Simple repairs may seem appropriate for DIY, but these mistakes can lead to serious problems and are more expensive than hiring a professional.
DIY can keep home maintenance costs low, but it’s important to only tackle work you have the knowledge, experience and time to do. When it comes to repairs around the house, a little information can be dangerous. What you initially think is a good idea could end up costing you more.
Learning the basics about your home’s systems will help you make better decisions when it comes to repairs and updates. However, with only basic knowledge, DIY solutions may only mask ongoing damage or cause further problems instead of effectively addressing them. To avoid bad outcomes, be aware of nine home repairs that may exacerbate problems in the long run
- Treat clogs thoroughly with chemical cleaners
There are many chemical drain cleaners that are formulated to remove stubborn clogs. These chemicals remove clogs by eating away hair, fat and other substances that block drainage. In most cases, drain cleaners can be used to remove a partial clog without causing significant damage to the pipe.
However, if the drain is completely clogged, chemical drain cleaners have nowhere to go. The strong chemicals can also corrode the pipes. A better option is to invest in a Ridgid drain snake, such as this one – our favorite in our research guide on the best drain snakes – to physically remove the clog.
- Install a structure on your septic tank
A septic tank is an outdoor space reserved for the drainage and disposal of septic tank effluent. At ground level, the empty septic tank space may seem like the perfect place for a shed, floating deck or gazebo, but placing a structure on top of the septic tank can cause serious problems for the septic tank.
For example, if a deck is placed on top of a septic tank, the weight of the deck can crush pipes and clog the septic tank. In addition, placing a structure on top of a septic tank often prevents the growth of beneficial plants, which help reduce the effects of erosion and break down waste in the soil.
- Pressure wash siding and shingles
When cleaning the exterior of your home, you may be tempted to use a pressure washer, but if used incorrectly, it can cause significant damage to siding and shingles.
Even if you know how to use a pressure washer properly, frequent pressure washing can damage the exterior of your home. Siding and shingles should be cleaned with a garden hose, such as this 50-foot zero-gravity hose.
- Install new flooring over old flooring
Removing old flooring is not a pleasant task for homeowners, but simply covering the old floor with new flooring is a risky endeavor. Often, the old flooring will have existing damage, such as chips, cracks or stains. These defects can create small pockets that allow mold to grow and spread in areas that are completely invisible under the new flooring.
Damaged flooring can also cause premature wear on the new surface as it sinks into existing potholes or bumps into potential protrusions. It is also possible that a part of the old flooring has come loose, causing the new flooring to shift.
- Use wood filler in the cracks of the floor
A quick fix for cracks and gaps in wood building materials is to use a wood filler that is the same color as the finish. However, it is not a good idea to use this method on floors because even the best wood fillers will crack and chip over time. This is because hardwood floors flex every time they are stepped on.
Using wood filler to fill cracks in the floor will make the floor look worse unless a resilient wood jointing compound is used.
- Conceal air conditioning units
Homeowners don’t always have a choice about where to install air conditioning units outside, and sometimes these awkward devices can add an awkward front yard. In such cases, homeowners may plant trees, shrubs or bushes around the air conditioning unit to hide it in an attempt to improve its appearance.
Unfortunately, this attempt at camouflage can actually clog the air conditioner, prevent proper ventilation, and clog the entire system. Make sure there is enough space around the air conditioning unit so that it does not obstruct ventilation.
- Secure air conditioning leaks with duct tape
Duct tape gets its name from the fact that it was once the best choice for repairing air conditioning systems. Today, there are still duct tapes made specifically for this purpose.
However, for most HVAC applications, aluminum tape is recommended, which creates an airtight, waterproof seal and keeps leaks properly plugged. Duct tape has strong adhesion and a solid, flexible backing, but is better suited for general repairs in the home.
- Hide electrical junction boxes
Some homeowners may want to hide electrical junction boxes in the walls of their homes because they are not aesthetically pleasing. However, hiding junction boxes behind drywall or inside cabinets is actually a violation of the National Electrical Code (NEC).
Junction boxes contain the home’s electrical connections, so an electrician needs to be able to access these boxes quickly if there is an electrical problem in the home. If the box is concealed, the electrician may have to drill holes in the wall to find the correct junction box and fix the problem.
Electricians can save some time (and avoid unnecessary drywall repairs) by installing access panels or covers on junction boxes in your home rather than hiding them. If you plan to make other electrical, plumbing or structural updates, make sure you check with your local building code department for any additional code regulations you need to know about.
- Cover oil paint with latex paint
Painting is one of the most common DIY projects and a task that most homeowners can do alone. However, if you’ve ever painted a wall and weeks or months later the paint is peeling, chipping or cracking, you may have used the wrong type of paint.
If you apply latex paint over oil-based paint, the latex paint will not bond well with the oil-based paint. The paint may apply well at first, but as the latex dries, it may chip or peel. Before buying gallons of paint to refresh the interior of your home, first find out if the current shade is oil-based or latex-based.
