Secure, livable housing is one of the necessities to which all humans are entitled. Unfortunately, our homes don't always get the memo. Domestic disasters can strike at any time (even though we all know they're probably going to happen when it's most inconvenient), throwing out our plans, and in some cases, making our homes unlivable. That's why it's important to be on top of things, knowing what might go wrong so you can avoid or fix it.

Plumbing Issues

Ever flushed the toilet and had it completely fill itself, or worse, overflow? Or pulled the plug out of the sink after you've done the dishes to discover that, to your horror, the water isn't disappearing? Blocked drains are common, and unfortunately, there's not really much we can do to prevent them. 

Regularly cleaning household areas can help avoid the issue, but almost everyone will encounter a blocked drain at least once in their lifetime. When this happens, you can try pouring boiling water (If possible) down the drain or take to it with a plunger. If these options fail, it's time to call in a professional plumber because trust us when we say: you don't want to be messing with whatever is in that pipe.

Leaking Taps

As your tapware gets older, it becomes more prone to dripping or leaking. No-one wants to be awoken by the steady drip-drop of escaping droplets or the slow trickle of a failing tap. So, your best bet is to keep a good eye on how your sinks, showers, and bathtubs are holding up. 

If you notice a problem start to arise, or even just if you haven't checked your o-rings and other seals in a while, get in there and see how they’re faring. Replace any small parts that might need changing, and take to the outside edge with a waterproof sealant – crisis averted. 

Temperature Issues

Another common problem that people face is finding that their home is too hot in Summer and freezing in Winter. While a lot of this will come down to your home's design, there are things you can do to make it a little more bearable. If you have the budget, it could be an idea to check on and upgrade your insulation. 

However, if major renos aren't on the cards, you'd be surprised by how much of a difference upgrading your window furnishing can make. A good block out blind can do wonders for keeping heat out in warmer weather and trapping it inside in the colder months. If you pair it with a nice sheer blind, you can give your privacy a solid boost without compromising on natural light.

Creaky Hinges

Are squeaking doors and groaning gates the bane of your existence? Although super common (and annoying), most people don't realise how easy this issue actually is to fix. Most doors that don't sound great simply aren't lubricated properly, so try greasing the hinges or giving them a spray with your trusty WD-40. Nine times out of ten, this will equate to a frustrating problem being blissfully solved.

Your home is supposed to be your sanctuary, but when things go wrong, it can feel like your enemy. These common problems plague dwellings around the world daily, and they can escalate if not dealt with when they first arise. Luckily, you can now rest assured that these issues won't last long in your home (if they even arise at all).

Photo by Gus Ruballo on Unsplash