DIY Home Repairs: 5 Simple Fixes Every Homeowner Should Know

Owning a home is rewarding, but it also comes with a seemingly endless list of small maintenance tasks and repairs. Calling a professional for every little issue can get expensive fast. Learning a few basic DIY skills will not only save you money but also give you a sense of confidence and control over your own home. Here are five simple fixes to get you started.

1. How to Fix a Leaky Faucet

That constant *drip... drip... drip* is not only annoying, it's also wasting water and money. Most of the time, the fix is a simple, inexpensive rubber washer or O-ring.

1. **Turn Off the Water:** Find the shut-off valve under the sink and turn it clockwise until it's closed.
2. **Disassemble the Handle:** Pry off the decorative cap on the faucet handle and use a screwdriver to remove the handle screw.
3. **Remove the Packing Nut:** Use a wrench to loosen the packing nut, revealing the stem.
4. **Replace the O-Ring and Washer:** Pull out the stem. You'll see a small rubber O-ring and a washer. These are the likely culprits. Take the old ones to a hardware store to ensure you get the exact same size.
5. **Reassemble:** Put the new washer and O-ring in, reassemble the faucet, and turn the water back on.

2. How to Patch a Small Hole in Drywall

Whether it's from a doorknob or a misplaced nail, small holes in drywall are an easy fix.

1. **Clean and Sand:** Lightly sand the area around the hole to remove any loose debris.
2. **Apply Spackling:** Use a putty knife to apply a small amount of spackling compound over the hole. Apply a thin layer, feathering the edges.
3. **Let it Dry and Reapply:** The spackle will shrink as it dries. Apply a second, thin layer.
4. **Sand Smooth:** Once completely dry, lightly sand the area until it's perfectly smooth and flush with the wall.
5. **Prime and Paint:** Prime the patched area and then paint it to match the rest of your wall.

3. How to Unclog a Drain Without Chemicals

Before you reach for harsh chemical drain cleaners, try these mechanical methods first.

1. **The Boiling Water Method:** For slow-draining kitchen sinks, slowly pour a pot of boiling water down the drain to melt away grease buildup.
2. **The Plunger Method:** For completely clogged sinks or tubs, a simple plunger is often all you need. Make sure you have a good seal and plunge vigorously.
3. **The Drain Snake:** For clogs caused by hair, a small plastic drain snake (available for a few dollars at any hardware store) is incredibly effective at pulling out the gunk.

4. How to Silence a Squeaky Door Hinge

A squeaky door can be fixed in minutes.

1. **Tap Out the Hinge Pin:** Close the door and use a hammer and a nail or screwdriver to gently tap the hinge pin upwards until you can pull it out.
2. **Lubricate the Pin:** Clean the pin and coat it with a lubricant like WD-40, white lithium grease, or even petroleum jelly.
3. **Work it Back In:** Place the pin back in the hinge and tap it down. Open and close the door a few times to spread the lubricant.

5. How to Fix a Running Toilet

A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water. The most common cause is a faulty flapper.

1. **Turn off the Water:** The shut-off valve is usually on the wall behind the toilet.
2. **Check the Flapper:** The flapper is the rubber plug at the bottom of the tank. If it's warped, cracked, or not creating a perfect seal, it's time to replace it.
3. **Replace the Flapper:** Flappers are inexpensive and easy to replace. Just unhook the old one from the overflow pipe and the flush chain, and clip the new one in its place.
4. **Check the Chain Length:** Ensure the chain has just a little bit of slack. If it's too tight, it will keep the flapper from closing. If it's too loose, it can get caught under the flapper.

Mastering these five simple repairs will give you the confidence to tackle other small projects around the house and save you a significant amount of money over time.