5 Most Common Condo Repair Requests, and How to Quickly Fix Them Yourself

While most condominium management companies are more than eager to help their residents with maintenance issues, there are several household repairs that you can easily do yourself quickly and easily.

There’s no need to call in a repair service, as you more than likely have the skills and tools on hand to effect these repairs yourself.

Repair professionals can charge hefty fees to tackle relatively straightforward jobs. You can easily find yourself charged hundreds of dollars for tasks that, with a little knowledge, can be easily done by the homeowner.

So why not take charge and tackle these issues yourself? You’ll not only save money, but you’ll be proud that you had the wherewithal to take on the challenge yourself.

Here are five common repairs, and how to do them yourself.

Fix a Leaky Faucet

Materials needed: wrench, pliers, screwdriver, replacement washer

According to TrustedPros, a plumber can charge anywhere between $65 and $95 per hour. However, nine times out of ten, a leaky faucet is the result of a worn-out rubber washer. The good news is it’s very simple to replace yourself.

• Start by shutting off the water to the faucet. Under the sink there will be a valve; turn it until water no longer flows.
• If the tap itself is leaking, remove the nozzle by unscrewing it. Remove and replace the rubber washer.
• If the handle is leaking, use a screwdriver to pry the cap off of the handle. You’ll notice a handle screw; remove that then pull off the handle.
• Use a wrench to undo the packing nut. Unscrew the stem beneath it. Remove and replace the rubber o-ring washer.
• Turn the water back on to the faucet.

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Unclog a Toilet

Materials needed: plunger, a plumbing snake

There’s nothing worse than a backed-up toilet. Sooner or later, it’s something we all have to face. Yet what is there to do if there’s a serious blockage that won’t go down?

• Turn off the water supply to the toilet by turning the valve. This will prevent overflow.
• Pour a bucket of water into the bowl. The added water pressure may dislodge the blockage and clear it on its own.
• Failing that, insert a plunger into the toilet and affix it over the drain. Begin with slow rhythmic plunging motions, letting enough air pressure build up. Eventually, the air should be forced into the toilet and clear the blockage.
• If all else fails, a plumbing snake should do the trick. Readily available at hardware stores – and much cheaper than calling a plumber – a snake is a flexible rod driven into the toilet drain by a winding action. It’s long enough to reach into the curved channel underneath the bowl and will help fish out any blocking material.
• Once the blockage has cleared, turn the valve to restore water.