9 Common Home Repairs Every Aussie Homeowner Should Know

Owning a home comes with maintenance responsibilities that can quickly add up if left unaddressed. Knowing how to tackle basic repairs not only saves money but helps prevent bigger issues down the line. Right Look Property Maintenance is here to help Australian homeowners save time and money by explaining how to handle common home repairs with simple and practical solutions. In this guide, our dedicated handymen in Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Melbourne will cover 10 common home fixes everyone should know.

1. Fixing a Leaky Tap

Let’s start with a frequent issue in kitchens and bathrooms: leaky taps. Most often caused by worn washers or gaskets, the top solutions are replacing the washer or tightening connections. We recommend shutting off the water supply so you don’t get wet and using an adjustable wrench carefully to avoid damage.

2. Unclogging Drains

If your shower or sink drain is working slowly or not at all, use a plunger or drain snake as the first solution. Try natural remedies like baking soda and vinegar for minor clogs, avoiding harsh chemicals that can damage pipes over time.

3. Cleaning and Repairing Clogged Gutters

Regular gutter cleaning is highly recommended to avoid water damage. Use a ladder, gloves and a garden trowel for cleaning, as the more you clear out leaves, sticks and other debris, the better. We recommend using sealant to secure loose gutters or repair small cracks.

4. Patching a Hole in the Wall

Another one of the most common home repairs is light damage to the wall. First, identify what materials are needed depending on the size and depth of the hole. With plaster, With plaster repair compounds you can fill, sand and paint over the patch for a smooth finish.

5. Dealing with Cracked Tiles

Cracked flooring, kitchen or bathroom tiles should be assessed to confirm if the tile needs replacement or repair. For minor cracks, we suggest using epoxy or matching tile filler to conceal defects. For replacement, you will need to remove the damaged tile, clean the gap where it used to sit and refill with a new tile.

6. Stopping a Running Toilet

A running toilet is a nuisance and can hike up your water bill. Common causes include faulty valves or misplaced floats. Depending on the cause, you may need to replace the flush valve by disconnecting the old one and connecting the new one with a chain attached to the handle lever. Or you can adjust the float level by locating the fill valve on the tank’s side and turning the adjustment screw. Move it clockwise to lower the water level and counterclockwise to increase it.

7. Fixing Squeaky Doors or Hinges

We recommend using lubricants like WD-40 to resolve squeaky doors or hinges. Remember to apply the WD-40 straw in short bursts, about an inch from the hinge, hitting the pin and seams. You can wipe off any excess spray and then try opening and closing the door a few times so the lubricant gets into the hinge. You may also wish to tighten or adjust screws to realign the door if necessary.

8. Sealing Drafty Windows or Doors

If you see noticeable gaps where the door/window frame meets the wall, or you see damaged caulking or weatherstripping, you will want to address drafts. Resealing windows and doors provides better energy efficiency and makes your home more comfortable. Use fresh caulk, weatherstripping or door sweeps to seal gaps.

9. Repairing a Broken Fence Post

Another pro tip is stabilising wobbly posts with concrete or repair brackets. In addition to these quick solutions for loose pickets or minor wood splits, you may also wish to replace rotten or snapped posts. In this case, remove the damaged post and clean out the hole before filling with aggregate for a new stable base. Place the new post in the hole before compacting and reattaching to the fence.

 

Call Reliable Handymen for the Most Common Home Repairs in QLD & VIC

We hope you enjoyed this quick guide to handling common home fixes like leaky taps, clogged gutters and cracked tiles. Right Look Property Maintenance is here to help homeowners save time and money with simple solutions. Call 1300-374-448 or get in touch online for a personalised consultation or to learn more about available services in Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Melbourne.