Tag: DIY Home Repairs

💦 Pressure Washing – Revive Your Home’s Exterior

by SDEproSERVICES, posted in Yard Tips

Arizona’s dust and debris can leave your home looking tired. Here’s how pressure washing can bring back its shine:

🏡 What to Pressure Wash

  • Frequency: Pressure wash once or twice a year depending on your home’s exposure to dirt and weather conditions. More often if you have heavy traffic areas or excessive dust.
  • Driveways, sidewalks, and patios
  • Wooden decks or fences (use low pressure)
  • Home exteriors (only with a low-pressure setting)

🧴 Tips for Safe Pressure Washing

  • Test a small area before washing the entire surface.
  • Use the right nozzle for the job: 25° (green) for general surfaces, 40° (white) for delicate areas.
  • Avoid windows, electrical outlets, and any non-waterproof electrical fixtures.

💡 Pro Tip

Pressure washing is great for cleaning hardscapes and walls, but if you’re worried about damage, let SDEproServices professionally power-wash your home’s exterior.

🛠️ Caulking & Sealant Fixes – Easy Solutions for Water and Drafts

by SDEproSERVICES, posted in Handyman Tips

Caulk is your home’s first line of defense against water damage and drafts. Here’s how to maintain it:

🔍 Check These Areas First

  • Frequency: Inspect your caulking every 6 months to ensure it’s still providing a good seal, especially around windows, doors, and bathrooms.
  • Windows and door frames
  • Baseboards and crown molding
  • Bathrooms (around tubs and showers)

🖌️ DIY Caulking Tips

  • Remove old caulk with a utility knife.
  • Clean the surface with rubbing alcohol to ensure a good bond.
  • Apply a smooth, even bead of new caulk using a caulk gun.
  • Use a wet finger or tool to smooth it out before it dries.

💡 Pro Tip

Seals starting to crack? Let SDEproServices replace old, worn caulk for a flawless finish that keeps your home sealed from moisture and pests.

🚨 Smoke Detector Battery Change – Keep Your Home Safe

by SDEproSERVICES, posted in Handyman Tips

Smoke detectors are vital, but only if they’re working properly. Don’t wait for the alarm to remind you!

🛠️ When to Change the Batteries

  • Frequency: Replace smoke detector batteries every 6 months, typically during daylight saving time changes, and fully replace the detectors every 8-10 years.
  • When the detector starts chirping
  • Every 8-10 years for full replacement

🔧 How to Replace the Battery

  • Remove the detector from its mount.
  • Replace the old battery with a new one (usually 9V or AA).
  • Press the test button to ensure it’s working.

💡 Pro Tip

For peace of mind, let SDEproServices handle smoke detector battery changes and safety checks — ensuring your home is always protected.

🌀 Garbage Disposal Care & Unclogging – DIY Made Easy

by SDEproSERVICES, posted in Handyman Tips

Garbage disposals are workhorses — until they aren’t. Keep yours running smoothly (and stink-free) with these simple tips:

🔧 Do This Weekly

  • Run cold water for 15–30 seconds before and after use.
  • Toss in a few ice cubes and lemon peels to freshen and sharpen blades.

🚫 Never Put In:

  • Grease or oil
  • Coffee grounds
  • Eggshells
  • Pasta, rice, or stringy vegetables (like celery)

🧼 If It Clogs or Smells:

  • Unplug it or turn off the breaker first!
  • Use tongs (never hands) to remove debris.
  • Pour in a mix of baking soda + vinegar, wait 10 minutes, then flush with hot water.
  • Still stuck? A hex key underneath may manually free the motor.

Don’t want to deal with it? We handle garbage disposal clean-outs and basic resets — just reach out to SDEproServices.