Not every repair job requires professional help. There are many simple fixes that you can do yourself with basic tools and a bit of know-how. Here are five DIY repair tips that everyone should know to save time and money.
1. Fix a Running Toilet
A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water and increase your water bill significantly. The good news is that fixing it is usually simple and requires no special tools.
The most common cause is a faulty flapper valve that's not sealing properly. To fix it:
- Turn off the water supply to the toilet
- Flush to drain the tank
- Inspect the flapper for any signs of wear or mineral buildup
- Clean the flapper and the valve seat with a cloth to remove any debris
- If the flapper is damaged, replace it (a simple and inexpensive part)
- Turn the water back on and test
This five-minute fix can save you the cost of a plumber and reduce your water bill.
2. Unclog Drains Naturally
Before calling a plumber or using harsh chemical drain cleaners, try this simple, eco-friendly solution:
- Pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain
- Follow with half a cup of white vinegar
- Cover the drain with a plug or plate for about 30 minutes
- Flush with hot (not boiling) water
The chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar can break down many common clogs, especially in kitchen sinks where grease buildup is the culprit.
3. Fix Squeaky Hinges
Squeaky doors can be annoying but are incredibly easy to fix. You don't need WD-40 (although it works well); you can use common household items:
- Apply a small amount of olive oil, coconut oil, or even petroleum jelly to the hinge
- Open and close the door a few times to work the lubricant into the hinge
- Wipe away any excess
For a longer-lasting solution, you can lift the hinge pin, coat it with a silicone-based lubricant, and reinsert it.
4. Patch Small Holes in Drywall
Small nail or screw holes in drywall are easy to repair:
- Clean the hole and surrounding area
- For tiny holes, apply a small amount of toothpaste or spackling compound with your finger
- For slightly larger holes, use a putty knife to apply spackling compound
- Allow it to dry completely
- Sand lightly with fine-grit sandpaper
- Touch up with matching paint
This simple fix can make your walls look new again without calling a contractor.
5. Reset Circuit Breakers Properly
When a circuit breaker trips, many people just flip it back on immediately. However, there's a proper way to reset a circuit breaker:
- Turn off or unplug appliances or electronics on the affected circuit
- Locate your circuit breaker panel
- Find the tripped breaker (it will be in the "off" position or in an intermediate position)
- Push the breaker fully to the "off" position first
- Then flip it firmly to the "on" position
- Turn appliances back on one at a time
If the breaker trips again immediately, there may be a short circuit or overloaded circuit that requires professional attention.
When to Call a Professional
While these DIY fixes can save you money, some repairs should be left to professionals:
- Anything involving gas lines
- Major electrical work beyond resetting breakers
- Structural issues
- Complex plumbing problems
- Any repair where you feel unsure or uncomfortable
Remember, the goal of DIY repairs is to save money and learn new skills, not to create bigger problems. If a repair seems beyond your abilities, don't hesitate to call a professional.
Do you have any simple DIY repair tips that have saved you money? Share them in the comments below!