The secret to being a supermom is preparation: being ready for anything, anywhere, any time. That’s why your handbag can double as a first aid kit, foot locker and food truck. It’s why your phone is packed with numbers of doctors, teachers, parents and pizza places. It’s why you can speak knowledgeably about the most accurate apps for directions, best-in-class mid-size SUVs and the sneakiest ways to limit your kids’ screen time.
When things go haywire at home, a supermom knows how to step up and get the problem solved. Here are a few solutions to common problems around the house, with info about what you should — and shouldn’t — do yourself.
A Quick Fix for a Leaky Drain
A supermom should always keep a tube of all-purpose, clear silicone caulking on hand. It costs less than $5, and can take care of a leaky drain in minutes. You don’t even need a caulking gun.
All you have to do is clean and dry the leaky drain (it’s ideal if you can avoid using that drain for a few days), apply caulk to the area, and let it dry according to the directions on the product. This will seal the leak until you can have the drain properly repaired by a plumber.
How to Stop that Running Toilet
Ever have one of your kids make a last-second stop in the bathroom and then you stand at the front door, keys in hand, children ready to go bananas, while you wait for the toilet to stop running? And it just keeps on filling, and filling, and filling? So frustrating.
Here’s how to pull the plug on that problem:
- Remove the lid from the toilet tank, and see if anything is obviously in need of repair.
- If the chain is getting caught in the flap, re-hook the chain so that the flap can close.
- If the water is filling, but not filling to the line, you can fill an empty plastic bottle with water, cap it and place it inside the tank. This should raise the water level enough to shut of the water (this is also a great way to save water on an older, less efficient unit!).
If these tips don’t work, then turn the water off at the shutoff valve underneath the toilet and call a plumber who can help you make the needed repairs.
How to Stop a Leaky Faucet
This is the kind of thing that will keep you up all night. Drip…drip…drip…into the sink until it echoes throughout the entire house (or so it seems). It can be maddening!
To get a good night’s sleep until a repair can be made, simply turn off the water at the valves under the sink. The next morning, you can attack the problem on your own. Leaky faucets can usually be fixed by replacing the “seat” in the faucet. You will need some old towels, and some basic tools like a screwdriver, wrench, and pliers to make this fix.
If you pop the cap off the handle of your faucet, you should be able to take out the handle screw, remove the handle itself and then take out the packing nut (you’ll need a crescent wrench for this step). There should be a seat washer held down by a brass screw. Replace that seat washer and there’s a good chance that the problem is solved.
Try calling the manufacturer for a free replacement part, or you can pick up a washer at your local hardware store for a minimal fee. If you don’t have the time or inclination to tackle this task or the simple fix didn’t solve the problem, a plumber can make this repair in short order.
The Importance of a Sump Pump
Spring showers may bring beautiful flowers to your garden, but rain can sometimes deliver flooding, too. Even if you’ve never had water in your basement before, new cracks in your foundation or changes to the geography of your region can unexpectedly fill your home with water.
A sump pump will quickly pump the water out of flooded areas to help minimize damage from flooding. Manual sump pumps are effective, but an automatic sump pump will pump water out on demand. Even if you aren’t home and there is flooding, you can rest assured that your sump pump is keeping your home protected.
Some home situations overwhelm even the most super of moms, John C. Flood can help. With over 100 years of experience, John C. Flood will take care of your home repairs so you can spend more time being mom.
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{Disclosure: This is a sponsored post courtesy of John C. Flood.}
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