8 Common Home Repairs You Can Do Yourself

<img src="https://diamondcertified.org/img/blog/handyman-november.webp" alt="undefined" style="height: ;width: "/> Tackling home repairs on your own can be a rewarding way to save money and keep your living space in top condition. Here’s a guide to some common home repairs that you can handle yourself, with a few basic tools and a bit of know-how:  1. Fixing a Leaky Faucet Leaky faucets can increase water bills and cause water damage. Most leaks can be fixed by replacing the washer or cartridge inside the faucet handle. Turn off the water supply, disassemble the faucet and replace the damaged part.  2. Unclogging Drains Clogged drains in sinks, showers, and bathtubs are common and can often be cleared without calling a plumber. Use a plunger first, and if that doesn’t work, try a plumber's snake to reach deeper clogs. Chemical drain cleaners are available but should be used sparingly as they can damage some pipe materials.  3. Patching Drywall Small holes in drywall, such as those left by nails or screws, are simple to fix. All you need is some spackle, a putty knife, sandpaper and paint to match your wall. Apply the spackle, smooth it with the putty knife, sand it down once dry and touch up the area with paint.  4. Replacing a Toilet Flapper This repair involves shutting off the water, draining the tank and replacing the flapper, which you can find at any hardware store. It’s a simple swap that can save a lot of water.  5. Repairing Squeaky Doors Squeaky doors can be easily fixed by applying lubricant to the hinges. Use a silicone-based spray or WD-40. Spray the lubricant onto the hinge and move the door back and forth to work it in. Wipe away any excess to prevent drips.  6. Replacing Weatherstripping Damaged or old weatherstripping around doors and windows can lead to drafts and increased energy bills. Remove the old weatherstripping, clean the surface and apply new adhesive-backed foam or rubber strips to seal gaps.  7. Touching Up Paint Scuffs and scratches on walls can be covered up with a bit of touch-up painting. Clean the area with a damp cloth, lightly sand if necessary, and apply matching paint with a small brush or roller.  8. Fixing Loose Tiles Loose floor or wall tiles can be reattached without the need for a complete overhaul. Remove the tile, clean off the old adhesive, apply new adhesive and reset the tile. Apply new grout around the tile once the adhesive is set.  <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/" target="_self">Use Diamond Certified Resource to find top rated companies.</a>  Local, Top Rated Diamond Certified Companies Related to Your Topic <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/contra-costa-handyman-home-repairs/" target="_self">Contra Costa County Home Repair Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/sonoma-handyman-home-repairs/" target="_self">Sonoma County Home Repair Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/alameda-handyman-home-repairs/" target="_self">Alameda County Home Repair Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/solano-handyman-home-repairs/" target="_self">Solano County Home Repair Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/marin-handyman-home-repairs/" target="_self">Marin County Home Repair Companies</a>  Related Articles <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/Guide/handyman-and-carpenter-services/" target="_self">The Homeowner's Guide to Handyman & Carpenter Services</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/" target="_self">Get Expert Advice From Owners of Top Rated Local Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/membership/" target="_self">Become a Diamond Certified Preferred Member (Always Free)</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-top-rated-companies/hub/ca/san-francisco-bay-area/" target="_self">Find Top Rated Companies in the San Francisco Bay Area</a>