Homeownership comes with its fair share of maintenance and repair tasks. While some repairs are best left to professionals, there are plenty of simple fixes you can do yourself to save money and keep your home in top shape. Whether you’re fixing a leaky faucet or sealing a drafty window, these 5 easy home repairs are perfect for beginners and require minimal tools and time. Let’s dive in!

1. Fixing a Leaky Faucet

Problem: A leaky faucet not only wastes water but also drives up your utility bill.

Solution:

Turn off the water supply under the sink.

Use a wrench to remove the faucet handle and any other components.

Replace the washer or O-ring, which is often the culprit behind the leak.

Reassemble the faucet and turn the water back on to check for leaks.

Related Product: For more plumbing tips, check out our DIY Plumbing Fixes Guide, where we walk you through common plumbing issues and how to solve them yourself.

2. Patching Holes in drywall

Problem: Small holes in the wall can occur from nails, screws, or accidents.

Solution:

Clean the hole and remove any debris or loose paint.

Apply a thin layer of spackle using a putty knife.

Smooth it out and allow it to dry completely.

Sand the patched area and repaint to match the surrounding wall.

Related Product: Need help with more wall repairs? Our Room-by-Room Home Improvement Guide covers this and many other common repairs.

3. Replacing Door Handles or Locks

Problem: Worn-out door handles or locks can compromise your home’s security.

Solution:

Unscrew the old handle and remove it from the door.

Align the new handle and secure it with screws.

Test the new lock to ensure it works properly.

Related Product: Check out our Fix It Before It Breaks: A DIY Prevention and Repair Handbook to prevent home security issues and more.

4. Unclogging a Drain

Problem: Clogged drains are a common household issue that can cause standing water and unpleasant odors.

Solution:

Use a plunger to loosen the clog.

If the clog persists, use a drain snake to remove debris from the pipes.

For a natural solution, pour baking soda and vinegar down the drain, followed by hot water.

Related Product: Learn more about solving plumbing issues with our Leaky Faucet Troubleshooting Cheat Sheet.

5. Sealing Gaps in Windows

Problem: Drafty windows can cause energy loss and increase heating costs.

Solution:

Clean the window frame and remove any old caulking.

Apply a new bead of caulk around the edges of the window.

Smooth the caulk with your finger and let it dry.

Related Product: Our Ultimate Home Maintenance Checklist is perfect for staying on top of these types of home repairs and more.

These 5 easy home repairs are perfect for beginners and can help you save money on professional service calls. Whether it’s fixing a leaky faucet or patching drywall, you now have the skills to tackle these tasks yourself. For more tips and detailed guides on home repairs, check out our free resources page here.