You made some quick temporary fixes around your home before hosting holiday parties. Now you need to make those fixes permanent. WD-40 or another lubricant got the squeaky, sticky door to work properly and you poured baking soda and vinegar down the clogged kitchen drain. It is still running slowly and now starting to leak. Now that the guests are gone you have time to do a proper job.
Replacing Door Hinges
Door hinges that have become damaged, sticky or squeaky should be replaced. This project may require an assistant to help balance the door and prevent it from falling. Save yourself time by purchasing new hinges before you begin.
You will need to match the current size and type. Use a pencil and piece of paper to trace the hinge and take this to the store with you.
Step 1 - Remove the Hinge Pins and Hinges
Use the pointed end of a nail and tap the pin out, from the bottom upwards, with a hammer. If your hinges do not have this type of pin, use your pliers to pull the pin from the top.
Pull the door away from the frame carefully. Remove the screws holding the hinge plates from the door and the frame.
Step 2 - Install New Hinges
Remove the pins from your new hinges and mount the individual plates in the correct location on the door and frame. You may apply some wood glue if the holes are damaged. Return the door to the closed position and insert the hinge pins into the hinges. You may need to wiggle the pins slightly to align the hinges. Tap the pins gently into place.
Note: If you do not want to remove the door, replace each individual hinge assembly one at a time, skipping the pin removal. You will still need to support the door as the weight may pull it out of position.
Replacing a P-trap
The trap under your kitchen or bathroom sink becomes clogged easily from built up foods or soap residue. Over time, it may also develop a leak. Trap replacement is a simple and low cost project that most homeowners can complete quickly.
Step 1 - Purchase Your New Trap
Measure the current trap and note how it connects to the existing plumbing. Most traps use metal or plastic nuts that screw onto the plumbing to seal the pipe. Plastic or ABS are your best choices for material, chrome traps develop leaks faster. You can also wait and take the old trap to the store after you remove it to ensure you get an exact match.
Step 2 - Remove the Old Trap
Place a bucket underneath the trap. When you remove it, water and debris will spill.
Use rubber gloves to protect your hands, especially if you used any drain cleaner in the sink. Turn off the water valves that supply the sink.
Unscrew the plastic or metal nuts at both ends of the trap with your channel locks. Pull the old trap away from the pipes carefully and place it in the bucket.
Step 3 - Install Your New Trap
Clean any debris away from the thread end of the existing pipe. Wrap the threads with some plumbing tape to stop any leaks. Position your new trap and connect it by tightening the nut from the pipe coming from the sink. Then connect the other end of the trap to the drain plumbing. Tighten the nuts just past hand tight; do not over tighten. Turn the water back on and check for leaks.
Note: In the event that you have very old plumbing, you can cut away the old trap. You can install a rubber P-trap and use stainless steel clamps that tighten with screws to connect the trap.