12 Common Home Repairs Anyone Can Do Themselves

Calling a handyman for every little fix gets expensive fast. These common repairs are simple enough for any homeowner to tackle with basic tools and a little patience.

1. Fix a Running Toilet

Time: 15-30 minutes | Cost: $5-20

A running toilet wastes water and money. The fix is usually simple.

Common causes:

• Flapper valve worn or misaligned
• Float set too high
• Fill valve failing

How to fix:

1. Remove the tank lid and observe what’s happening
2. If water overflows into tube: Adjust the float lower
3. If flapper doesn’t seal: Replace the flapper ($5-10 at any hardware store)
4. If fill valve runs constantly: Replace the fill valve ($15-20)

Pro tip: Bring your old flapper to the store to match the size.

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2. Silence a Squeaky Door

Time: 5-10 minutes | Cost: $0-5

That annoying squeak is just friction in the hinges.

What you’ll need:

• WD-40, silicone spray, or petroleum jelly
• Paper towels

How to fix:

1. Open the door partially
2. Spray lubricant into each hinge, or apply petroleum jelly with your finger
3. Open and close the door several times to work it in
4. Wipe away excess

If that doesn’t work: Remove the hinge pins one at a time, clean them, apply lubricant, and reinstall.

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3. Patch Small Holes in Drywall

Time: 30-60 minutes (plus drying) | Cost: $5-15

Nail holes, doorknob dents, and small damage are easy to repair.

For small holes (nail/screw size):

1. Apply lightweight spackle with a putty knife
2. Let dry completely
3. Sand smooth with fine sandpaper
4. Touch up with paint

For larger holes (up to 4 inches):

1. Buy a drywall patch kit with adhesive mesh
2. Apply patch over hole
3. Cover with joint compound
4. Let dry, sand, apply second coat if needed
5. Prime and paint

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4. Fix a Leaky Faucet

Time: 30-60 minutes | Cost: $5-20

A dripping faucet wastes gallons daily. The repair depends on your faucet type.

Before starting:

• Turn off water under the sink
• Plug the drain (so you don’t lose small parts)

For compression faucets (two handles):

• Replace the rubber washer inside the handle

For ball, cartridge, or ceramic disc faucets:

• Replace the cartridge or disc (bring the old one to match)

Pro tip: Look up your faucet brand and model for specific instructions. Or buy a universal repair kit.

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5. Unclog a Drain

Time: 15-60 minutes | Cost: $0-30

Most clogs can be cleared without calling a plumber.

Try these in order:

1. Boiling water — Pour slowly down the drain. Works for grease.
2. Plunger — Use a sink plunger (not toilet type). Create a seal and plunge vigorously.
3. Baking soda + vinegar — 1/2 cup each, wait 30 min, flush with hot water.
4. Drain snake — A $15 tool that physically removes hair and debris.
5. P-trap cleaning — Put a bucket underneath, unscrew the curved pipe, clean it out.

Skip the chemical drain cleaners — They damage pipes and rarely work well.

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6. Replace an Outlet or Switch

Time: 15-30 minutes | Cost: $3-10

Worn outlets and switches are easy to replace.

Safety first:

• Turn off power at the breaker (not just the switch)
• Test with a voltage tester to confirm power is off

How to replace:

1. Remove the cover plate and unscrew the outlet/switch
2. Pull it out and photograph the wiring
3. Note which wire goes where (or use tape to label)
4. Disconnect wires and connect to new device in same configuration
5. Push back into box, screw in, replace cover plate
6. Turn power back on and test

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7. Fix a Sticking Door

Time: 15-45 minutes | Cost: $0-10

Doors stick for different reasons. Identify yours:

If it sticks at the latch:

• Tighten the hinge screws
• If screws won’t tighten, fill holes with toothpicks and wood glue, redrill

If it sticks at top or bottom:

• Tighten hinges first (a sagging door often just has loose screws)
• If still sticking, mark where it rubs with pencil
• Remove door, sand or plane the marked area
• Paint or seal the raw wood

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8. Re-caulk Around a Tub or Shower

Time: 1-2 hours | Cost: $10-20

Cracked or moldy caulk allows water damage. Replace it yearly or when it looks bad.

How to fix:

1. Remove old caulk with a caulk removal tool or razor
2. Clean area thoroughly with rubbing alcohol
3. Let dry completely
4. Apply painter’s tape on both sides for clean lines
5. Apply new silicone caulk in one smooth bead
6. Smooth with wet finger or caulk tool
7. Remove tape immediately
8. Let cure 24 hours before using shower

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9. Tighten a Loose Toilet Seat

Time: 10 minutes | Cost: $0

A wobbly toilet seat is annoying and easy to fix.

How to fix:

1. Look for plastic caps at the back of the seat
2. Pop them open to reveal the bolts
3. Hold the nut underneath (or have someone hold it)
4. Tighten the bolt from above
5. Don’t overtighten—you can crack the porcelain

If bolts are stripped: Replace the whole seat. Most fit standard toilets and cost $20-50.

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10. Fix a Garbage Disposal

Time: 10-30 minutes | Cost: $0

Most disposal “failures” are simple fixes.

If it won’t turn on:

1. Press the reset button on the bottom
2. Check if the outlet has a GFCI that tripped
3. Make sure it’s plugged in

If it hums but won’t spin:

1. Turn it off
2. Use the hex wrench (usually included) in the bottom hole
3. Turn back and forth to free the jam
4. Or use a wooden spoon handle from above (NEVER put your hand in)
5. Remove whatever was jamming it

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11. Replace a Showerhead

Time: 15 minutes | Cost: $15-50

Upgrade from that sad builder-grade showerhead.

How to replace:

1. Unscrew old showerhead by hand (use cloth for grip if needed)
2. Clean threads on the pipe
3. Wrap threads with Teflon tape (3-4 clockwise wraps)
4. Hand-tighten new showerhead
5. Tighten slightly more with pliers (protect with cloth)
6. Test for leaks

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12. Fix Squeaky Floors

Time: 30 minutes-2 hours | Cost: $10-30

Squeaks happen when wood rubs against nails or subfloor.

If you have access from below (basement/crawlspace):

• Have someone walk to find the squeak
• Drive a screw through subfloor into the finished floor from below
• Or tap a shim with wood glue into gaps

From above (through carpet):

• Use a squeak-repair kit ($15) designed for carpet
• Drives a screw that snaps off below surface

From above (hardwood):

• Drive finishing nails at an angle into joists
• Fill holes with wood filler
• Touch up with finish

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When to Call a Professional

Not every repair is DIY-appropriate. Call a pro if:

• Electrical work involves the panel or new circuits
• Gas is involved (water heater, furnace, gas lines)
• You’re unsure what’s causing the problem after basic troubleshooting
• Water is leaking inside walls (damage gets worse fast)
• The repair requires permits in your area

For everything else, grab your tools and give it a shot. The satisfaction of fixing something yourself—and the money saved—makes it worthwhile.

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Track Your Home Repairs

Keep a record of repairs, when you did them, and what parts you used. Dib makes this easy—snap photos, store receipts, and build a maintenance history you’ll actually reference.