Guide: How to Make Simple Home Repairs

Difficulty: Easy Time Required: 15–60 minutes, depending on repair

Most common household problems have simple fixes that don't require professional help. Learning basic repairs saves money, builds confidence, and solves annoying issues quickly. This guide covers eight repairs you'll face regularly: running toilets, dripping faucets, squeaky doors, stuck drawers, loose doorknobs, holes in walls, running showerheads, and tripped circuit breakers. Master these and you'll handle 80% of home issues yourself.

What You'll Need

Materials:

• Basic screwdriver set (Phillips and flathead)
• Adjustable wrench
• Pliers
• Hammer
• Putty knife or spackling knife
• Spackle or joint compound
• Sandpaper (fine grit)
• WD-40 or similar lubricant
• Plumber's tape (Teflon tape)
• Replacement washers and O-rings (assorted sizes)
• Touch-up paint
• Clean rags

Prerequisites:

• Basic tool use knowledge
• Ability to locate shut-off valves
• Understanding of your home's circuit breaker location
• Patience to work methodically
• Willingness to research specific repairs if needed

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Fix a running toilet

Remove the toilet tank lid and identify the problem. If water continuously runs into the overflow tube, the float ball or fill valve needs adjustment—lower the float arm or adjust the fill valve height. If water leaks from tank to bowl, the flapper valve is worn. Turn off water at the shut-off valve behind the toilet, flush to empty the tank, unhook the old flapper, and install a new flapper (under $5 at hardware stores).

Step 2: Stop a dripping faucet

Turn off the water supply valves under the sink. Close the drain plug to avoid losing small parts. Remove the faucet handle (usually secured with one screw under a cap or on the side). Unscrew the packing nut and pull out the stem. Replace the rubber washer or O-ring at the bottom (bring the old one to the hardware store to match). Reassemble in reverse order and turn the water back on.

Step 3: Silence squeaky door hinges

Open the door fully and identify the squeaky hinge. Remove the hinge pin by tapping a nail or screwdriver under the pin head and pulling up with pliers. Clean the pin with steel wool or a cloth. Apply lubricant (WD-40, 3-in-1 oil, or petroleum jelly) to the pin and inside the hinge barrel. Reinsert the pin and open/close the door several times to work in the lubricant.

Step 4: Free a stuck drawer

Remove the drawer completely by pulling it out and lifting up. Check for obstructions or warped wood on the bottom or sides. Sand rough spots smooth. Apply paraffin wax, soap, or candle wax to the drawer runners and cabinet tracks to reduce friction. Reinstall and test.

Step 5: Tighten a loose doorknob

Locate the set screw on the doorknob base and tighten it using a screwdriver or Allen wrench. If the knob still wobbles, remove it entirely. Tighten the mounting screws securing the mechanism to the door. Check and secure the strike plate on the door frame.

Step 6: Patch small holes in walls

For small holes (nail-sized), apply spackle with your finger or putty knife, overfilling slightly. For larger holes (up to 3"), use a drywall patch kit. Let spackle dry (2–4 hours), then sand smooth. Wipe dust away, apply a second thin coat if needed, sand again, then prime and paint to match.

Step 7: Fix a dripping showerhead

Unscrew the showerhead counterclockwise (use pliers with a rag to protect the finish). Remove old plumber's tape from the threads. Check and replace the rubber washer if worn. Wrap new plumber's tape clockwise around the threads 3–4 times. Screw the showerhead back on hand-tight, then 1/4 turn more with pliers.

Step 8: Reset a tripped circuit breaker

Find your electrical panel. Look for a breaker in the middle position or with a red indicator. Push it to the "off" position, then to "on." If it trips again, unplug devices and call an electrician. If it stays on, the breaker functioned properly to protect against overload.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not turning off water before plumbing repairs: Always shut off water at the fixture or main valve before starting any plumbing work. Skipping this step can result in water damage.
• Over-tightening fasteners: "Tight enough" is the goal—not as tight as possible. Over-tightening strips threads and cracks components. Stop 1/4 to 1/2 turn after resistance increases.
• Using the wrong tool for the job: Improvising with the wrong tool leads to stripped fasteners and failed repairs. Always match tool type and size to the fastener.
• Mixing up directions (righty-tighty, lefty-loosey): Most fasteners follow this rule: clockwise to tighten, counterclockwise to loosen. If it won’t budge, double-check your direction.
• Losing track of parts during disassembly: Small parts vanish easily. Lay out each component in order or take reference photos to simplify reassembly and avoid leftover screws.

Pro Tips

• Keep a repair kit in a dedicated toolbox: Include essential tools and parts like washers, picture hangers, and spackle. Having supplies ready avoids unnecessary store runs.
• Watch online videos for specific repairs: YouTube has step-by-step tutorials for nearly every situation. Search your exact issue for visual guidance.
• Take photos before disassembly: Multiple angles help you reverse steps without confusion. Great for spring-loaded or multi-part assemblies.
• Buy repair kits instead of individual parts: Repair kits often include everything needed and reduce the chance of forgetting a piece. They’re cost-effective and convenient.
• Know when to call a professional: DIY is great for simple fixes. But complex electrical, gas, and structural issues require expert help to avoid costly mistakes.

Related Skills

Now that you know how to make simple home repairs, expand your home maintenance capabilities with these related guides from Your Life Manual:

• How to Use Basic Hand Tools
• How to Handle Renters Issues
• How to Unclog a Drain Without Chemicals
• How to Change HVAC Filters