18 Easy Home Repairs You Can Do Yourself Without Calling a Pro

homedude is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, We may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

These simple home repair tasks can save you the expense and hassle of hiring a professional. With a few tools and a bit of know-how, you can keep your home in top shape and take pride in your handiwork.

Before you start any home repairs, search DIY websites and watch expert YouTube videos about the specific issue you’re facing. This will help you assess whether the repair is a DIY project or if it’s best to call a professional.

If you choose to attempt the repair, always prioritize safety, especially when working with electricity or heights. Don’t hesitate to call a professional if a repair is outside your comfort zone.

Here are 18 easy repairs you can tackle yourself.

1. Fixing a Leaky Faucet

A dripping faucet is often caused by a worn-out washer or O-ring, which is easy to replace. Turn off the water supply, disassemble the faucet, and replace the faulty part.

When to call a pro: If you notice extensive corrosion or leaks at the base of the faucet, you may need a pro.

2. Unclogging Drains

Skip the plumber and use a plunger or a plumber’s snake to unclog blocked drains. For a less invasive approach, try a mixture of baking soda and vinegar followed by hot water.

When to call a pro: If the clog persists or you suspect a broken pipe, call a plumber.

3. Patching Drywall Holes

Small holes in drywall can be filled with spackling compound. Apply the compound, smooth it with a putty knife, and sand it down once dry before painting over it.

4. Replacing Weather Stripping

Keep your home insulated by replacing old or worn weather stripping around doors and windows. This is typically a peel-and-stick process that is straightforward and quick. Remove any dirt, debris, or old adhesive residue. Measure and cut the new weather stripping and stick it on.

5. Fixing a Running Toilet

A running toilet can often be fixed by replacing the flapper or adjusting the float. Typically there is an adjustment screw at the top or near the arm of the float. Turn the screw clockwise to lower the water level (the float will sit lower in the tank) or turn counter-clockwise to raise the water level. These are simple tasks that don’t require a plumber and can save water and money.

When to call a pro: If adjustments don’t work or there’s a crack in the tank.

6. Tightening Loose Hinges

Tighten any loose screws on the door or cabinet hinges. If the screws won’t hold, wedge a wooden toothpick or matchstick in the hole to provide extra grip.

7. Replacing a Broken Tile

Remove the broken tile using a chisel and hammer, clean the area, apply new adhesive, and set the new tile in place. Finish by re-grouting the surrounding area.

8. Fixing Squeaky Floorboards

For a temporary fix, sprinkle talcum powder over the squeaky area and sweep it into the cracks. For a more permanent solution, secure the floorboards with screws.

When to call a pro: Extensive floorboard damage, creaking throughout the floor, or uneven floors might indicate a bigger issue.

9. Repairing a Sticky Door

Doors that stick can often be fixed by identifying the tight spots. Is it scraping the floor, hitting the frame, or misaligned hinges? Sand down the offending area, adjust the hinges with a screwdriver, or replace them if broken. Then, repaint the sanded areas to protect the wood.

When to call a pro: Warped doors or severe frame damage might require professional help.

10. Replacing a Light Switch

Turn off the power to the switch, unscrew the faceplate, and replace the old switch with a new one. Screw the wires onto the new switch and replace the faceplate.

When to call a pro: If sparks occur when turning off the power or if you’re uncomfortable with electrical work, call an electrician.

11. Caulking Bathtubs and Showers

Remove old, moldy caulking with a putty knife, and apply new silicone caulk for a waterproof seal. Make sure the area is clean and dry before applying the new caulk, and smooth it with a caulking tool or your finger for a neat finish.

When to call a pro: Moldy or damaged surfaces underneath the caulk might require further cleaning or remediation before re-caulking.

12. Cleaning Gutters

Prevent water damage by keeping gutters clear of debris. Use a ladder to reach your gutters and remove leaves and twigs by hand or with a gutter scoop. Flush the gutters with water to ensure they’re flowing properly.

13. Replacing a Toilet Seat

Remove the old seat by unscrewing the nuts under the bowl, lift it off, align the new seat, and screw it in place. This simple change can instantly refresh the look of your bathroom.

14. Touching Up Paint

Keep some extra paint for each room for quick touch-ups. Use a small brush to cover scuffs or marks on walls to keep your home looking fresh without repainting the entire room.

15. Lubricating Squeaky Hinges

Quiet squeaky door hinges by applying a lubricant such as WD-40. Spray a small amount onto the hinge and move the door back and forth to work the lubricant into the mechanism.

16. Replacing a Doorknob

Remove the screws holding the doorknob and interior plate, detach the doorknob, and install the new one in the reverse order.

When to call a pro: Broken door locks or damaged hardware might require replacing the entire lockset.

17. Cracked Drywall

Small cracks can be easily patched with joint compound, sanding, and painting. Apply the compound, smooth it with a putty knife, and sand it down once dry before painting over it.

When to call a pro: Large cracks or damaged wall sections might require professional patching or structural evaluation.

18. Clogged Garbage Disposal

Try resetting the disposal button or use a wrench to turn the internal blades manually to loosen a jam.

When to call a pro: If the clog persists or there are strange noises, call a plumber, as the disposal itself might be broken.