DIY Home Repairs You Can Actually Do Yourself (and Save Hundreds)

[SS Project Manager]

Have you ever looked at a leaky faucet, a cracked wall, or a squeaky door and thought, “I wish I could fix that myself…”? Well, here’s the good news: you can—and it’s easier than you think.

You don’t need to be a handyman, own a workshop full of tools, or spend big bucks on repairs. With just a little time, some basic tools, and the right guidance, you can tackle many common home issues yourself—and save hundreds (even thousands) of dollars over time.

Let’s dive into some simple DIY home repairs you can totally handle on your own.

1. Stop That Leaky Faucet​

Problem: Constant dripping from your kitchen or bathroom sink.
Cost to hire a plumber: $100–$150.
DIY cost: Less than $10.

What you need:

• Adjustable wrench
• New washer or cartridge (available at any hardware store)
• Towel or rag

How to fix it:

1. Turn off the water under the sink.
2. Remove the handle using a screwdriver.
3. Take out the cartridge or washer (depending on the type of faucet).
4. Replace it with a new one.
5. Put everything back together and turn the water back on.

Boom. No more drip-drip-drip. And your water bill will thank you too!

2. Patch Up Small Holes in the Wall​

Problem: Nail holes, dents, or small cracks in drywall.
Cost to hire someone: $50–$200 depending on size.
DIY cost: Around $10–$15.

What you need:

• Spackling paste or joint compound
• Putty knife
• Sandpaper
• Touch-up paint

How to fix it:

1. Clean the hole or crack.
2. Apply a small amount of spackle with the putty knife.
3. Let it dry (usually a few hours).
4. Sand it smooth.
5. Paint over it to match your wall.

This one’s easy and makes a huge difference in how your home looks.

3. Silence a Squeaky Door​

Problem: That annoying eeeerrrrrkkk every time someone walks in or out.
Cost to hire a handyman: $50+
DIY cost: $0

What you need:

• WD-40 or cooking oil
• Cloth or paper towel

How to fix it:

1. Open the door and spray a little WD-40 on the hinges.
2. If you don’t have WD-40, rub a small bit of olive oil or petroleum jelly instead.
3. Open and close the door a few times to work it in.

Just like that, your door is whisper-quiet. Peace and quiet, free of charge.

4. Fix a Running Toilet​

Problem: Your toilet runs constantly or refills over and over.
Cost to hire a plumber: $125+
DIY cost: $10–$20

What you need:

• New flapper valve or fill valve kit
• Adjustable wrench (maybe)
• Sponge or towel

How to fix it:

1. Turn off the water at the base of the toilet.
2. Flush to empty the tank.
3. Replace the flapper (the rubber part at the bottom of the tank) or the fill valve if needed.
4. Turn the water back on.

You’ll stop wasting water and money.

5. Replace a Light Fixture or Switch​

Problem: An outdated or broken light fixture or switch.
Cost to hire an electrician: $100–$300
DIY cost: $15–$50

What you need:

• New light fixture or switch
• Screwdriver
• Voltage tester
• Wire connectors (usually come with the fixture)

Important: Turn off the power at the breaker before you start. Always test to make sure the wires aren’t live.

How to fix it:

1. Carefully remove the old fixture or switch.
2. Disconnect the wires.
3. Connect the new one using wire connectors (match the colors).
4. Screw it in and turn the power back on.

If you’re unsure, look up a YouTube tutorial—there are tons of great, beginner-friendly ones.

6. Unclog a Slow Drain​

Problem: Your sink or shower is draining super slowly.
Cost for a plumber or drain cleaner: $75–$150
DIY cost: $0–$5

What you need:

• Baking soda and vinegar
• Boiling water
• Drain snake or coat hanger

How to fix it:

1. Pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain.
2. Follow with ½ cup vinegar. Let it fizz for 10–15 minutes.
3. Pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain.
4. If needed, use a drain snake or bent wire hanger to pull out hair or gunk.

Way cheaper (and less toxic) than chemical cleaners—and just as effective.

7. Tighten Loose Cabinet Handles and Knobs​

Problem: Wiggly handles or knobs on cabinets.
Cost to hire help: Not usually worth it—but some folks pay $50+ for small jobs.
DIY cost: $0

What you need:

• Screwdriver
• Toothpicks and glue (optional)

How to fix it:

1. Tighten the screws with a screwdriver.
2. If the hole is too loose, break a toothpick or two, dab with glue, and stick them in the hole before replacing the screw. It’ll hold firm again.

It’s a tiny job, but it makes your kitchen feel instantly tidier.

You’ve Got This​

You don’t need to be a pro to fix common household problems. With just a few tools, a bit of confidence, and maybe a tutorial or two, you can save serious cash and feel super capable while doing it.

These fixes not only save you money but also build your skills and make your home more comfortable. Plus, there’s something kind of empowering about saying, “Yeah, I fixed that myself.”

So next time something breaks or needs a little love, don’t panic. Grab your toolkit (or just a butter knife and baking soda) and give it a go. You might be surprised at what you can do.

 

[CrealCritter]

5. Replace a Light Fixture or Switch​

Important: Turn off the power at the breaker before you start. Always test to make sure the wires aren’t live.

Just call me sparky.

Jesus is Lord and Christ

 

[Mini Horses]

Yep...those and more. Heck yeah -- when I built this house, I did the insulation, bath & shower tile, wood floors, painted, hung doors. Lots of things. Helped build barns, install fences, whatever needed.

I used a pro plumber, electrician -- DS is pro framer & roofer. Late hubs was general contractor so I spent years handling multi fam complex builds from finance, to finished units.

 

[R2elk]

3. Silence a Squeaky Door​

Problem: That annoying eeeerrrrrkkk every time someone walks in or out.
Cost to hire a handyman: $50+
DIY cost: $0

What you need:

• WD-40 or cooking oil
• Cloth or paper towel

How to fix it:

1. Open the door and spray a little WD-40 on the hinges.
2. If you don’t have WD-40, rub a small bit of olive oil or petroleum jelly instead.
3. Open and close the door a few times to work it in.

Just like that, your door is whisper-quiet. Peace and quiet, free of charge.

Bad answer. Never use WD-40 as a lubricant. It will loosen things up but when it dries it will gum thingsa up and make it worse.

You can use 3 in 1 oil or an all purpose oil as a lubricant for hinges. Both come in containers that can easily release a drop at a time.

 

[R2elk]

How to fix it:

1. Pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain.
2. Follow with ½ cup vinegar. Let it fizz for 10–15 minutes.
3. Pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain.
4. If needed, use a drain snake or bent wire hanger to pull out hair or gunk.

Way cheaper (and less toxic) than chemical cleaners—and just as effective.

I get so tired of seeing this. What do you think baking soda and vinegar are?

Baking soda is Sodium Bicarbonate which is a chemical.
Vinegar is acetic acid which is not only a chemical, it is an acid.

 

[flowerbug]

I get so tired of seeing this. What do you think baking soda and vinegar are?

Baking soda is Sodium Bicarbonate which is a chemical.
Vinegar is acetic acid which is not only a chemical, it is an acid.

i try to explain it to Mom that she's making fizzy salt water but she won't believe me, same with what she does with bleach, it's better to use bleach alone in water than to mix it with soap, but she thinks the bleach now doesn't work as well as it used to (even if it is more concentrated) - again she doesn't believe me. *sighs and shrugs*

 

[flowerbug]

Bad answer. Never use WD-40 as a lubricant. It will loosen things up but when it dries it will gum thingsa up and make it worse.

You can use 3 in 1 oil or an all purpose oil as a lubricant for hinges. Both come in containers that can easily release a drop at a time.
View attachment 30531

sometimes graphite powder is a much better lubricant.

 

[R2elk]

sometimes graphite powder is a much better lubricant.

Definitely a better option for door locks.

 

[CrealCritter]

Today my son called me and asked if I could install a new breaker in their main panel. I took the job as a education session. Plus when I was done I got to hang out with my granddaughters while they played sim city. I went slow and answered all his questions, he had a lot of questions. I'm pretty sure he can safely replace a breaker on his own now. He may have me come and watch him first time and that's OK also. He can run circuits, that's what he did, a new dedicated circuit for a freezer. He's just never worked in the main pannel before.

Jesus is Lord and Christ

 

[Hinotori]

5. Replace a Light Fixture or Switch​

Important: Turn off the power at the breaker before you start. Always test to make sure the wires aren’t live.

Just call me sparky.

Jesus is Lord and Christ

My ex had sparks go clear across the room because he wouldn't listen to me about that. "Oh I'm an Aviation Electrician! I know everything about house electricity!"

Me "I've seen this done before by qualified house electrician. Turn off the power."

Zzzaaap!

I have more stories about dumb crap he did. Mom will never forgive for some of the stuff he did to her house and vehicle. He did even worse to our house