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10 Fixes Every Homeowner Should Know How to Do

If you own a home, you’re going to deal with minor breakdowns. These are the essential homeowner fixes you should know, no contractor needed. You just need a plan, the right tools, and a little confidence.

This guide walks you through 10 common repairs that every homeowner should know how to handle. Each fix includes simple steps, smart tool suggestions, and tips to avoid beginner mistakes.

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1. Patch a Hole in Drywall

Common Problem: Small dents, nail holes, or doorknob impacts.

How to Fix It:

  1. Sand the edges of the hole lightly.
  2. Apply a self-adhesive patch or mesh tape over the hole.
  3. Spread joint compound with a 6″ taping knife in thin layers.
  4. Let dry, sand smooth, and repeat if needed.
  5. Prime and paint.

Recommended Tools:

Full Drywall Patching Guide →

2. Stop a Dripping Faucet

Common Problem: Worn washer or O-ring in the handle.

How to Fix It:

  1. Turn off water supply under the sink.
  2. Unscrew handle and remove the valve stem.
  3. Replace the washer or O-ring.
  4. Reassemble, turn water back on, and test.

Tools You’ll Need:

Tip: Take the old parts to the store to match size and type.

3. Replace a Wall Outlet or Switch

Common Problem: Cracked faceplates, loose outlets, or dead switches.

How to Fix It:

  1. Turn off power at the breaker.
  2. Unscrew the faceplate and outlet/switch.
  3. Use a voltage tester to confirm power is off.
  4. Match wiring positions exactly when installing the new unit.
  5. Reattach and test once power is restored.

Tools/Materials:

4. Silence a Squeaky Door

Common Problem: Dry hinge pins or misaligned hardware.

How to Fix It:

  1. Spray a light lubricant (like 3-in-1 oil) into the hinge.
  2. Open/close door several times to work it in.
  3. If squeak persists, remove hinge pin, oil it, and reinstall.

Quick Option:

5. Unclog a Slow Drain

Common Problem: Hair or debris buildup in sinks or tubs.

How to Fix It:

  1. Remove visible debris from the drain.
  2. Use a plastic drain snake to pull out buildup.
  3. Rinse with hot water.
  4. For deeper clogs, try plunging or remove the trap under the sink.

Tools That Work:

Avoid: Liquid chemical cleaners — they can damage pipes over time.

6. Re-Caulk a Sink or Bathtub

Common Problem: Old, cracked, or moldy caulk.

How to Fix It:

  1. Use a utility knife or caulk remover to strip out old material.
  2. Clean and dry the area thoroughly.
  3. Apply painter’s tape on both sides of the seam for clean edges.
  4. Run a steady bead of caulk with a caulking gun.
  5. Smooth the bead with a caulk tool or wet finger.
  6. Remove tape and let cure.

What You’ll Need:

7. Reset a Tripped Breaker

Common Problem: Overloaded circuit shuts off power.

How to Fix It:

  1. Open the breaker panel.
  2. Look for a breaker that’s in the middle position (not ON or OFF).
  3. Flip it fully OFF, then back ON.

Bonus Tip:
Label your breaker box now if it isn’t already — it’ll save time later.

8. Fix a Running Toilet

Common Problem: Faulty flapper or fill valve in the tank.

How to Fix It:

  1. Shut off water at the wall valve.
  2. Remove tank lid and flush to empty.
  3. Replace flapper, fill valve, or chain if worn.
  4. Reconnect parts and turn water back on.

Recommended Kit:

Pro Tip: It’s often cheaper to replace all inner components at once.

9. Mount a TV or Shelves

Common Problem: Damaged drywall or unsafe mounting.

How to Fix It (Properly):

  1. Use a stud finder to locate studs.
  2. Mark bracket holes with a level.
  3. Drill pilot holes into studs
  4. Secure brackets and mount.

Tools That Matter:

TV Mounting Guide →

10. Clean the Dryer Vent

Common Problem: Lint buildup = fire hazard + longer dry times.

How to Fix It:

  1. Unplug dryer and pull it out.
  2. Detach the vent hose and remove lint buildup.
  3. Use a vent cleaning brush to reach deep into duct.
  4. Reattach everything securely.

Safety Must-Have:

Final Word

These aren’t just “handyman” tasks — they’re the fixes that save you hundreds and give you real confidence as a homeowner.

The more you learn to handle yourself, the less you’ll spend — and the more capable you’ll feel every time something goes sideways.

Need tools to get started?
Check out our Tools We Recommend page for gear that actually gets used.

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