7 Common Home Repairs You Can Do Without Calling a Pro
Skip the handyman and tackle these common home repairs on your own.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
A few basic tools and a little patience can save time and money on common household fixes. Calling a pro is not always necessary when a leaky faucet, wobbly door handle, or running toilet needs attention. Learning a few simple tricks can keep your home in great shape and make you feel like a DIY expert.
1. Fixing a Leaky Faucet
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A dripping faucet wastes water and adds to your bill, but it is an easy fix. Most leaks happen because a washer or cartridge inside the faucet is worn out. Turn off the water, replace the part, and your faucet will be as good as new.
2. Patching Small Holes in Walls
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Small holes from nails or accidents can make walls look rough. A little spackle and a putty knife will smooth them out in minutes. Let it dry, sand it down, and add a fresh coat of paint to blend everything in.
3. Stopping a Running Toilet
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A toilet that keeps running is usually wasting gallons of water. The problem is often a worn-out flapper or a float that needs adjusting. Swapping out the faulty part or making a small adjustment will get your toilet working properly again.
4. Tightening Loose Door Handles
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A loose door handle feels annoying and can get worse over time. Most of the time, all it needs is a few screws tightened with a screwdriver. If the screws are tightened with a screwdriver, the door handles will not become loose. If the screws will not hold, adding a bit of wood filler can help secure them.
5. Fixing a Loose Electrical Outlet
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A loose electrical outlet can make plugging things in a struggle. Turning off the power and tightening the screws inside the outlet box will keep it secure. A snug outlet prevents sparks and keeps your plugs from falling out.
6. Silencing Squeaky Floors
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Squeaky floors can make every step sound louder than it should. Sprinkling baby powder between the boards or tapping on a small nail can help stop the noise. If it still squeaks, securing the subfloor with screws will make a big difference.
7. Cleaning a Clogged Dryer Vent
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A clogged dryer vent can make clothes take longer to dry and create a fire hazard. Removing the lint buildup with a vacuum or brush will help air flow better. Cleaning the vent regularly will keep your dryer working safely and efficiently.