I'm a DIY expert

ARE you tired of looking at that dent in the wall or being driven mad by a dripping tap but can't afford to hire a ­tradesman?

Don't worry, you are not alone.

A survey this week estimated that there are 99million DIY tasks waiting to be done in our homes.

While many jobs, such as electrics, are beyond the abilities of most householders, there are several problems that can be tackled by almost anyone.

We asked expert Jo Behari, who has written several DIY books and co-presented the Channel 4 TV show Make, Do And Mend, to offer her tips for executing those tiresome tasks perfectly.

After reading this, there will be no excuse for putting off doing it yourself any longer.

THE best way to avoid a blocked drain is to pour bicarbonate of soda down it and flush through with vinegar followed by lots of hot water on a monthly basis.

If that doesn't work, you will need to remove the gunk from the U-bend, also known as the trap, under the sink.

Before starting, take a photo of what the connections look like, place a bucket underneath the bend and put the plug in the sink.

Then loosen all the joints on the U-bend, pour the gunk into the bucket, rinse through the U-bend in another sink and then put it all back together.

Make sure the rubber O-ring is seated in each joint correctly.

DEPENDING on how big the dent is, you need to build it up with filler in stages.

If you use too much filler at once, the back part won't get the chance to dry out properly and will crack.

Gradually build up the layers until the ­surface sits proud – you need that extra layer to sand back so you get a smooth finish.

Powdered filler is cheaper than ready-made filler.

THIS is caused by a washer that has either eroded or isn't sitting properly in the head of the tap.

Before beginning, turn the water off at the mains stopcock or the isolation valves on the pipework underneath the tap.

Go online to find the instructions for removing the tap head.

Take photos as you dismantle it.

Once inside, you will find the cartridge.

Either the whole cartridge will need to be replaced or just the washer.

If you are unsure, it's a good idea to take the tap head to a local plumber's merchant to find out what you need.

IT is best to hang a heavy picture on a solid wall or on the wooden timbers inside a hollow wall.

Prior to selecting the spot to drill into, you should use a voltage detector to make sure there are no electrical wires inside the wall.

When hanging from a solid wall, you need a masonry drill, drill bit, Rawlplug and screw.

Make sure the drill bit is the right size for the Rawlplug and screw.

Drill the hole into the wall, insert the ­Rawlplug and screw in the screw to hang the picture frame on.

SQUEAKY floorboards are caused by friction – two floorboards rubbing against each other.

The simplest solution is to dust talcum ­powder in the gaps

THE safest way to do this job is to use a long telescopic brush attachment fixed to a hose pipe.

You might be able to borrow one from a neighbour or hire one.

If you do go up a ladder, make sure you tell somebody first.

Find something to carry the tools up in, such as a backpack or bucket.

This is because you need both hands on the ladder as you climb up.

Use a plastic tool to scoop out the inside of the gutter because a metal one could create a hole.

RATHER than regrouting, the simplest way to freshen up the grout between tiles is to use bicarbonate of soda, bleach, or mould and mildew remover.

Scrub it in using an old toothbrush and then leave it overnight, before scrubbing it off with a stiff brush.

TO do this properly the wood needs to be sanded well, starting with a coarse grade of sandpaper, such as 60, and moving up to 100 and finishing with a 120.

Good prep will make the painting easier.

Put masking tape around the edge of the wood before you start painting.

If the wood is bare, use primer and then two coats of paint.

In between each coat, wrap your brushes in clingfilm, so you don't need to rinse them out and dry them before you start painting again.