Survivalist culture means self-sufficiency and being ready for anything that comes your way. When bad situations arise, you want your gear, firearms and cars to be at full strength and prepared for action. Damaged materials won’t do you any good.
Enlisting a professional’s help could be costly and time-consuming, so do-it-yourself jobs are your saving grace. Here are four repairs you should know how to make around the home.
1. Roof Leaks
Experts say tropical cyclones cause about $22.8 billion in damage with each event. When powerful storms hit your home, your roof is among the most vulnerable spots because of its height and exposure to the sky. Powerful winds can knock off shingles and cause roof leaks, so knowing how to mitigate damage is crucial for post-storm survival until you can get a replacement.
Roof leaks are critical because the moisture can lead to flooding and mold growth. You can mitigate this problem by applying sealant to the cracks and closing these gaps. Some preppers get ahead of older shingles by caulking the corners and helping the roof become less vulnerable to future storms. If the shingles are too old, you may need to replace them.
2. Automotive Repairs
When a bad situation requires bugging out, you need a vehicle ready to move immediately. Unfortunately, you could be stuck if your bug-out machine has worn pieces needing repairs or replacement.
Black Smoke
Your car may emit black smoke from the exhaust because of a malfunctioning fuel injector system. Experts recommend replacing the air filter for gas or diesel trucks, considering they have similar repair solutions. Check your turbocharger or the recirculation valve if the air filter isn’t the issue.
Glow Plugs
When you own and operate a diesel vehicle, comprehensive inspections are essential. For instance, when was the last time you checked your glow plugs? Experts say this part lasts between 80,000 and 100,000 miles, so watch your plugs when nearing this range. Change them if you notice excess smoke from your exhaust or the engine has difficulty firing.
Bearings
If you have a diesel engine, you should be wary of the bearings and how they can cause trouble. Worn bearings can cause odd sounds under the hood, so check these parts to see if they need repair. Lubrication is typically the solution for bearings, but they may need a closer look. You may have oil pressure issues, so check for gaps between the bearings and the lifters.
3. Plumbing
Life becomes more difficult when you have plumbing issues. Survivalists in remote areas may have trouble getting a professional to make repairs, so knowing how to fix fundamental problems is necessary.
For example, running toilets are a significant issue because they waste resources and raise water bills. The first thing you need to do is turn off the water using the knob near your toilet. Check the flapper because it may be your culprit if it doesn’t seal properly. Identify and find the exact model online to make replacement easier. Secure your new flapper and reconnect the chain to stop your running toilet.
Another plumbing issue that may arise is a clogged sink. There are a few ways to fix this problem, with some methods more challenging than others. Some find success by slowly pouring boiling water into the sink, thus helping the drain. Refrain from this method if you have PVC pipes because you’ll compromise the material. You could also use baking soda and white vinegar to unclog the drain.
4. Firearm Chambers
Firearms are essential for protecting your property and hunting, as local wildlife provides excellent opportunities for self-sufficiency. Weapons wear over time and can become damaged if you don’t maintain them between uses.
A common problem for firearms users is feeding and extraction, especially if you have semi-automatic devices in your inventory. For instance, your chamber could clog over time and cause your gun to malfunction. Some people prefer a fouled chamber, but a clean one is typically better for long-term use.
Cleaning a gun chamber is more manageable when you use a nylon bore brush because it won’t scratch your firearms. Twist it a few times to make the chamber look cleaner.
Putting Your Home in Your Hands
Repair professionals are typically a call away, but sometimes they aren’t accessible. Emergencies might not be able to wait long, so preppers must learn how to fix various objects around the home. These four repairs demonstrate easy DIY jobs you can do to save time and money and remain self-sufficient.
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