Introduction
Home repairs don’t have to be intimidating or expensive. With a few basic tools and a bit of know‑how, you can handle many common issues yourself and save serious money over time. This guide walks you through five practical DIY fixes that most homeowners will face sooner or later.
You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to work safely, follow simple steps, and know when a project is too big or risky to tackle on your own.
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Before You Start: Tools and Safety
Before jumping into specific repairs, make sure you have a basic toolkit:
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdriver set (flathead and Phillips)
- Hammer
- Utility knife
- Tape measure
- Pliers
- Stud finder
- Cordless drill
- Level
Always prioritize safety:
- Turn off power at the breaker for any electrical work.
- Shut off water valves before plumbing repairs.
- Wear eye protection and gloves when cutting or drilling.
- Use a sturdy ladder and never overreach.
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1. Fixing a Dripping Faucet
A dripping faucet wastes water and adds to your bill. Most of the time, the cause is a worn-out washer or cartridge.
Step-by-step
1. **Turn off the water supply**
Look under the sink for the shutoff valves. Turn them clockwise until they stop. Open the faucet to release any remaining water.
2. **Plug the drain**
Use a sink plug or a rag so you don’t lose small parts down the drain.
3. **Remove the handle**
- Pry off decorative caps (if any).
- Unscrew the handle using a screwdriver or Allen wrench.
4. **Inspect the cartridge or washer**
- For compression faucets, remove the stem and inspect the rubber washer at the end.
- For cartridge faucets, pull out the cartridge.
5. **Replace worn parts**
Take the old part to the hardware store and match it. Reassemble the faucet in reverse order, slowly turn the water back on, and test.
**DIY tip:** Take a picture of each step so you remember how everything fits back together.
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2. Patching Small Holes in Drywall
Nail pops, small dents, and screw holes are easy cosmetic fixes that make your walls look new again.
Step-by-step
1. **Clean the area**
Brush away loose dust or paint flakes with a dry cloth.
2. **Apply spackle or joint compound**
Use a putty knife to press spackle into the hole. Smooth it flush with the wall, feathering the edges.
3. **Let it dry completely**
Follow the product directions; drying may take a few hours.
4. **Sand smooth**
Use fine-grit sandpaper (180–220 grit). Sand lightly until the patch is flush.
5. **Prime and paint**
Apply primer over the patch so the paint blends better, then repaint the area or entire wall panel for a uniform finish.
**DIY tip:** For holes larger than a quarter, use a self-adhesive mesh patch before spackling to prevent cracking.
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3. Silencing a Squeaky Door
Squeaky doors are annoying but extremely easy to fix.
Step-by-step
1. **Identify the squeaky hinge**
Slowly open and close the door to find the noisy hinge.
2. **Support the door**
Place a wedge or folded cardboard under the door to take pressure off the hinges.
3. **Remove the hinge pin**
Tap it upward with a nail and hammer. Work on one hinge at a time.
4. **Clean and lubricate**
Wipe the pin with a rag. Apply a few drops of household oil or silicone spray to the pin and inside the hinge barrel.
5. **Reinstall and test**
Tap the pin back in, remove the support, and open and close the door several times to distribute the lubricant.
**DIY tip:** Avoid using cooking oil; it attracts dust and can gum up over time.
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4. Unclogging a Slow Drain Without Harsh Chemicals
Store-bought drain cleaners can damage pipes and are harsh on the environment. Try this mechanical approach first.
Step-by-step
1. **Remove visible debris**
For sinks, take off the stopper; for showers, unscrew or pry up the drain cover. Remove hair and gunk with a bent wire or plastic drain tool.
2. **Use boiling water**
Pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain to dissolve soap scum.
3. **Try a plunger**
- For sinks: Block the overflow hole with a damp cloth.
- Fill the sink with enough water to cover the plunger cup and plunge firmly.
4. **Use a drain snake**
Feed it into the drain and rotate gently to catch clogs. Pull out debris rather than pushing it deeper.
5. **Flush with hot water**
After clearing, run hot water for a minute to wash away residue.
**DIY tip:** Install a hair catcher in bathroom drains to prevent future clogs.
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5. Replacing a Broken Light Switch
If a light switch feels loose, crackles, or simply stops working, replacing it is usually a straightforward DIY job—as long as you work safely.
Step-by-step
1. **Turn off power at the breaker**
Don’t rely on the switch itself. Confirm power is off by testing the light.
2. **Remove the switch cover**
Unscrew the plate and set it aside.
3. **Unscrew and pull out the switch**
Gently pull the switch out to expose the wiring. Take a clear photo for reference.
4. **Move wires to the new switch**
- Loosen the terminal screws and remove the wires.
- Connect wires to the new switch in the same configuration: hot wire to brass screw, other to remaining terminal, ground (bare/green) to green screw.
5. **Reassemble and test**
Push the switch back into the box, secure it with screws, replace the cover, then turn the breaker back on and test.
**DIY tip:** If there are more than three wires or the wiring looks confusing, call an electrician.
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Final Thoughts
Learning a few basic home repair skills makes your space safer, more comfortable, and less expensive to maintain. Start with simple projects like these to build confidence. As your skills grow, you’ll be ready to tackle more ambitious improvements—always respecting your limits and local codes.