Common Repairs Every Homeowner Should Know

Owning a home comes with its share of responsibilities, including dealing with the inevitable repairs that arise over time. While some issues require professional intervention, many common household problems can be fixed with basic tools and a bit of know-how. Learning to handle these repairs yourself not only saves money but also gives you a sense of accomplishment and greater control over your living space.

In this guide, we'll walk through several essential repairs that every homeowner should know how to tackle. With the right tools and techniques, you'll be ready to address these common issues without having to call in professional help.

1. Fixing a Leaky Tap

A dripping tap wastes water and can lead to higher utility bills. Most tap leaks are caused by worn-out washers or faulty O-rings that are relatively easy to replace.

What You'll Need:

• Adjustable spanner
• Screwdriver (flathead and Phillips)
• Replacement washers or O-rings
• Plumber's tape
• Cloth or towel

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Turn off the water supply: Look for the isolation valve under the sink or shut off the main water supply.
2. Plug the drain: This prevents small parts from falling down the drain during the repair.
3. Remove the tap handle: Look for a decorative cap hiding a screw. Remove this, then unscrew the handle.
4. Disassemble the tap: Use the adjustable spanner to loosen the packing nut and remove the stem.
5. Replace the washer or O-ring: Identify the worn part and replace it with an identical new one.
6. Reassemble the tap: Put everything back together in reverse order.
7. Turn the water back on: Check for leaks and adjust if necessary.

This repair typically takes about 30 minutes and can save you both water and the cost of a plumber's visit.

2. Unclogging a Drain

Blocked drains are a common household problem, particularly in bathrooms and kitchens. Before resorting to harsh chemicals, try these effective methods.

What You'll Need:

• Plunger
• Drain snake or auger
• Baking soda and vinegar
• Kettle for boiling water
• Rubber gloves
• Bucket

Method 1: Plunger

1. Remove any drain covers or stoppers.
2. Fill the sink or bath with enough water to cover the plunger's rubber cup.
3. Position the plunger over the drain and ensure a good seal.
4. Pump vigorously for 20-30 seconds.
5. Check if water drains. If not, repeat.

Method 2: Natural Cleaning Solution

1. Pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain.
2. Add 120g of baking soda and let it sit for 5 minutes.
3. Mix 240ml of vinegar with 240ml of hot water and pour it down the drain.
4. Cover the drain with a plug or cloth for 5-10 minutes.
5. Flush with another kettle of boiling water.

Method 3: Drain Snake

1. Insert the end of the snake into the drain.
2. Turn the handle clockwise while pushing the cable further into the pipe.
3. When you feel resistance, you've reached the blockage.
4. Rotate the snake to break up the clog or hook onto it.
5. Pull the snake out, clean it, and run hot water to flush the drain.

Try these methods in sequence, starting with the simplest. Most clogs will clear without needing to call a plumber.

3. Patching a Hole in Drywall

Small holes in drywall from picture hooks or door knobs are easy to repair with a few supplies from your local hardware store.

What You'll Need:

• Putty knife
• Sanding block or sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
• Drywall joint compound (spackling paste for tiny holes)
• Self-adhesive mesh patch (for holes larger than 1 inch)
• Paint and primer that match your wall
• Paint brushes or small roller
• Dust sheet or newspaper

For Small Holes (Under 1 Inch):

1. Clean the area around the hole, removing any loose debris.
2. Apply spackling paste with the putty knife, filling the hole and extending slightly beyond it.
3. Smooth the surface level with the wall.
4. Let it dry completely (follow product instructions).
5. Sand the area smooth with fine-grit sandpaper.
6. Apply primer and then paint to match the surrounding wall.

For Medium Holes (1-6 Inches):

1. Clean the area around the hole.
2. Apply the self-adhesive mesh patch over the hole.
3. Spread joint compound over the patch and about 5cm beyond the edges, feathering out the edges.
4. Let it dry completely (usually 24 hours).
5. Apply a second thin coat if necessary and let dry.
6. Sand smooth with medium-grit then fine-grit sandpaper.
7. Prime and paint the area to match the wall.

This repair typically takes less than an hour of active work, though you'll need to wait for drying time between steps.

4. Fixing a Running Toilet

A running toilet can waste thousands of litres of water if left unaddressed. The problem usually lies in the flush mechanism inside the cistern.

What You'll Need:

• Adjustable spanner
• Replacement flapper valve or flush valve seal (if needed)
• Replacement fill valve (if needed)
• Bucket and sponge
• Rubber gloves

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Identify the problem: Remove the cistern lid and flush the toilet, watching the mechanism to see what's happening.
2. Check the flapper valve: If it doesn't seal properly, water will leak into the bowl. Adjust the chain if it's too tight or too loose.
3. Inspect the flush valve seal: If the flapper is worn or damaged, replace it:
• Turn off the water supply
• Flush to empty the cistern
• Disconnect the chain and remove the old flapper
• Install the new flapper and reconnect the chain
4. Check the fill valve: If water continuously runs into the overflow tube, the fill valve may need adjustment or replacement.
5. To adjust the fill valve: Find the adjustment screw or clip on the fill valve and lower the water level to about 2.5cm below the top of the overflow tube.
6. To replace the fill valve:
   • Turn off the water and flush
   • Sponge out remaining water
   • Disconnect the water supply line
   • Remove the old fill valve
   • Install the new valve according to package instructions
   • Reconnect the water supply and turn it back on
7. Test the toilet: Flush several times to ensure it's working properly.

This repair typically takes 30-60 minutes and can save significant water and money.

5. Fixing a Squeaky Door

Squeaky doors are a minor but irritating problem that's extremely easy to fix.

What You'll Need:

• Lubricant (WD-40, silicone spray, or household oil)
• Cloth for wiping excess
• Screwdriver (if hinge pins need removal)
• Hammer (for stubborn hinge pins)

Method 1: Quick Lubrication

1. Apply lubricant to each hinge, moving the door back and forth to work it in.
2. Wipe away any excess with a cloth.

Method 2: Hinge Pin Cleaning

For stubborn squeaks, you may need to clean and lubricate the hinge pins:

1. Close the door to take weight off the hinges.
2. Place the screwdriver at the bottom of the hinge pin and tap upward with a hammer to pop it out.
3. Clean the pin with a cloth to remove dirt and old lubricant.
4. Apply fresh lubricant to the pin.
5. Reinsert the pin and test the door.

This simple repair takes just a few minutes and can eliminate an annoying daily irritation.

6. Replacing a Blown Fuse or Tripped Circuit Breaker

When appliances suddenly lose power, the cause is often a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker.

What You'll Need:

• Torch
• Replacement fuses (for older homes with fuse boxes)
• Rubber-soled shoes

For Fuse Boxes:

1. Turn off the main power switch.
2. Identify the blown fuse – it will have a broken wire or appear cloudy.
3. Unscrew the blown fuse.
4. Replace with a new fuse of the same amperage.
5. Turn the main power back on.

For Circuit Breakers:

1. Locate your circuit breaker panel.
2. Look for a switch that's in the "off" position or in an intermediate position.
3. Switch it fully to the "off" position.
4. Then switch it back to the "on" position.

Safety Note: If a circuit repeatedly trips or a fuse repeatedly blows, there may be a more serious electrical issue that requires professional attention. Never replace a fuse with one of a higher amperage, as this creates a fire hazard.

7. Fixing a Dripping Radiator

Radiator valves can develop leaks over time, but many can be fixed without calling a plumber.

What You'll Need:

• Adjustable spanner
• PTFE tape
• Cloth or towel
• Bucket
• Radiator bleeding key

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Identify the source of the leak: Is it coming from the valve, the spindle, or a connection?
2. Turn off the heating system: Allow the radiator to cool completely.
3. For a leaking valve connection:
   • Place a bucket under the connection
   • Use the spanner to tighten the nut slightly (don't overtighten)
   • If this doesn't work, you'll need to drain the radiator, remove the connection, apply PTFE tape, and reconnect
4. For a leaking spindle:
   • Look for a gland nut below the valve handle
   • Tighten it slightly with the spanner
   • This compresses the packing inside and often stops the leak
5. Test the repair: Turn the heating back on and check for leaks.

This repair typically takes 15-30 minutes and can prevent water damage to your floors.

Tools Every Homeowner Should Have

To handle these common repairs and more, invest in a basic tool kit including:

• Hammer
• Set of screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips in various sizes)
• Adjustable spanner
• Pliers (standard and needle-nose)
• Tape measure
• Level
• Utility knife
• Plunger
• Voltage tester
• Allen key set
• Putty knife
• Torch

When to Call a Professional

While many repairs can be DIY projects, some situations require professional help:

• Gas appliance repairs (always call a Gas Safe registered engineer)
• Major electrical work
• Structural issues
• Complex plumbing problems (persistent leaks, low water pressure, etc.)
• Mould or asbestos concerns
• Roofing issues

If you're ever unsure, it's better to consult a professional than risk making a problem worse or creating a safety hazard.

Conclusion

Learning to handle these common repairs equips you with valuable skills that can save time, money, and frustration. Beyond the practical benefits, there's a genuine satisfaction in maintaining your own home. With the right tools and a bit of knowledge, you'll be well-prepared to address many household issues as they arise.

At BritTools, we're committed to helping homeowners find the right tools and guidance for their DIY projects. Visit our shop or contact our team for personalized advice on equipping your home tool kit.