Common Household Problems and How to Solve Them

Last updated on May 5th, 2024 at 03:14 pm

Owning a home can be great, but sometimes maintaining it might be more than what you asked for. There are many sources of household problems that plague homeowners. Some of them are subject to damage after long-term use, whereas others occur regularly. And if there are more members in your household, the likelihood that you might face unexpected issues is much more significant.

Studies show that many Brits spend as much as £5,000 for their first home repair. That can be massively draining! If you are already a homeowner, how much did you spend on your first repair? Whether you are a new homeowner or you have had a home for some time now, here are some common household problems that you might eventually face – as well as how to solve them.

Common Household Problems:

Pest Infestations

If you are beginning to see pest droppings, damaged wooden items, track marks, and nests in strange places, these might indicate a pest infestation. The most common household pests are cockroaches, termites, and ants. Once you identify any of these signs, you must locate the source. 

One of the first steps you can take is to take preventive actions before things get out of control. Ensure that you remove all sources of food and store it in tightly sealed plastic containers. You can also safely apply pesticides to identified pest areas. When you do so, make sure you keep children away from such sites. If you have to use pesticides by yourself, it would be best if you purchased ready-to-use products.

If you’re considering hiring a pest control service, it’s crucial to ensure they correctly identify the source before applying any treatment. Opting for a professional pest control service near you not only offers localized expertise but also ensures timely interventions.

Stained Countertops

Perhaps you have realized that your kitchen or bathroom countertops have gathered quite a few stains over the past few years. Depending on the material used for your countertop, there are different methods of cleaning out stains. If your countertops are made out of stone materials like granite or marble, you can use a poultice to clean out the stains. A poultice is a liquid chemical used to remove tough stains when mixed with other adsorbents. 

Additionally, you can also make a mix of baking soda and water or hydrogen peroxide. Apply the paste to the countertop, and cover with a plastic wrap. For best results, you can let it sit for a few days before unwrapping. For other countertop materials like steel and laminate, you can use mild washing soap, baking soda, and a microfiber dishcloth to prevent scratch marks. 

Moisture and Mould Problems 

Mould is a type of fungus that grows in wet or moisture-retaining places. It can either be black, white, purple, green or orange. Almost everyone is exposed to mould daily, although smaller amounts of the fungus are typically harmless. Do you see slimy black spots on your shower curtain or patches on your basement floors? Then you might have mould in your home. Once you have been able to diagnose your mould issue correctly, you must take immediate action. When left untreated, mould can make your or your household members sick. Even worse, it might have long-term effects on your health. Therefore, solve your mould issues and take further preventive measures. 

Before you tackle mould, ensure that you have the proper equipment (gloves, mask, and goggles) for protection. Ensure that you do not tackle mould with chemicals. Instead, use a bucket of warm water and a washcloth. Discard all washcloths after you are done. Once you have removed all mould signs, you can then take measures to prevent it from happening again. If there is too much moisture in the atmosphere, you can use air conditioners and dehumidifiers to dry up the air. You can also correctly ventilate your home by opening up windows and allowing fresh air to circulate through your space. 

Blocked Drains

This is perhaps the most common household problem that most homeowners have faced. Clogged drains can be annoying, especially when you least expect it to happen. The good thing is that it can easily be fixed. However, if it is a more severe problem, it would be best if you hired a blocked drains specialist for optimum results. Otherwise, there are some simple tips that you can use to solve your blocked drain issue. Sometimes, all you will have to do is pour hot water down the drain several times to dissolve whatever could be blocking your drain. You can also use a baking soda and vinegar solution to clear a clog. 

Door Problems

Doors are an essential aspect of your home, as they partition rooms and give you privacy. You continuously come in and out of doors, and that could lead to its wear and tear. When your doors wear out and start to creak, it can get quite irritating. Creaky doors can be a sign of a hinge problem, and sometimes, all you are required to do is lubricate your hinges to reduce creaking sounds. If your door is not latching or closing correctly, it could be due to a misalignment. You can remove all screws from the strike plate and put it back in its correct spot. It should fix the issue right away. 

Leaky Faucets

Faucets are a vital part of your home. After all, it is where you get access to water. Therefore, you must keep them in good shape. However, as time goes by, you might notice that your faucets are deteriorating. The constant dripping from your faucet could get quite bothersome. It is caused by corrosion, damage to your washers, or even mineral deposits in your pipes. If you can identify the root cause of the issue, you might be able to solve it. Before you do so, ensure that you close off all valves to prevent water from flooding your home. If you are not too confident in your plumbing skills, you can hire a plumber to get you sorted.

As time goes by, you will face some of these common problems around your home. With any hope, the information shared will help you make the right steps to ensure that your home is in tip-top condition. 

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