Let’s be real—calling a handyman for every little household issue can burn a hole in your wallet. The good news? Many of those everyday repairs aren’t as intimidating as they seem. With a few basic tools, a bit of patience, and some elbow grease, you can tackle them yourself—and even enjoy the satisfaction that comes with it.
Here are 7 common household repairs that just about anyone can DIY. No fancy power tools. No contractor required.
1. Fix a Leaky Faucet
What you’ll need: Adjustable wrench, flathead screwdriver, replacement washer or cartridge
Drip. Drip. Drip. A leaky faucet is more than just an annoyance—it wastes water and spikes your utility bill. The culprit is usually a worn-out washer or cartridge inside the handle.
To fix it:
- Turn off the water supply under the sink.
- Remove the faucet handle using a screwdriver.
- Use your wrench to unscrew the valve stem.
- Replace the old washer or cartridge with a new one (take the old part to the hardware store if you’re unsure of the type).
- Reassemble everything and turn the water back on.
Voilà—no more drip!
2. Patch a Small Hole in Drywall
What you’ll need: Spackling paste, putty knife, sandpaper, paint
Whether it’s from a doorknob, picture frame, or an accidental bump, small holes in drywall are easy to patch.
Steps:
- Clean the area around the hole.
- Apply spackle with a putty knife, pressing it into the hole and smoothing it out.
- Let it dry completely (follow product instructions—usually a few hours).
- Sand it smooth and touch it up with paint that matches your wall.
For larger holes (2–6 inches), you may need a mesh patch or small drywall panel, but it’s still very doable with basic tools.
3. Unclog a Slow or Stopped Drain
What you’ll need: Plunger, wire hanger or drain snake, baking soda, vinegar
If your bathroom or kitchen sink is draining slowly, chances are you’ve got a clog of hair, gunk, or food buildup.
Here’s what to do:
- Start with a plunger—seal the drain and give it several firm pumps.
- Still clogged? Straighten a wire hanger and fish around inside.
- For a natural solution, pour ½ cup baking soda, followed by ½ cup vinegar, down the drain. Let it fizz for 10 minutes, then flush with hot water.
For tougher clogs, a cheap plastic drain snake ($5 at hardware stores) can work wonders.
4. Silence a Squeaky Door
What you’ll need: WD-40 or petroleum jelly, rag, screwdriver
A squeaky door might not seem urgent, but over time it can drive you nuts—and your guests too.
Fix it in 5 minutes:
- Open the door and gently remove the hinge pins using a screwdriver or just by tapping them upward.
- Wipe them clean with a rag.
- Apply WD-40, silicone spray, or even petroleum jelly to the pins.
- Reinsert and move the door back and forth to work in the lubricant.
Silence is golden.
5. Replace a Worn Toilet Flapper
What you’ll need: New flapper ($5–$10), rubber gloves, adjustable wrench (optional)
If your toilet keeps running or sounds like it’s constantly refilling, the problem is likely a deteriorated flapper.
Steps:
- Turn off the water to the toilet (the valve behind the tank).
- Flush to empty the tank.
- Unclip the old rubber flapper and attach the new one—most are universal fit.
- Turn the water back on and test.
This fix can save gallons of water and prevent higher water bills. Plus, it takes less than 15 minutes.
6. Re-Caulk a Bathtub or Sink
What you’ll need: Utility knife or caulk remover tool, bathroom caulk (mold-resistant), caulking gun, painter’s tape
Old caulk looks gross—and worse, it lets moisture seep behind walls, leading to mold and water damage.
To re-caulk:
- Use a utility knife or remover tool to strip out the old caulk completely.
- Clean and dry the area.
- Apply painter’s tape above and below the seam for clean lines.
- Load your caulk gun and run a smooth bead along the joint.
- Use a damp finger or caulking tool to smooth it out.
- Let it cure for at least 24 hours.
Your bathroom will look fresher, and you’ll prevent long-term damage.
7. Tighten Loose Cabinet Handles and Hinges
What you’ll need: Phillips screwdriver, toothpicks (optional), wood glue (optional)
Loose cabinet knobs or door hinges can be more than just annoying—they can eventually fall off or strip the screw holes.
For a quick fix:
- Tighten any loose screws with a screwdriver.
- If a screw won’t hold, the hole may be stripped. Insert a wooden toothpick or two dipped in wood glue into the hole, snap them flush, and reinsert the screw.
This gives the screw something to grip again and keeps your cabinets sturdy.
Final Tips for DIY Success
- Start small. Don’t take on complex plumbing or electrical jobs right away.
- Use YouTube. There are great step-by-step video guides for almost every fix mentioned above.
- Keep a toolkit. A basic home toolkit should include a hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench, utility knife, level, and tape measure.
Most importantly, don’t be afraid to try. These repairs don’t require a professional—just a bit of confidence and the willingness to learn. Plus, every successful DIY fix builds your skills and saves you money.
Conclusion
Next time something goes wrong around the house, skip the phone call and grab your toolkit instead. You’d be surprised how much you can fix with your own two hands—and how good it feels afterward.
Fix it yourself, and you might just become the handyman (or handywoman!) of your own home.