In this guide, we’ll walk you through 10 super-simple fixes that can save you time, money, and a few frustrating calls to the handyman. No experience required—just a willingness to roll up your sleeves and give it a try!

1. Fix a Leaky Faucet

That constant drip-drip is more than just annoying—it’s wasting water and slowly increasing your utility bill. Fortunately, it’s one of the most common and simplest household repairs. Leaks are usually caused by a worn-out washer, cartridge, or O-ring inside the faucet.

🛠️ All you need: A wrench, a new washer or cartridge, and about 15–20 minutes.
Turn off the water supply under the sink, unscrew the faucet handle, and swap out the faulty part. Put it back together and enjoy the silence (and savings).

2. Unclog a Slow Drain

Hair, soap residue, and debris are frequent culprits behind slow drains, especially in bathrooms. A clogged drain can cause standing water and lead to odors or even mold if left untreated.

🛠️ Quick fix: Use a zip-it drain cleaning tool (or a bent wire hanger) to fish out the gunk. Then flush the drain with a mix of baking soda and vinegar, followed by boiling water. It’s a natural, safe way to clear most minor blockages without harsh chemicals.

3. Patch Small Holes in Drywall

Whether it’s from hanging art, installing shelves, or an accidental bump, small wall holes are part of everyday life. But they don’t need to stay that way.

🛠️ What you need: Lightweight spackle, a putty knife, fine-grit sandpaper, and matching paint.
Scoop a small amount of spackle onto the knife, spread it over the hole, and smooth it out. Once it’s dry, sand it gently and paint over it. The wall will look brand-new.

For more everyday fixes that keep your home looking sharp, check out these simple DIY maintenance ideas.

4. Quite a Squeaky Door Hinge

Nothing screams “old house” like a squeaky door hinge. It’s one of those things we tend to ignore, but fixing it takes barely any time at all.

🛠️ Easiest fix ever: Spray a little WD-40 (or rub petroleum jelly) on the hinge pins.
Open and close the door several times to work in the lubricant. If it still squeaks, remove the hinge pin and apply oil directly before reinserting.

5. Replace a Broken Tile

A cracked tile doesn’t just look bad—it can trap moisture, leading to mold or further damage. Thankfully, replacing a tile is a manageable task even for beginners.

🛠️ With a chisel and hammer, carefully remove the broken tile. Scrape off the old adhesive, apply new adhesive, and press the new tile in place. After letting it set, apply grout and seal the area. It’ll look like it was never broken.

When you’re ready to step outside and take your skills further, here’s an expert guide for exterior home repairs that’s worth a look.

6. Tighten Loose Cabinet Handles or Knobs

If your cabinet knobs or drawer handles are wiggly or falling off, it’s usually just a matter of loose screws. It’s a small fix, but it can make your kitchen or bathroom feel more put together.

🛠️ Use a screwdriver to tighten each handle or knob. If the screw hole is stripped and won’t tighten, fill it with a toothpick dipped in wood glue, let it dry, and then reinsert the screw. It’ll hold firmly again.

7. Replace a Light Switch Cover or Outlet Plate

Cracked or discolored outlet covers don’t just look bad—they can be a safety risk. Swapping them out is quick, safe (if the power’s off), and makes your walls look instantly fresher.

🛠️ First, turn off the power at the breaker. Unscrew the old cover, line up the new one, and screw it in. You can even choose modern or decorative covers to give a room a subtle upgrade.

8. Stop a Running Toilet

A toilet that won’t stop running can waste gallons of water every day. It’s often caused by a faulty or worn-out flapper valve inside the tank.

🛠️ Lift the tank lid and flush the toilet to identify the problem. If the flapper doesn’t seal properly, unhook it and replace it with a new one. You can find universal flappers at any hardware store for under $10, and installation takes just minutes.

Need a bit more help with plumbing-related issues? This Good Housekeeping guide to home improvement is full of quick, easy tips.

9. Fill Cracks in Caulking

Old or cracked caulking around sinks, tubs, or windows can lead to water damage and mold. Re-caulking is easy, affordable, and instantly improves the look of any surface.

🛠️ First, scrape away the old caulk using a utility knife or caulk remover tool. Clean the area thoroughly, let it dry, and apply a smooth bead of waterproof silicone caulk using a caulking gun. Let it cure as instructed for the best results.

10. Fix a Loose Toilet Seat

A wobbly toilet seat can be uncomfortable and even dangerous, but tightening it is incredibly simple. It’s a task you can do in just a few minutes, no plumber required.

🛠️ Look for plastic bolts under the seat. Use a flathead screwdriver to tighten them. If the hardware is broken or missing, replace it with a new toilet seat installation kit from any home store. You’ll have a secure seat again in no time.

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Be Handy

Home repairs don’t have to be intimidating or expensive. With just a few basic tools and a bit of confidence, you can handle many of the small issues that pop up around the house.

If you’re ready to build your confidence with tools, check out these DIY fundamentals for beginners that cover the most useful home skills every homeowner should know.

These 10 repairs are a great way to get comfortable with DIY and build your handyman (or handywoman!) skills. Every fix you do yourself is money saved and pride gained. So go ahead—take control of your home’s little fixes. You’ve got this. Contact Fix It Handyman and Umbrella General Solutions