DIY Home Repairs: Safe, Simple Wins
A little bit of home upkeep can prevent costly calls to a professional. These simple do-it-yourself repairs require minimal tools and skills but can save you a significant amount of money and frustration. The key is to know your limits and prioritize safety. For any product-related safety questions, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is an excellent resource.
Fixing a Constantly Running Toilet
That hissing sound from your toilet is the sound of money going down the drain. A running toilet is most often caused by a faulty flapper—the rubber seal at the bottom of the tank. To diagnose it, put a few drops of food coloring into the tank. Don’t flush. Wait about 15-20 minutes. If you see colored water in the toilet bowl, your flapper is leaking. You can buy a replacement at any hardware store for under $10. Turn off the water supply to the toilet, flush to drain the tank, and follow the simple instructions on the new flapper’s packaging. Safety Note: The water in the tank is clean, but it’s still a good idea to wash your hands thoroughly afterward. When to call a pro: If replacing the flapper doesn’t solve the problem, the issue might be with the fill valve, which is a more complex repair.
Clearing a Clogged P-Trap
If your bathroom or kitchen sink is draining slowly, the clog is often in the P-trap, the U-shaped pipe under the sink. Before using harsh chemicals, try this mechanical fix. Place a bucket directly under the P-trap to catch water. Using a pair of channel-lock pliers or by hand, loosen the two large nuts connecting the trap to the pipes. Once loose, the trap will come right off. Empty the contents into the bucket, clean out any gunk with a small brush or paper towel, and then reassemble. Hand-tighten the nuts, then give them a final quarter-turn with the pliers. Safety Note: Wear rubber gloves, as the gunk can be unpleasant. When to call a pro: If the clog is further down the line beyond the trap, you’ll likely need a plumber with a snake or auger.
Stopping a Drafty Door
A drafty door lets your expensive heated or cooled air escape. This is a simple and cheap fix. First, check the existing weatherstripping around the door frame. If it’s cracked, compressed, or peeling, it needs to be replaced. Self-adhesive foam weatherstripping is inexpensive and easy to install. Just peel off the old material, clean the surface, and apply the new strip. For a draft under the door, a simple door sweep that screws into the bottom of the door can create a tight seal. These repairs cost between $10 and $20 and can pay for themselves in one season. Safety Note: Use a sharp utility knife carefully when cutting weatherstripping to size. When to call a pro: If the door itself is warped or the frame is out of alignment, a handyman or carpenter may be needed.
Tightening a Loose Cabinet Hinge
A cabinet door that won’t close properly is often due to a loose hinge screw. Over time, the screw hole in the wood can become stripped. A simple fix is to remove the screw, dip a wooden toothpick or a piece of a wooden matchstick in some wood glue, and insert it into the hole. Break it off flush with the surface. Let the glue dry for an hour, and then you can drive the screw back into the reinforced hole for a tight fit. This costs next to nothing. Safety Note: Be careful not to overtighten the screw and crack the wood. When to call a pro: If the cabinet door itself or the frame is broken, a more significant repair might be necessary.
