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5 Self-Help Tips for Homeowners in Vincennes & Washington, IN

Whether it’s brand-spanking new construction or a lovingly restored turn-of-the century colonial, all homes need occasional repairs and routine maintenance. But hiring a professional for every little problem can quickly add up.

Luckily, you don’t have to be a handyman to tackle every little home improvement chore or repair. With a few basic tools and some elbow grease, you can handle the following home repairs like a pro – and earn bragging rights for doing it yourself.

• Locating wall studs – A stud finder is an inexpensive tool every homeowner should have. But even if you don’t, you can locate studs in your wall by measuring out in 16” increments from the corner of a room. If you’re hanging something heavy or anchoring a bookcase, you’ll need to drill into a stud. For lighter items that don’t require the support of a stud, use wall anchors that match the size of the item you are hanging.

• Unclogging a toilet, sink, or other drain – Before you call the plumber, try a plunger. Use a cup shaped plunger for sinks and other flat surfaces, and a flange plunger for toilets. Make sure you fill the sink or toilet with enough water to cover the base of the plunger, and use forceful thrusts to move water down the drain. Avoid chemical drain cleaners as they often don’t unclog the drain completely and send harmful pollutants into our water supply.

• Painting a room – Start by removing light switch and outlet covers and any wall-mounted window hardware. Dry dust the walls and tape off anything you don’t want painted, like moldings or baseboards. Protect your floors and the furniture you can’t move with drop cloths. Use an angled brush to paint a 2 inch band around the perimeter of the wall, woodwork, and ceiling. Then use a roller to fill in the unpainted surface using overlapping W or M-shaped strokes. Let the coat dry at least 2-3 hours, then apply another coat (or more, if needed). Carefully remove the painters tape at an angle, step back, and enjoy.

• Removing a door – Using a flat head screwdriver, gently wedge and lift up on the head of the door hinge pin. Repeat with the remaining pins and carefully remove the door from the frame.

• Cleaning water-using appliances – Believe it or not, you dishwasher and washing machine do need to be cleaned. Once a month, fill a cup or small bowl with distilled white vinegar and place it upright in your empty dishwasher , then run it for one cycle. For your washing machine, simply add a cup of vinegar and run an empty cycle.

Still, however handy and ambitious you might be, sooner or later the time will come when you need professional assistance, especially when it comes to your home plumbing, heating, and AC systems.  Today and always, you can count on Messmer Mechanical for all the help you need, with your 100% satisfaction guaranteed.