The Most Common Home Repairs You Can Easily Do Yourself

Buying a home is one of the largest life investments, and taking care of it doesn’t come cheap either. The need for repairs rises now and then. But that doesn’t mean you have to open up your wallet for every single one.

If you were on the phone with a professional every time something breaks, now is the time to ask yourself if you could take a DIY approach.

There are some common home repairs you can handle even with very little experience, especially combined with all the online research available today. You may need to purchase some essential tools along the way, but the return on investment is guaranteed.

An Exception to a Rule

One thing that always justifies calling the professional is the need for electrical work, due to a great risk of injury. But, like every rule, this one also has an exception – everyone can replace a light switch.

Of course, precautions still come first – the main switchboards or circuit breakers need to be off before you begin. This prevents any accidental shocks and ensures your safety.

Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing a Light Switch

1. Turn Off the Power

• Locate your main switchboard or circuit breaker.
• Identify the specific circuit that supplies power to the area where you’ll be working.
• Flip the appropriate switch to cut off electricity to this circuit.

Tip: Label the switch with tape or a note to prevent others from accidentally turning it back on.

2. Gather Your Tools

• Flathead screwdriver: For prying off the faceplate cover and other tasks.
• Philips screwdriver: To unscrew and screw switches properly.
• Non-contact voltage tester: Ensure no electricity is running through the wires before handling them.

Optional: Wire stripper in case you need to trim and prepare wire ends.

3. Remove the Faceplate Cover

• Use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry off the faceplate cover of the existing switch.
• Insert the screwdriver into the groove between the wall and faceplate, then twist gently to loosen.
• Set aside the faceplate cover in a safe place for reinstallation later.

4. Unscrew the Switch

• With a Philips screwdriver, unscrew the light switch from its mounting bracket on the wall.
• Carefully remove all screws and keep them in a small container or pocket to avoid losing them.

5. Check for Electricity

• On the back of the switch, you’ll see two wires connected to screws.
• Before touching them, use a non-contact voltage tester to ensure there’s no electricity still running through these wires.
• Move the tester close to each wire; if it doesn’t beep or light up, it’s safe to proceed.

6. Detach and Attach Wires

• Carefully detach the wires from the old switch by loosening the screws that hold them in place with your Philips screwdriver.

Note: Pay attention to which wire goes where; take a photo if necessary for reference.

• Attach these wires to corresponding terminals on your new light switch, ensuring they are securely fastened:
• The black (or hot) wire usually goes to a brass screw.
• The white (neutral) wire connects to a silver screw if present.
• The green or bare (ground) wire connects to a green screw.

7. Reinstall the Switch

• Align your new light switch with its mounting bracket on the wall.
• Screw it back into place using your Philips screwdriver, ensuring it’s snug but not overly tight.

8. Replace Faceplate Cover

• Position the faceplate cover over your new light switch.
• If it’s a snap-on type, press firmly until it clicks into place.
• If it uses screws, align them with holes and tighten gently with your flathead screwdriver.

9. Restore Power

Return to your main switchboard or circuit breaker:

• Flip the labeled switch back on to restore power to your new light switch area.
• Test your new light switch by turning it on and off several times to ensure proper installation and functionality.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed your new light switch. Enjoy the improved functionality and energy efficiency it brings to your home. Always remember to exercise caution when working with electrical components and, if unsure, consult a professional electrician for assistance. Happy DIYing!

Precautionary Tips

• Always double-check that power is off using your non-contact voltage tester before handling any wires.
• If you encounter any issues or feel uncertain at any step, do not hesitate to consult a professional electrician.

Replacing a light switch is a straightforward task that can be accomplished with minimal tools and basic safety precautions. This small but essential home repair empowers you with confidence while keeping your home functional and safe.

Re-establishing the Flow

Leaky pipes can enlarge your bill by up to 20,000 liters per year if left unmended. Luckily, leaks most commonly occur under bathroom or kitchen sinks where you can approach them easily.

Step-by-Step Leak Fix

1. Turn Off the Water:

• Everything starts with turning off the water, so having quality valves in place will prevent further leaking issues.
• Locate the shut-off valve under the sink and turn it clockwise until it stops.

2. Prepare for the Mess:

• To avoid a mess, you’ll need a bucket to put under the pipe. This will catch any residual water when you start unscrewing parts.

3. Inspect Compression Nuts:

• Unscrew the big white pieces – those are compression nuts. If they’re broken or loose, a simple replacement might be the solution.
• Use an adjustable wrench to loosen and remove them.
• Check for any visible cracks or wear.

4. Replace Washer or P-trap:

If compression nuts are fine, you need to replace either the washer or the P-trap (the curved pipe).

Washer Replacement:

• Remove the old washer and replace it with a new one of the same size.
• Ensure it sits snugly within its groove.

P-trap Replacement:

• Detach the P-trap carefully.
• Even if only the washer needs replacing, use this opportunity to rinse out the P-trap well.

Pro Tips

Tools You’ll Need:

• An adjustable wrench
• A bucket
• Replacement washers and/or P-trap

Safety Note:

Always check twice to ensure you’ve turned off the water supply completely before starting any repair work.

By following these steps, you’ll fix common leaks efficiently and potentially save thousands of liters of water each year.

Flushing it Down

Not being able to flush down the toilet won’t cost you any money, but to say it’s an uncomfortable situation would be an understatement. This can happen for two reasons – the toilet lever is broken or your toilet drain is clogged.

Broken Toilet Lever

The first issue is very easy to fix. It takes approximately 15 minutes to replace the lever:

1. Unscrew the Broken Lever: Use a wrench or screwdriver to remove the old, broken lever.
2. Install the New Lever: Position the new lever in place and tighten it with screws.
3. Adjust the Chain Inside the Tank: Open the tank lid and check if you need to adjust the chain connected to the lever. Ensure it’s neither too tight nor too loose so that it doesn’t get stuck.

Clogged Toilet Drains

Sometimes clogged toilet drains do need a plumber, but there are two things you can try before taking that step:

Using a Toilet Plunger

The first is to try your luck with the toilet plunger (not the sink one):

• Ensure Enough Water in the Bowl: There needs to be enough water in the bowl to submerge the plunger’s head, so add some if necessary.
• Perform Downward Thrusts: Up to ten strong downward thrusts should help dislodge the clog.

Using a Toilet Auger

If this is not working, you can still try with the toilet auger. These cost a bit more, but they can take on tougher clogs.

• Insert the Auger: Run the auger into the toilet until its end reaches the clog.
• Turn the Crank: The trick is to get a good grip and turn the crank to break up or retrieve whatever is causing the blockage.

By following these steps, you can often resolve common toilet issues on your own without needing professional help.

Between the Hidden Blades

Bad odors are not reserved for clogged toilets – they can be equally nasty in jammed garbage disposals. Although these machines are full of hidden blades enhanced by loud noises that can awaken some primal fears, clearing up the clog is actually not dangerous at all. Follow these steps to safely and effectively clear your garbage disposal:

Step-by-Step Guide to Clearing a Jammed Garbage Disposal

1. Cut the Power

Before doing anything, ensure your safety by cutting off the power supply to the garbage disposal. You can do this by either:

• Unplugging it from the outlet.
• Turning off the circuit breaker that controls it.

This step is crucial to avoid any accidental activation while you work on the unit.

2. Disable the Unit

Once you’re sure the power is off, proceed without fear of accidental activation. It’s always better to double-check that there’s no power running to avoid any mishaps.

3. Adjust the Flywheel

To address potential issues with the flywheel, follow these detailed steps:

• Equip yourself with an Allen wrench.
• Locate the hex-shaped hole in the center at the bottom of your garbage disposal unit.
• Insert the Allen wrench into this hole and start rotating it back and forth.

This motion is vital as it helps loosen any food debris or other materials that could be jamming the flywheel, allowing it to move freely again.

4. Clear Food Debris from the Top

Now it’s time to approach the unit from above:

• Ensure you have a pair of pliers handy.
• Carefully reach inside and remove any food particles or debris that may have accumulated near the top of the unit.
• Be thorough but gentle to avoid damaging any components or injuring yourself.

Removing these blockages is essential for restoring smooth operation and eliminating any unpleasant odors.

5. Re-enable and Test

After clearing out all visible debris, it’s time to restore power to your garbage disposal:

• Restore Power: Plug it back in or switch on the circuit breaker.
• Test Run: Briefly turn on the unit to ensure it’s running smoothly.

This step will help confirm that you’ve successfully resolved the issue and that your garbage disposal is functioning correctly.

By following these steps, you can effectively eliminate bad odors and restore proper functionality to your garbage disposal without professional help.

Letting the Air in

We’ve all been in those situations – we don’t open the window for a while and then realize we can’t. Depending on the amount of crap and dirt accumulated, you need to apply elbow grease or some stronger lubricating agent.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

• Lubricating Agent: WD-40 or a similar product.
• Putty Knife or Pizza Cutter: To pry off the window sash.
• Cleaning Supplies: A sponge, mild detergent, and water.

Steps to Open a Stuck Window

1. Assess the Situation

• Examine how much dirt and grime have built up around the window frame.
• Identify any visible obstructions that might be causing the window to stick.

2. Apply Lubricant

• Spray a generous amount of lubricant along the edges of the window sash.
• Allow it to sit for a few minutes to penetrate and loosen any built-up grime.

3. Pry Off the Window Sash

• Use a simple pizza cutter for an easy but less gentle approach.
• For preserving paint, opt for a blunter putty knife.

Pro Tip: Insert the tool gently at first to avoid damaging the paint or wood.

5. Wiggle Open the Edges

• Carefully work around all edges of the window sash.
• Wiggle gently until you feel the sash start to loosen from the frame.

6. Clean Thoroughly

• Once open, clean both the sash and frame thoroughly with a sponge, mild detergent, and water.

Removing all dirt will not only ensure smooth future operation but also prolongs the life of your window.

By following these steps systematically, you can successfully open even the most stubborn windows without causing damage.

From Nails to Fists

There’s no wall without some holes – from those made by nails and screws to those where a fist or a doorknob left their mark. Luckily, you can fix all these yourself.

Patching Smaller Holes

Materials Needed:

• Spackle
• Putty knife
• Sandpaper
• Paint (if needed)

Steps:

Prepare the Area

• Wipe down the area around the hole.
• Clean any debris or loose particles.

Apply Spackle

• Press the spackle into the hole using a putty knife.
• Smooth it out and ensure it’s level with the wall surface.

Dry and Sand

• Allow the spackle to dry completely.
• Sand down the patched area to make it smooth.

Paint (If Necessary)

• Touch up with paint that matches your wall color for a seamless finish.

Patching Larger Holes

Materials Needed:

• Drywall piece (matching thickness)
• Utility knife
• Measuring tape
• Small piece of wood
• Screws
• Drill
• Spackle
• Putty knife
• Sandpaper
• Paint (if needed)

Steps:

Cut Around the Hole

• Using a measuring tape, mark a rectangular section around the hole to ensure you have clean edges.
• Carefully cut out this section with a utility knife. Make sure your cuts are straight to create an even surface for the patch.

Cut Drywall Patch

• Measure and cut a piece of drywall to match the exact size of the hole you just created.
• Test fit the patch to ensure it fits snugly into the cut-out section. The patch should sit flush with the surrounding wall surface.

Brace the Patch

• Place a small piece of wood (like a furring strip) behind the hole to provide support for the drywall patch.
• Drill three screws: one at the top, one at the bottom, and one through the center of the drywall patch into the wood brace. This will secure the patch firmly in place.

Apply Spackle

• Use a putty knife to fill in any gaps around the patch with a spackle.
• Smooth out the spackle so it blends seamlessly with the surrounding wall surface, ensuring there are no raised edges or bumps.

Dry and Sand

• Allow the spackle to dry thoroughly as per the manufacturer’s instructions, usually for several hours or overnight.
• Once dry, sand down the patched area until it is smooth and level with the rest of the wall. Use fine-grit sandpaper for best results.

Paint (If Necessary)

• Apply paint to match your existing wall color if needed. Use a small brush or roller to blend in with surrounding areas for a flawless finish.

By following these steps, you can effectively repair both small and large holes in your drywall, ensuring your walls look as good as new.

Conclusion

There is a variety of home repairs you can DIY; we’ve covered just the most common ones here as an example. With some will and essential tools, you can go a long way in maintaining and improving your home. Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind:

• Assess the Complexity: Before diving into any DIY project, assess its complexity. Some tasks might seem simple but require specific skills or tools.
• Safety First: Always prioritize safety. Wear appropriate protective gear such as gloves, goggles, or masks when necessary.
• Right Tools for the Job: Invest in quality tools. A good set of basic tools can make a significant difference in the ease and outcome of your projects.
• Online Resources: Utilize online tutorials, forums, and videos. They can provide step-by-step guidance and troubleshooting tips.

If you come across an issue outside our list, check if there’s an online DIY tutorial you can follow before dialing professional services. This approach can save you both time and money while enhancing your skill set.

Remember, while DIY projects can be rewarding, knowing when to call a professional is equally important. Complex electrical work, plumbing issues, or structural repairs should often be left to experienced professionals to ensure safety and compliance with local codes.

By continually learning and expanding your DIY repertoire, you’ll not only maintain your home more efficiently but also gain a sense of accomplishment from fixing things yourself. Happy repairing!

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)