Need repairs done around the house? Here’s your local fix-it guide

As a homeowner you quickly learn, things break. And some of those house repairs can be costly. Fortunately, many of the smaller fixes you can do yourself — even if you’re only remotely handy.

Here’s a home repair checklist most Utahns can probably handle on their own, along with suggestions for when it’s wiser to hire an expert.

Patching drywall

Whether your kids got a little rambunctious while playing inside or you accidentally moved a piece of furniture too quickly, it’s fairly easy to put a dent — or even a hole — in a wall. But that doesn’t mean you need to rearrange your art to hide it. 

You can easily fill in small dents with a bit of spackle and paint from your local hardware store. Using a spackle knife, gently press the spackle into the divot using thin layers. When dry, you can paint over it and no one will be the wiser.

Larger holes may require cutting out the damaged piece and replacing it with new sheetrock. It takes some finesse to make it look right, so while you could do it, you may want to hire a handyman for the best results.

Find local handyman services on KSL

You can DIY some electrical work such as installing light fixtures.

Installing light fixtures

If your light fixture is broken or you just want a change, you can do it yourself if you’re comfortable working with electrical wires. The task is simple enough: You’ll be untwisting the current fixture’s connecting wires and attaching the new ones. Be sure to turn off power to the room before starting.

If you have tall ceilings or a large or heavy fixture to attach, such as a chandelier, you might want to hire an electrician. They’ll have the right tools and experience to do the job quickly, and you’ll have the assurance everything was connected correctly.

Find electricians on KSL Services

Fixing squeaky doors

A squeaky door can be downright annoying, especially if you’re trying to be extra quiet late at night or early in the morning. The solution could be as simple as spraying a liquid lubricant such as WD-40 into the hinges. Use the straw tip to apply, then open and close the door a few times to work the lubricant into the hinge. Wipe off any excess grease.

If that process fails, you may need to remove the squeaky hinge to clean out grime buildup. A household cleaner meant to cut through grease should work. Use a cotton swab or small brush to get in between the hinge knuckles.

Repairing a leaky faucet

A leaky faucet may not seem like a big deal, but it can end up costing you on your water bill — not to mention wasting a precious commodity in Utah.

If the leak is caused by a faulty washer or O-ring, you can easily fix it in just a few minutes with new parts, a wrench and a screwdriver. You’ll need to turn off the water so you don’t get sprayed. Then, remove the faucet handle and the packing nut. Remove the old washer (or O-ring) and install a new one, then reassemble the handle and turn the water back on.

Don't rely on harsh, damaging chemicals to unclog pipes. A simple plunger can usually do the job.

Unclogging a sink

When water stops flowing smoothly down your sink drain, take care of it before the problem gets worse and you need to call in a pro. To clear it, avoid using harsh chemicals, which can permanently damage your pipes. Instead, you can usually dislodge the clog with a standard plunger.

Another pipe friendly option is pouring baking soda and vinegar down the drain. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then flush it with hot water. If neither of those options work, try a drain snake, which should break up the blockage. 

Unclogging a toilet

Clogged toilets are a fact of life. Having the right kind of plunger — flange or accordion — will make it much easier to remedy. If that doesn’t do the trick, you may need a snake auger, which is a long coil you feed through the pipe. Be sure to use one designed for toilets so you don’t damage the ceramic. 

Some clogs may require professional help — like when your toddler flushes down a full bar of soap.

Find plumbers on KSL Services

Home repairs that require a professional

No matter how handy you are, there are some issues, such as serious plumbing and electrical repair, that require a trained professional.

Electrical

Hire an electrician for any major electrical work around your home, such as rewiring inside walls or adding new circuits. Also call a pro if you see smoke coming from an outlet, you have an unexplained burning smell or your breakers frequently trip for no obvious reason. They can help you with troubleshooting.

Search electricians on KSL

Stay safe by hiring a certified technician who is trained to work with dangerous components.

HVAC

Aside from changing your air filters, all HVAC work should be left to certified technicians. Your air conditioner and heating unit have complex components, which can be dangerous if mishandled. A tech has the tools and training to work with high voltage equipment, and they have the know-how to diagnose and repair problems.

Find an HVAC specialist on KSL Services

Plumbing

When your water heater quits or you have a leak in a main water pipe, it’s time to call a plumber. They can also save you significant time when you have a problem you can’t easily diagnose. Their experience helps them quickly determine and fix issues, something that could take you hours of internet searching to figure out.

Hire a plumber on KSL Services

Major remodeling

Replacing your carpet with vinyl planks is one thing, but remodeling a basement? That includes several individual projects that need to be done correctly to prevent future issues. Hiring a general contractor will save you from making costly mistakes. Also with a pro, you can rest assured that the work meets all city building codes.

Find general contractors on KSL Services

Leave major repair work, such as a new roof, to licensed pros.

Roofers

Just because you feel confident hanging holiday house lights doesn’t mean you’re qualified to reroof your home. Roofers have access to professional grade materials and proper tools, and they have the experience to get the job done quickly. They are also well-versed in local building codes and will get any required permits, ensuring your home is in compliance.

See local roofing companies on KSL

Where to find licensed service providers in Utah

DIY home maintenance can save your hundreds of dollars, but there are times when you need to call in an expert. Leave anything beyond the basics to a licensed contractor. On KSL Services, you’ll find local professionals, from plumbers to handymen.

Knowing who to hire for your home repair can be tricky. Who can you trust to do the job right? On KSL Services, business listings include Google reviews, so you can feel confident knowing who to call, whether you have an emergency repair or a home project. 

Quickly find trusted service providers on KSL