12 Easy Things Everyone Should Know How to Fix
Updated: Mar. 20, 2024
Whether you're a new homeowner or an expert DIYer, knowing how to fix these common household problems can save you from a pricey repair bill.
How to Fix a Wobbly Ceiling Fan
While a slight wobble on your bedroom ceiling fan is normal, a fan that really wobbles is not only annoying but can be dangerous. Learn how to check the fan box, the blade and the blade irons.
Photo: Dmitri Ma/Shutterstock
How to Fix a Running Toilet
There is a four-step strategy for fixing a running toilet. The fix will not only give your toilet a stronger flush, it can lower your water bill.
Photo: Lolostock/Shutterstock
How to Fix Squeaky Floors
Silence those squeaky floors. This quick fix for silencing floor squeaks will take you just a day. Bonus: You don’t need any special tools.
Photo: g-stockstudio/Shutterstock
How to Fix a Crack in Drywall
It doesn’t matter if your son’s basketball got away from him or you nicked the wall moving a piece of furniture. At some point you’ll be faced with a crack in the drywall. You’ll need taping and utility knives, along with some drywall tape, pre-mixed joint compound and setting type compound to fix the crack so it doesn’t come back.
How to Fix a Leaky Faucet
You can fix that annoying, leaky faucet in about an hour. Even if you’re a plumbing novice, you can handle this DIY repair.
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How to Fix Cracked Grout
Even the best tile jobs will succumb to cracking grout at some point. If the grout between your bathroom floor tiles is crumbling, there is a quick fix that will save you from tearing up the floor and starting over.
How to Fix an Unbalanced Washing Machine
You threw a heavy load of towels in the washer and now it’s unbalanced. With a level, pliers and a pry bar, you can have the washer balanced again in five minutes.
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How to Fix a Clogged Drain
Clogged drains usually happen at the most inopportune times. Keep a plunger and drain snake on hand to clear up most drain problems in less than an hour.
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How to Fix Common Refrigerator Problems
Maybe your refrigerator isn’t cooling as well as it should, or perhaps the ice maker suddenly stops working. Many refrigerator issues are simple DIY fixes.
Photo: Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock
How to Fix Gutters
Wind, heavy rain, ice and debris buildup can all cause your gutters to sag or leak. If you can work a cordless drill, you can fix your gutters and save some money. Review these ladder safety tips before taking on this project.
Photo: SpeedKingz/Shutterstock
How to Fix a Water Heater Pilot Light
There could be a few reasons the pilot light on your water heater goes out. A common cause is a bad thermocouple, which shuts off the gas to the pilot light.
How to Fix Leather and Vinyl
If you have a vinyl sofa, or leather seats in your car, you can fix those tears before they get bigger. You’ll need an inexpensive repair kit and a little patience, but the tear will be fixed in just a few minutes.
Originally Published: December 19, 2017
