Home repairs are inevitable, but calling a professional for every little fix can be costly and time-consuming. Luckily, many common issues around the house have simple DIY solutions that save money and give you the satisfaction of solving them yourself. Here’s a guide to 10 straightforward home repairs that anyone can tackle with minimal tools and effort.
1. Fixing a Leaky Faucet
A leaky faucet isn’t just annoying; it can also waste gallons of water over time. Often, the problem is a worn-out washer or O-ring in the handle. Turn off the water supply, unscrew the faucet, and replace the washer with a new one. If the faucet has a cartridge, you may need to replace that as well. These parts are inexpensive and widely available.
Cost: Washers and O-rings typically cost under $10, making this a budget-friendly fix.
2. Unclogging a Slow-Draining Sink
If your sink isn’t draining properly, it could be due to a clog caused by debris like hair, grease, or soap scum. One way to fix this is by using a drain snake, a tool designed to reach into pipes and clear out blockages. Alternatively, you can make a DIY drain cleaner by pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain, followed by boiling water.
Cost: Drain snakes are reusable and cost around $10–$20, while baking soda and vinegar are inexpensive household items.
3. Patching Small Holes in Drywall
Small holes and dents in walls are common, especially in high-traffic areas. To fix this, apply a bit of spackling paste with a putty knife to fill the hole. Once dry, sand it down so it’s level with the wall surface, and paint over it to match the rest of the wall.
Cost: Spackling paste costs around $5, and you may already have paint at home.
4. Replacing a Broken Light Switch
If a light switch has stopped working, you can replace it yourself with a new one. First, make sure the power is turned off at the breaker. Unscrew the switch plate, remove the wires from the old switch, and attach them to the new one following the same setup. Reattach the switch plate, and turn the power back on to test your work.
Cost: Replacement light switches are usually under $5, making this a cost-effective repair.
5. Re-Caulking the Bathroom
Old caulk in the bathroom can crack, discolor, or even grow mold. Re-caulking around the tub, sink, or shower gives it a fresh look and prevents water from seeping into crevices. Remove the old caulk with a scraper, clean the area thoroughly, and apply a new line of silicone caulk with a caulking gun. Smooth it out for a clean finish.
Cost: Caulking supplies cost around $10, and the results are long-lasting.
6. Fixing Squeaky Door Hinges
Squeaky doors are a common nuisance, but fixing them is quick and easy. Remove the hinge pin from the door and lubricate it with a household oil or a special silicone-based spray. Place the pin back, open and close the door a few times, and enjoy your now silent door.
Cost: A small can of silicone spray costs about $5 and can be used for multiple door hinges.
7. Repairing a Running Toilet
A constantly running toilet wastes water and raises utility bills. The cause is often a worn-out flapper valve or an improperly adjusted float. Turn off the water to the toilet, remove the tank lid, and inspect the flapper. If it’s damaged, replacing it is easy. Adjusting the float level can also help resolve the problem.
Cost: Replacement flappers are inexpensive, typically around $5–$10, and can easily solve this issue.
8. Fixing a Loose Cabinet Handle
Loose cabinet handles can make your kitchen look worn out and reduce functionality. Tightening a loose handle is as simple as using a screwdriver to secure the screws. If screws are stripped, replace them with new ones to ensure a tight fit. For handles that keep loosening, consider using a dab of thread-locking adhesive.
Cost: New screws and thread-locking adhesive are inexpensive fixes, often under $5.
9. Patching Roof Shingles
If you have a damaged roof shingle, you can replace it without calling a roofer. Carefully remove the damaged shingle with a pry bar, then slide a new one into place and secure it with roofing nails. This keeps your roof protected from leaks until you’re ready for more extensive repairs.
Cost: Roof shingles are typically inexpensive, with single replacements costing under $20.
10. Clearing Out Gutters
Clogged gutters can lead to water damage, foundation issues, and even pest infestations. You can clean your gutters by hand with gloves or use a garden hose to wash out debris. Make sure to check gutters after autumn when leaves and twigs are most likely to cause blockages.
Cost: Gutter cleaning tools are inexpensive, often under $15, or you can use household items like a garden trowel.
Conclusion
With these simple DIY repairs, you can tackle common household issues without the need for costly professional help. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also gain confidence in your ability to maintain your home effectively. Each of these projects takes minimal time and effort yet provides long-term benefits, helping you keep your home in excellent condition year-round.