Fix Common Household Problems with These Tips

​Much like the rest of life, things are bound to go wrong in your home from time to time. However, problem in your house does not always need to result in a call to a plumber or handyman. Those calls can be expensive, so before you pick up the phone, try these tips to fix some common household problems!

All Things Drains
A clogged drain or toilet is annoying, but oftentimes easily fixed. In the case of a toilet, you’ll want to make sure that you turn off the water to it before you get out the plunger, otherwise water will continue coming in and you’ll end up with even bigger mess than you may already have.
 
Did you know that plungers work on the sink, too? The same mechanism that unclogs a toilet can be used to unclog a sink. If that doesn’t work, try a mixture of baking soda and vinegar before you reach for Draino or another harsh chemical. Pour 1 cup baking soda down the drain followed by 1 cup vinegar and let it sit for 20-30 minutes then rinse with hot water and repeat if needed.

Stuck Window
As temperatures fluctuate in a house, windows can become stuck or difficult to open. Try sliding a knife under the bottom of the window, then using a hammer to gently tap it open. A utility knife works best, but a sturdy kitchen knife can be used as a backup.
 
Once you have the window open, coat the tracks with silicone spray or wax from a candle to keep them lubricated and prevent it from getting stuck again.

Constantly Running Refrigerator
If it seems like your fridge is running all the time no matter what the temperature in your house, it’s probably time to clean the coils underneath it. When the coils become clogged with dust and dirt, the refrigerator has to work harder to keep food cold.
 
Clean this area by using a brush to loosen dust and dirt, then vacuum it up using your vacuum cleaner’s extension hose. You should notice a difference in how the refrigerator runs almost immediately.