DIY Home Repairs: Safe, Simple Wins
Many common household issues that waste money and energy can be fixed with a few simple tools and a little bit of confidence. Tackling these small projects yourself can save you the cost of a professional service call. However, safety must always come first. Never attempt electrical work or major plumbing jobs unless you are qualified. When in doubt, call a pro. For these simple fixes, all you need are basic tools and a willingness to learn.
Fixing a Running Toilet
A constantly running toilet is a major water-waster. The most common culprit is a faulty flapper—the rubber seal at the bottom of the tank. To check it, turn off the water supply valve behind the toilet. Flush the toilet to empty the tank. You can now inspect the flapper. If it’s cracked, warped, or covered in mineral buildup, it’s not sealing properly. A universal replacement flapper costs less than $10 at any hardware store. Simply unhook the old one from the overflow tube and chain, and clip the new one in its place. It’s a five-minute fix that can save you hundreds of dollars on your water bill. If this doesn’t solve the problem, the fill valve may need to be replaced, which is a slightly more involved job you might want a professional for.
Clearing a Clogged P-Trap
A slow-draining sink in the kitchen or bathroom is usually caused by a clog in the P-trap, which is the U-shaped pipe under the sink. Before using harsh chemicals, try this mechanical fix. You’ll need a bucket and a pair of channel-lock pliers. Place the bucket directly under the P-trap to catch any water. Loosen the two large nuts at either end of the U-shaped section of the pipe. They should unscrew by hand after being loosened with the pliers. Once the trap is off, clean out any gunk with a brush or a bent coat hanger. Reassemble the pipe, making sure the seals are in place, and hand-tighten the nuts. Run the water to check for leaks. This simple cleaning can restore your sink’s drainage and save you a plumber’s fee.
Stopping a Door Draft
Drafts around exterior doors are a huge source of energy loss, making your heating and cooling systems work harder. You can easily fix this with weatherstripping. There are many types, but self-adhesive foam tape is the easiest to install. First, clean the inside of the door frame thoroughly. Measure the top and sides of the door frame. Cut the foam tape to length and press it firmly into place against the doorstop molding where the door closes. For the bottom of the door, a “door sweep” can be attached with a few screws. These materials cost around $15-$20 and can significantly improve your home’s comfort and lower your energy saving bills.
Silencing a Squeaky Hinge
A squeaky door hinge is an annoyance you don’t have to live with. The fix is simple and takes just a minute. You’ll need some household lubricant like silicone spray or even petroleum jelly, a hammer, and a nail or a small screwdriver. Open the door and gently tap the bottom of the hinge pin with the nail and hammer until it starts to pop up. Pull the pin out. Wipe the pin clean with a rag and apply a light coat of lubricant to it. Slide the pin back into the hinge, tapping it down into place if needed. Open and close the door a few times to spread the lubricant. The squeak should be gone. This small fix improves your quality of life at home with almost no cost.
For more complex issues like extensive drafts requiring insulation work or potential air leaks in your HVAC system, you may hear about a process called duct sealing. This involves sealing the joints and seams in your ductwork with a special mastic sealant to prevent conditioned air from escaping. This is typically a job for a professional HVAC technician but can lead to significant energy savings. Always check for product safety recalls on any tools or home products with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
