Owning a home comes with its fair share of maintenance and repair tasks, and while some projects may require a professional, many common issues can be solved with a few simple tools and a bit of elbow grease. Whether you’re looking to save money on repairs or just want to feel more confident in maintaining your space, there are several easy DIY fixes every homeowner should know. Here are some of the most common fixes you can tackle yourself, saving time and money while keeping your home in tip-top shape.

1. Fix a Leaky Faucet

A leaky faucet is one of the most common and annoying issues in the home. It not only wastes water but can also drive up your water bill. Fortunately, fixing a leaky faucet is a relatively simple DIY project that requires just a few basic tools.

• What You Need: A wrench, screwdriver, replacement washers or O-rings, plumber’s tape.
• How to Fix It: Turn off the water supply, remove the handle and cover of the faucet, and inspect the internal components. Most leaks are caused by worn-out washers or O-rings. Replace these with new ones, reassemble the faucet, and test it to ensure the leak is fixed.

2. Unclog a Drain

Clogged drains are another common issue in the home, and they can be frustrating to deal with. While chemical drain cleaners can work, they’re often harsh and not eco-friendly. Instead, use a few simple techniques to unclog your drains naturally.

• What You Need: Baking soda, vinegar, hot water, a plunger, or a drain snake.
• How to Fix It: Start by pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain, followed by hot water. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then flush the drain with more hot water. If the clog persists, use a plunger to try to dislodge it. For stubborn clogs, a drain snake can be used to physically break up the obstruction.

3. Patch a Hole in the Wall

Whether it’s from a door handle or a misplaced picture frame, holes in the walls can happen easily. Patching these holes is a quick and easy DIY fix that will keep your walls looking smooth and neat.

• What You Need: Spackle or joint compound, a putty knife, sandpaper, paint.
• How to Fix It: For small holes, use a putty knife to spread spackle over the hole. Smooth it out and let it dry. Once dry, sand it down until smooth, then touch up with paint. For larger holes, you may need to apply a patch before using spackle.

4. Fix a Running Toilet

A running toilet can be both annoying and wasteful, but it’s often a simple fix. Most of the time, the problem is caused by a faulty flapper, fill valve, or flush valve inside the tank.

• What You Need: Replacement flapper or valve parts, pliers.
• How to Fix It: Turn off the water supply to the toilet and remove the tank lid. Inspect the flapper to see if it’s cracked or worn, and replace it if necessary. If the problem lies with the fill valve or flush valve, these parts can often be replaced by unscrewing them and installing new ones. Once the repairs are complete, turn the water supply back on and check for leaks.

5. Repair a Squeaky Door

Squeaky doors can be incredibly annoying, but they’re usually easy to fix. The squeak is often caused by friction between the door hinges and the doorframe.

• What You Need: WD-40 or a silicone lubricant, a rag.
• How to Fix It: Spray a small amount of lubricant directly onto the hinges. Open and close the door a few times to work the lubricant in. Wipe away any excess, and the squeak should be gone. If the hinges are very dirty, you may want to remove the door to clean and lubricate them more thoroughly.

6. Fix a Sticking Window

Windows that stick can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to open them on a hot day. Sticky windows are often the result of dirt, debris, or paint buildup in the window tracks.

• What You Need: Vacuum, soap and water, silicone lubricant.
• How to Fix It: Begin by cleaning the window tracks with a vacuum to remove dirt and debris. Then, use soap and water to wash the tracks thoroughly. Once clean and dry, apply a small amount of silicone lubricant to the tracks to allow the window to glide smoothly.

7. Seal Drafty Windows and Doors

Drafts around windows and doors can cause your home to lose heat in the winter and cool air in the summer, leading to higher energy bills. Sealing these drafts is a simple and cost-effective DIY fix.

• What You Need: Weatherstripping or caulk, scissors, utility knife.
• How to Fix It: For windows and doors, you can apply weatherstripping around the edges. Measure and cut the weatherstripping to fit the perimeter, then press it firmly into place. If there are gaps in the window frame, use caulk to fill them in. This will help prevent drafts and keep your home more energy-efficient.

8. Clean Your Refrigerator Coils

Over time, the coils at the back of your refrigerator can accumulate dust and dirt, making your fridge work harder and use more energy. Cleaning the coils is an easy fix that can improve efficiency.

• What You Need: A vacuum with a brush attachment or a coil cleaning brush.
• How to Fix It: Unplug the refrigerator and locate the coils (usually at the back or underneath). Use a vacuum with a brush attachment or a coil cleaning brush to gently remove dust and debris. After cleaning, plug the fridge back in and check to see if it runs more efficiently.

9. Tighten Loose Cabinet Hardware

Cabinets are often subject to wear and tear, and their hardware can become loose over time. Tightening cabinet handles, knobs, and hinges is an easy DIY fix that can restore the functionality of your kitchen or bathroom cabinets.

• What You Need: A screwdriver.
• How to Fix It: Use a screwdriver to tighten any loose screws on cabinet handles, knobs, and hinges. If the screws are stripped, replace them with new ones to ensure they stay in place.

10. Fix Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure can make everyday tasks like showering and washing dishes much more difficult. While the cause of low water pressure can vary, there are a few common fixes that you can try before calling a plumber.

• What You Need: Vinegar, a cloth, pliers.
• How to Fix It: If the water pressure is low in your showerhead or faucet, mineral buildup may be the issue. Remove the showerhead or faucet aerator, and soak it in vinegar for several hours to dissolve the minerals. After soaking, scrub it with a cloth to remove any remaining debris. Reattach the fixture and check if the water pressure has improved.

Conclusion

Home repairs don’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a few simple tools and a little knowledge, many common household issues can be fixed quickly and easily by homeowners themselves. By tackling these small projects, you can keep your home in great condition, save money on repairs, and gain a sense of accomplishment from maintaining your space. Whether you’re fixing a leaky faucet, unclogging a drain, or sealing drafts around your windows, these easy DIY fixes can help keep your home running smoothly.