Handyman Services Delmarva: DIY Home Repair Tips from your Friendly Delmarva Handyman Service

Handyman Services Delmarva: Handyman services are companies that specialize in small home repairs and the “to-do” list. Handyman services are ideal for handling the smaller home repairs that building contractors typically turn down. A handyman specializes in and makes his living performing small home repairs and remodeling projects.

Here are some simple home repair tips from a HandyPro Handyman serving the Delmarva community. If you are a do-it-yourself homeowner, this information will be helpful to you. Otherwise, hire it done by your local handyman service!

Dear Keith. My husband has taken a job that will cause him to travel, which means that I have become the “do it yourselfer” of the house. What advice would you have to the first-time DIYer? Janice S. Whitmore Lake

Welcome to the world of home improvement. You took the first step in the right direction by asking for help. By doing so, you can avoid many common home improvement mistakes and pitfalls, (many that I have made). Several home maintenance and improvement projects are difficult if you don’t have the right tools or knowledge. Although we could write a book on your question, I’ve decided to compile a few shortcuts that may help in your new venture.

1. Do you have a leaky copper pipe? Many leaks are caused by frozen pipes or worn
connections. There is a product called Sharkbite Fittings that can help you replace damaged or leaky pipes by “clicking and fitting.” Sweating the copper pipes and fittings are no longer necessary for many of these projects. If you ever played with LEGOs and used a saw, you can work with the Sharkbite fittings and possibly save hundreds of dollars.

2. Have a door that sticks? Many doors become loose due to the worn screw holes at the hinges. Remove the loose hinges and insert toothpicks into the holes then apply wood glue. Allow the glue to set overnight then cut the excess toothpicks. Next, predrill a hole if necessary, screw the hinges back in place and your door hinge will be as tight as new. This process also works with cabinet knobs.

3. Have a squeaky floor under a carpet? Once thought impossible to fix, now there is
a solution for the novice DIYer. There are many products such as “Squeeeeek No More” which can fix a squeaky floor with only a drill and some patience. The screw is inserted through the carpet and the floor boards by using this product and a drill. The screw tightens the floor board(s) and the joist together, eliminating the squeak. The screw head is then removed below the rug, leaving no trace of the screw or the repair.

4. Need a stud finder and don’t have one? Heavy picture and mirrors that are hung on the wall require extra support from nailing or screwing into a stud providing extra strength. A stud finder is the tool that locates a stud behind drywall. If you do not have one, take an electric razor and run it across the wall while turned on, when the tone changes, you now have your stud.

5. Got a sluggish kitchen or bathroom drain? Pour a ½ cup of baking soda down the drain and add ½ cup of vinegar. Cover and seal the drain for a few minutes, then add 6 cups of boiling water and watch the water flow. How it works: the combination of the baking soda and vinegar causes the fatty acids to break down into soap and glycerin allowing the drain to open.


6. Toilet running continuously? Before you call a professional plumber try these two tips. Water will flow through the inside of tank if the rubber flapper is not properly positioned and sealed against the inside rim.

a. In most toilets, the handle is connected to a rod inside the tank. When flushed it will pull against a connected chain and open the rubber flapper allowing the water to drain. Often the rubber flapper does not completely seal the inside rim, causing the water to continuously flow. The rod may need adjusting to completely seal the rim. Correct this issue by bending the rod downward with your hands.

b. If it continues to run and the flapper has not been replaced in years, turn off the water to the toilet and then flush. This will empty the tank allowing you to remove the flapper and take it to your nearest hardware for replacement.

This article was written by Keith Paul, a State of Michigan Licensed Builder. Paul serves as president and founding member of nationally franchised HandyPro Handyman Service, servicing Washtenaw, Wayne and Oakland Counties. Listen to Paul every Saturday at 11 a.m. on “It’s Your Home, Let’s Talk About It” WAAM Talk 1600AM. Email questions or comments to kpaul@handypro.com

Keith Osterman, former truck driver, made a rewarding career change recently purchasing a HandyPro franchise to serve homes and businesses in the Delmarva area in Maryland. Keith enjoys creating and building trusting relationships with his customers who give him the honor of trusting him with their home.

See how the Handyman Easton is contributing to the Aging in Place Community with Home Modification Easton Services.

What’s on your to-do list? HandyPro Handyman Services offers affordable solutions to a wide variety of home repairs and maintenance projects. HandyPro specializes in helping the homeowner, business or property manager have minor repairs completed professionally, in a timely manner, and guarantees 100% customer satisfaction.

Carpentry, Plaster, Drywall, Acoustic Ceilings, Grout tub, fix leaky faucet, home warranty/maintenance, paint home, caulk bathtub, replace locks, garage doors, cabinets, countertops, fix running toilet, repair squeaky door, install molding, security services, stained glass, door repair/install, drywall repair, painting, kitchen, insulation, concrete, masonry, repair gutters, remove wallpaper, replace ceiling fan, caulk awning, siding repair, install shelves, organizers, ceramic tile, window well covers, replace bathroom fan, draperies, blinds, shades, glass, mirrors, decks, and much more…just ask!

HandyPro Handyman Services of Delmarva is happy to serve homeowners and businesses in Talbot, Caroline, Queen Anne and Sussex Counties, Denton, Easton, St. Michaels, Centerville, Queenstown, Harrington, Seaford, 21629, 21601, 21663, 21617, 21658, and neighboring cities and communities.