DIY Home Repair Guide
Common household repair solutions you can do yourself, saving money while gaining practical skills
最後更新：2026-02-18
目錄
1. Essential Home Toolkit
Having a basic set of tools is the first step to handling household repairs. Every home should have these fundamental tools ready.
| Tool | Use | Buying Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Phillips screwdriver | Tightening/loosening cross-head screws | Get one small and one large; magnetic tips are convenient |
| Flat-head screwdriver | Flat screws, prying off covers | Medium size handles most situations |
| Hammer | Driving nails, light tapping during assembly | A 16oz (450g) claw hammer is a versatile choice |
| Adjustable wrench | Tightening nuts and pipe fittings | Get one 8-inch and one 10-inch |
| Tape measure | Measuring distances | At least 5 meters (16 feet) with a locking mechanism |
| Utility knife | Cutting cardboard, tape, and packaging | Choose one with replaceable blades |
| Needle-nose pliers | Gripping small objects, bending wire | Models with built-in wire cutters are more versatile |
| Electrical tape | Wire insulation, temporary fixes | Keep a roll of black and one of red |
| Level | Checking horizontal and vertical alignment | A 12-inch (30cm) level works well for home use |
| Flashlight | Illuminating dark spaces | An LED headlamp frees both hands for work |
小提示
- You do not need to buy everything at once. Add tools as you encounter new repair needs
- Quality tools are worth the investment. Cheap tools break easily and can be unsafe
2. Fixing a Leaky Faucet
A dripping faucet is one of the most common household issues. In most cases, replacing a washer or cartridge solves the problem.
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Shut off the water supply
Close the shut-off valve beneath the sink and open the faucet to release any remaining water pressure
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Identify the leak type
A drip from the spout usually means a worn washer. A leak at the base likely indicates a deteriorated O-ring
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Disassemble the faucet
Remove the handle cap, unscrew the handle, and use an adjustable wrench to remove the valve cartridge
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Replace damaged parts
Take the old parts to a hardware store to match the exact size and specifications for replacements
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Reassemble and test
Put everything back together in reverse order. Turn on the water supply and check that the leak has stopped
小提示
- Take photos at each step of disassembly to guide reassembly
- Place a cloth over the drain while working to prevent small parts from falling in
注意事項
If the leak is severe or pipes show signs of corrosion, call a professional plumber to avoid causing further damage
3. Wall Patching and Touch-Up Painting
Nail holes, small cracks, and chipped paint are common wall issues that are straightforward to repair yourself.
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Filling small holes
Use spackling paste or lightweight filler to plug nail holes. Once dry, sand smooth with fine-grit sandpaper
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Repairing cracks
Use a utility knife to widen the crack slightly into a V-shape, fill with flexible filler, smooth the surface, and allow to dry completely
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Addressing peeling paint
Sand the edges of the peeled area until smooth, apply primer, then apply matching paint
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Large area repairs
For bigger holes, use a drywall patch kit with mesh tape. Apply joint compound in thin layers, letting each dry before adding the next
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Touch-up painting tips
Bring a small paint chip to the hardware store for color matching. Use a small roller or sponge to dab paint on, blending it with the surrounding area
小提示
- Filler needs to be completely dry before sanding and painting, which typically takes 24 hours
- Use painter's tape to protect areas adjacent to the repair zone
4. Unclogging Drains
Slow or blocked drains are a common inconvenience. Most clogs can be cleared using simple methods without calling a plumber.
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Preventive maintenance
Flush drains with hot water weekly and treat with baking soda and vinegar monthly to prevent buildup
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Plunger method
Place a plunger fully over the drain opening and pump rapidly up and down to create suction. Effective for minor clogs
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Drain snake
Insert a manual drain snake, rotate and push forward to hook and pull out hair and debris
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Baking soda and vinegar
Pour half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of vinegar. Cover the drain, wait 30 minutes, then flush with boiling water
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Remove and clean the trap
If other methods fail, place a bucket underneath and unscrew the U-shaped or P-shaped trap below the sink to clear the blockage directly
小提示
- Installing a hair-catching drain screen in the shower is the most effective preventive measure
- Avoid pouring grease or oil down kitchen drains, as it solidifies and coats pipe walls
注意事項
Chemical drain cleaners can corrode pipes. Check that they are compatible with your pipe material before use. Avoid them on older plumbing
5. Door and Window Adjustments
Over time, doors and windows may sag, stick, or develop gaps. Most of these issues can be resolved with basic adjustments.
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Sagging doors
Usually caused by loose hinge screws. Tighten them. If screw holes are stripped, fill with wood glue and toothpicks, then re-drive the screws
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Sticky locks
Rub a graphite pencil or use a graphite-based lubricant on the key and insert it into the lock. Avoid oil-based lubricants which attract dust
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Stiff window tracks
Clean debris from the tracks, then apply silicone-based lubricant to help the window slide smoothly
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Replacing weatherstripping
Old weatherstripping loses its seal, affecting insulation and soundproofing. Peel off old strips and apply new self-adhesive weatherstripping
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Screen repair
Small holes can be temporarily sealed with clear nail polish. Larger tears require replacing the entire screen mesh
小提示
- Inspect all doors and windows once a year for proper sealing and smooth operation
- Lubricate hinges every six months to extend their lifespan
6. Basic Furniture Repairs
Common furniture problems can often be fixed at home, extending the life of your pieces and saving replacement costs.
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Wobbly chairs and tables
First tighten all screws and bolts. If wood joints are loose, inject wood glue and clamp tightly until dry
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Sticky drawers
Clean the slide rails and apply beeswax or soap to the tracks. If severely damaged, replace the drawer slides
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Wood surface scratches
Rub a walnut meat over light scratches to diminish them. Fill deeper scratches with a matching wood crayon, then buff with a soft cloth
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Peeling veneer
Apply heat through a cloth with an iron to soften the old adhesive, then press flat. If the glue has failed, inject contact cement and clamp
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Sagging cushions
Remove the cushion cover and add new foam or batting to restore firmness and comfort
小提示
- Wood glue needs at least 24 hours of clamping to fully cure
- Use repair materials that closely match the furniture's color for a seamless result
注意事項
For structural damage such as broken chair legs, replacement is safer than repair to ensure user safety
7. When to Call a Professional
Not every repair is suitable for DIY. The following situations call for professional help to ensure safety and quality.
| Category | Safe for DIY | Call a Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing | Replacing faucet washers, unclogging drains | Burst pipes, main line replacements |
| Electrical | Changing bulbs, replacing switch plates | Rewiring, breaker panel issues, high-voltage work |
| Walls | Small hole patching, touch-up paint | Load-bearing wall modifications, major water damage |
| Doors/Windows | Hinge adjustments, weatherstripping | Frame warping, large glass pane replacement |
| Furniture | Tightening screws, surface refinishing | Structural failures, precision hardware replacement |
| Roof | Simple visual inspections | Roof leaks, waterproofing membrane work |
小提示
- If you are not confident about electrical or gas work, never attempt it yourself
- Before hiring, research typical pricing for the repair to avoid being overcharged
注意事項
Electrical work carries a risk of electrocution and gas line work carries a risk of leaks and explosions. If you lack expertise in these areas, always hire a licensed professional
重點整理
- 1 Build a basic home toolkit to handle minor issues promptly
- 2 Leaky faucets, wall patching, and drain clearing are the most common DIY repairs
- 3 Photograph each disassembly step and bring old parts to the hardware store for exact replacements
- 4 Perform regular maintenance on doors, windows, and furniture to prevent problems before they start
- 5 Leave electrical, gas, and structural work to licensed professionals for safety
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