be careful not to create new holes. The author recommends watching instructional videos before attempting any of these repairs, even for experienced DIYers, to refresh memory and ensure proper execution. This blog post aims to empower homeowners to confidently tackle basic home repairs, promoting self-sufficiency and resourcefulness. Another section details retractable gates as a safer alternative to pressure-mounted safety gates, especially for homes where walls may not be perfectly aligned. Retractable gates, available in wood, metal, or rubber, are easy to screw in. The article specifically recommends rubber gates, citing their ability to prevent bruising if a child falls into them, compared to metal or wood options. Finally, the article touches on changing car batteries, presenting it as a task accessible to anyone who follows basic wiring and safety rules. The proper procedure involves disconnecting the negative (black) wire first, followed by the positive (red) wire, then lifting out the battery by its handle. When installing a new battery, the wires should be connected in reverse order: positive first, then negative. Emphasizing safety, the article warns against touching the battery directly to avoid contact with potentially leaking acid and advises taking time during the process due to the significant energy involved. #HomeDIY #HomeImprovement #HomeRepair #DIYProjects #HouseholdMaintenance #ToiletRepair #BathroomCaulking #PictureHanging #LEDLights #GarbageDisposal #DishwasherMaintenance #DoorAdjustment #RetractableGates #CarBatteryReplacement #HomeDIY #HomeImprovement #HomeRepair #DIYProjects #HouseholdMaintenance #ToiletRepair #BathroomCaulking #PictureHanging #LEDLights #GarbageDisposal #DishwasherMaintenance #DoorAdjustment #RetractableGates #CarBatteryReplacement