more and more people Learn how to fix problems at homeWhether you follow YouTube tutorials or improvise using basic tools.
From toilet leaks to home appliance repairsthese actions allow you to solve everyday problems. You can save money in the process without relying on a professional.
concept of “DIY” has special meaning given the constant rise in prices. When household items such as refrigerators, chairs, pipes, etc. are expensive to replace, home repairs can be a practical and economical solution, and can also help extend the life of the items.
According to a survey by Talker Research, 8 in 10 U.S. adults are doing more home repairs61% do it primarily to save money. A further 33% admitted that they simply cannot afford to replace items, highlighting the importance of learning how to maintain and repair what they already own.
The most common home repairs and their solutions
From small repairs to more complex adjustments, there seems to be no end to home repairs. Luckily, you can do many tasks yourself, whether by following YouTube tutorials or improvising with basic tools.
These are some of the most common problems at home and how to solve them In a practical and economical way:
1. Faucet leaks. Leaking water from a faucet not only causes noise and nuisance, increases your water bill, but also causes water stains to form on your sink and floor. The most common causes are worn washers, gaskets or gaskets, lime buildup, or pressure problems within the water network.
How to fix it. Close the stopcock before intervention. Disassemble the cartridge or washer and remove any lime or dirt residue. Replace the damaged parts with new ones and reassemble the faucet, making sure the connections are tight. If dripping continues, we recommend checking your water pressure and making sure there are no leaks at your installation location.
2. The door squeaks or does not close properly. Constant squeaks and scraping noises can be caused by hinge friction, dirt buildup, wood warping from moisture, or a misaligned frame. Temperature loss can also occur in heated or cooled environments if the door does not close properly.
How to fix it. Apply lubricant or powdered graphite to the hinges. Tighten the screws and make sure the door is level. If the frame is rubbing, try lightly sanding the area or repositioning the hinges. In more severe cases, we recommend leveling the frame or replacing the hinges. It is also helpful to clean the hinges regularly to prevent premature wear.
3. Switch doesn’t work. A switch can stop working due to loose cables, worn mechanism itself, blown internal fuses, or problems with electrical connections. This can pose a hazard if handled without care.
How to fix it. Please turn off the electricity at the panel before intervening. Disassemble the switch and check all internal connections. Retighten any loose wires or replace the switch if it is damaged. Make sure the bulb or connected device is working properly before turning the light back on. It is recommended to perform tests regularly to ensure that the circuit is not overloaded.
4. The toilet is leaking or running slowly. Leaks and inefficient drainage are usually caused by misadjusted floats, deteriorated valves, debris in the tank, or problems with the mechanism chain. Continuous leaks can waste many liters of water per day, significantly increasing consumption.
How to fix it. Adjust the mechanism chain and make sure the float works properly. Clean the waste tank and replace worn parts. If the discharge is slow, clean the siphon and make sure there are no obstructions in the pipe. We also recommend checking gaskets and seals regularly to prevent leaks.
5. Appliances that won’t turn on. Many home appliances stop working due to faulty plugs, damaged cables, blown internal fuses, dirty contacts, etc. Ignoring these issues can lead to serious failure.
How to fix it. Check wiring, check plugs, clean internal contacts. Replace damaged fuses or plugs as necessary. For small appliances, these actions typically restore operation without the need for service. Keeping the plug clean and avoiding moisture inside the plug will extend its service life.
6. Handles and drawers are loose. Continuous use can cause screws to loosen and handles and drawer mounting holes to wear. It may cause discomfort when opening and closing and may affect the durability of the furniture.
How to fix it. Tighten the screws regularly. If the holes are worn, fill them with putty, wood sticks, or strong tape before reinstalling the screws. Make sure parts are properly aligned and not overloaded to avoid future problems.
The concept of “do it yourself” (DIY) is especially important given the constant rise in prices. Photo: Shutterstock.7. Walls with cracks and small holes. Impact, moisture, structural movement, and temperature changes can cause cracks and holes. If left unrepaired, it can build up over time and affect the aesthetics and stability of your walls.
How to fix it. Clean the affected area and remove dust and airborne debris. Apply putty or plaster with a spatula to smooth the surface. Once dry, sand and paint to restore the original finish. If cracks occur repeatedly, reinforce with mesh tape before plastering. Check your walls regularly for moisture or leaks that could cause new cracks.
