15 Things You Should Know How To Repair in Your House

Owning a home is a rewarding experience, but it also comes with its fair share of maintenance challenges. Knowing how to tackle common repairs can save money and give you a sense of accomplishment.

Mastering these essential home repairs will empower you to maintain your home efficiently. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to keep your home in top condition!

Fixing a Loose Cabinet Door

Over time, repeated opening and closing of a loose door can cause the hinges to wear down further, potentially causing the door to detach completely.

1. Begin by opening the cabinet door and inspecting the hinges. Look for any screws that appear to be loose.
2. Using a screwdriver, tighten any loose screws. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can strip the screws or damage the wood.
3. If the screws fail to tighten because the holes are stripped, remove the screws and fill the holes with wooden toothpicks dipped in wood glue and let it dry. Trim the excess toothpick material and reinsert the screws.
4. If the hinges are damaged, replace them with new ones.

Fixing a Leaky Faucet

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that a faucet that drips once per second wastes over 3,000 gallons of water annually. Persistent leaks can damage sinks, countertops, and cabinetry, leading to costly repairs.

1. Locate the shutoff valves (usually under the sink) and turn them off.
2. Use a screwdriver to remove the handle and gain access to the cartridge or valve inside.
3. Look for worn-out O-rings, seals, or washers. These are often the cause of leaks.
4. Replacement parts like O-rings, seals, and washers typically cost between $1 and $5.
5. Put the faucet back together and turn on the water supply to test for leaks.

Repairing a Running Toilet

One of the primary dangers is water wastage. Additionally, the constant flow of water can lead to potential damage to your bathroom fixtures and flooring, which might result in costly repairs.

1. Inspect the flapper. If worn or damaged, it’s a common cause of running toilets.
2. If the flapper is the issue, replace it with a new one. These cost between $5 and $10 and can be found at any hardware store.
3. Ensure the chain attached to the flapper is the correct length. If it’s too long or too short, the flapper might not seal correctly.
4. Make sure the float is set at the right level. Water can continuously overflow into the toilet bowl if it’s too high.

Patching Drywall Holes

Open holes can become entry points for pests, such as insects or rodents, which can lead to infestations.

1. Use a drywall saw or utility knife to remove the damaged portion in a square or rectangle.
2. Cut a new piece of drywall to fit and secure it with drywall screws.
3. Cover the seams with joint tape and a layer of joint compound. Sand it smooth after drying.
4. Paint the patched area.

Unclogging Drains Without Chemicals

When water drains slowly or not at all, it can result in unpleasant odors, standing water, and even damage to your plumbing system due to increased pressure on the pipes.

1. Pour boiling water down the drain. This can help dissolve any grease or soap scum that may be causing the blockage.
2. Mix equal parts baking soda and vinegar (approximately half a cup each). Pour the baking soda, followed by vinegar, into the drain. This mixture will bubble and fizz, helping to break down the clog.
3. After 15 minutes, flush the drain with another kettle of boiling water to clear the remaining debris.

Replacing a Light Switch or Outlet

The National Fire Protection Association noted that electrical failures or malfunctions were the second leading cause of home fires in the United States from 2015 to 2019, accounting for an estimated 13%. A standard single-pole light switch or an outlet costs between $3 and $5.

1. Switch off the power at the breaker panel to ensure safety.
2. Unscrew the plate and the existing switch or outlet.
3. Take a picture or make a note of how the wires are connected.
4. Carefully remove the cables from the old switch or outlet.
5. Attach the wires to the corresponding terminals on the new device.
6. Screw back the switch plate, turn on the power, and test the new switch or outlet.

Fixing a Squeaky Door

Continuous squeaking could indicate that the door hinges are not properly lubricated, which can, over time, cause wear and tear on the hinge pins and the door frame.

1. Use a hammer and a nail to tap out the hinge pins gently.
2. Wipe off any dirt or rust from the hinge pins with a cloth.
3. Use a lubricant such as petroleum jelly or WD-40 on the hinge pins and inside the hinge barrels.
4. Carefully place the hinge pins back into their respective hinges.
5. Open and close the door several times to evenly distribute the lubricant.

Repairing Broken Tiles

Cracked or broken tiles can expose sharp edges, increasing the risk of injury to anyone walking barefoot. Additionally, broken tiles can allow moisture to seep through, leading to water damage, mold growth, and deterioration of the subfloor.

1. Carefully remove the broken tile (you can use a chisel and hammer).
2. Thoroughly clean the area to remove any adhesive or debris.
3. Apply thin-set mortar on the cleaned area using a notched trowel.
4. Set the new tile into the mortar, pressing it firmly to ensure it is level with the surrounding tiles.
5. Once the mortar has set (usually after 24 hours), apply grout to the seams using a grout float. Wipe away any excess grout from the surface.
6. Let the grout cure for the time specified on the product instructions, usually around 24-72 hours.

Re-caulking a Bathtub or Shower

Deteriorating caulk can lead to water seeping behind tiles or walls, causing structural damage and creating an environment for mold, posing health risks.

1. Use a caulk removal tool or a utility knife to scrape away the old caulk.
2. Clean the area with a mildew remover or a mix of bleach and water. Dry the area thoroughly afterward.
3. Cut the tip of your caulk tube at a 45-degree angle and load it into a caulking gun. Apply a uniform bead of caulk along the seam. Use your finger to smooth the bead and ensure proper adhesion.
4. Let it cure for at least 24 hours before using the bathtub or shower again.

Mending a Torn Window Screen

Most notably, it provides an entry point for insects and pests such as mosquitoes and flies that carry diseases like Salmonella and West Nile Virus.

1. Take the screen frame out of the window.
2. Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry out the spline (the rubber cord holding the screen in place). Remove the old, torn screen from the frame.
3. Lay a new screen fabric over the frame, leaving about an inch of excess screen around all edges.
4. A spline roller presses it back into the groove, securing the new screen. Start at one corner and work your way around the frame.
5.  Trim away the excess screen material using a utility knife.

Dealing with a Jammed Garbage Disposal 

When a disposal unit jams, it can lead to unpleasant odors, clogged drains, and, in some cases, damage to the disposal system.

1. Safety first! Make sure the unit is entirely powered down to avoid any accidents.
2. Most disposals come with a hex key that fits into a hex-shaped hole at the bottom of the unit. Turn the key to rotate the blades and manually dislodge any jam.
3. With the power still off, use pliers or tongs to remove any large debris stuck between the blades.
4. Restore power to the unit and turn it on to see if it’s functioning correctly.

Replacing Weather Stripping

Poor weather stripping can lose up to 30% of a home’s heating and cooling energy. Additionally, it can allow dust, insects, and moisture to enter the house, leading to potential health issues and damage to interiors.

1. Carefully peel or unscrew the existing weather stripping, ensuring you don’t damage the surface underneath.
2. Remove dirt using a mild cleaner, ensuring a good adhesive or fit for the new weather stripping.
3. Measure the length of your door or window and cut the new weather stripping accordingly.
4. Attach the new weather stripping, ensuring it creates a tight seal. For adhesive types, press firmly to ensure it sticks well.

DIY Painting Tips

Neglected paint can lead to more severe problems, such as wood rot, mold growth, and deteriorated drywall, reducing a home’s value.

1. Clean the surface thoroughly, remove debris, and sand it to create a smooth base.
2. Apply a high-quality primer ($10-$30 per gallon) to cover stains or dark patches.
3. Latex paint is generally recommended for interior walls, while exterior surfaces may require oil-based paint for durability.
4. Apply at least two coats of paint for full coverage and a professional finish. Use painter’s tape to achieve clean edges and avoid drips.

Fixing a Leaky Pipe

Leaky pipes can cause significant water damage if not addressed promptly. Here’s how to fix them:

1. Determine the exact location of the leak. You may also need to check walls or ceilings for water damage.
2. Turn off the main water supply.
3. Dry the area around the leak and remove any moisture. This ensures a clean surface for the repair.
4. Use pipe repair tape, epoxy putty, or a pipe clamp as a temporary solution to stop the leak before performing a permanent fix.
5. Turn the water back on and check for any additional leaks.

Maintaining Your HVAC System

Your HVAC system ensures your home’s comfort and air quality.

1. Replace or clean your HVAC filters every 1-3 months to ensure optimal airflow and efficiency.
2. Check the thermostat settings and replace worn batteries. This helps maintain accurate temperature control.
3. Dirt and grime can accumulate on the coils and fins of your AC unit. Gently clean them.
4. Inspect ductwork for leaks and seal with duct tape or mastic sealant to prevent energy loss.
5. Clear any dirt around the outdoor condenser unit to ensure proper airflow.

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