DIY Education Center
Empower yourself with the knowledge to handle basic home maintenance. These guides are designed for Central Texas homeowners — both mobile homes and traditional houses.
Safety First: These guides are for informational purposes only. Always prioritize your safety. For electrical panel work, gas lines, structural repairs, or any task you are not confident performing, contact a licensed professional. When in doubt, call PEAD, LLC.
Plumbing Basics
BeginnerHow to Fix a Running Toilet
- 1Turn off the water supply valve behind the toilet.
- 2Remove the tank lid and observe the fill valve and flapper.
- 3If the flapper is worn or warped, replace it — they cost under $10 at any hardware store.
- 4If the fill valve is faulty, replace the entire fill valve assembly.
- 5Turn water back on and test. The toilet should stop running within 30 seconds of flushing.
Pro Tip: A running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day. Fix it promptly.
How to Clear a Slow Drain
- 1Remove the drain cover or stopper.
- 2Use a drain snake or zip-it tool to pull out hair and debris.
- 3Pour boiling water down the drain slowly.
- 4If still slow, use a baking soda and vinegar treatment: pour 1/2 cup baking soda, then 1/2 cup white vinegar. Wait 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.
- 5Avoid chemical drain cleaners — they can damage pipes over time.
Pro Tip: Install drain hair catchers in showers and tubs to prevent future clogs.
HVAC Maintenance
BeginnerHow to Replace Your Air Filter
- 1Locate your air handler or furnace — the filter slot is typically on the return air side.
- 2Note the size printed on the existing filter (e.g., 16x20x1).
- 3Turn off the HVAC system before replacing.
- 4Slide out the old filter and note the airflow direction arrow.
- 5Insert the new filter with the arrow pointing toward the air handler (in the direction of airflow).
- 6Turn the system back on. Replace every 1–3 months.
Pro Tip: In Central Texas, replace filters monthly during peak summer and winter use.
How to Clear a Condensate Drain Line
- 1Locate the condensate drain line — a white PVC pipe near your indoor AC unit.
- 2Find the access port (a T-shaped cap on the line).
- 3Pour 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar into the access port.
- 4Wait 30 minutes, then flush with water.
- 5Do this monthly during cooling season to prevent clogs and water damage.
Pro Tip: A clogged condensate line is one of the most common causes of AC water damage in Texas.
Interior Repairs
IntermediateHow to Patch a Small Drywall Hole
- 1For holes under 4 inches, use a self-adhesive mesh patch kit from any hardware store.
- 2Clean the area around the hole — remove any loose drywall.
- 3Apply the mesh patch over the hole.
- 4Apply joint compound (spackle) over the patch with a putty knife.
- 5Let dry completely (4–6 hours), then sand smooth.
- 6Apply a second thin coat if needed. Sand again when dry.
- 7Prime and paint to match the wall.
Pro Tip: Feather the compound edges outward to blend seamlessly with the wall surface.
Mobile Home Specific
IntermediateHow to Repair Mobile Home Skirting
- 1Identify the damaged panel(s) — look for cracks, holes, or missing sections.
- 2Measure the damaged section carefully.
- 3Purchase replacement skirting panels at a mobile home supply store or home center.
- 4Remove the damaged panel by sliding it out of the top and bottom tracks.
- 5Cut the new panel to size if needed using tin snips or a utility knife.
- 6Slide the new panel into the top track first, then press the bottom into the ground track.
- 7Secure with screws or clips as required by your skirting system.
Pro Tip: Inspect skirting after every major storm. Gaps allow pests and moisture under your home.
How to Seal a Mobile Home Roof Leak
- 1Safety first — only access the roof in dry conditions with proper footwear.
- 2Locate the source of the leak — look for cracks, bubbles, or lifted seams in the roof coating.
- 3Clean the area thoroughly with a brush and remove any loose material.
- 4Apply mobile home roof coating or elastomeric sealant to the damaged area.
- 5For seam repairs, use roof tape designed for mobile homes, then coat over it.
- 6Allow to cure per manufacturer instructions before rain exposure.
Pro Tip: Recoat your entire mobile home roof every 3–5 years to prevent leaks before they start.
Pest Prevention
BeginnerHow to Seal Your Home Against Pests
- 1Inspect the exterior of your home for gaps, cracks, and openings larger than 1/4 inch.
- 2Seal gaps around pipes, wires, and conduits with steel wool and caulk.
- 3Replace damaged weatherstripping on all exterior doors.
- 4Install door sweeps on exterior doors with visible gaps at the bottom.
- 5Seal foundation vents with mesh screens — especially on mobile homes.
- 6Keep vegetation trimmed back at least 12 inches from the home's exterior.
Pro Tip: In Central Texas, pest prevention is year-round work — especially for ants, roaches, and rodents.
Electrical Safety
Beginner — Know Your LimitsHow to Test and Reset a GFCI Outlet
- 1Locate the GFCI outlet — these have "Test" and "Reset" buttons in the center.
- 2Plug in a lamp or device to verify the outlet has power.
- 3Press the "Test" button — the outlet should lose power.
- 4Press the "Reset" button — power should restore.
- 5If the outlet does not reset or trips repeatedly, call a licensed electrician.
- 6GFCI outlets protect bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor areas from shock.
Pro Tip: Test all GFCI outlets monthly. A GFCI that won't reset may indicate a wiring fault.
Need Professional Help?
Some repairs are best left to the professionals. PEAD, LLC subscription members get priority access to our expert team for anything beyond basic DIY.