### Tackling Everyday Household Issues with Ease
You don’t need to be a DIY expert or have a toolkit full of power tools to fix common problems around the house. With a little creativity and basic hand tools, you can resolve minor annoyances quickly, saving both time and money.
### Conquer the Minor Annoyances
Like many, I’m not particularly handy. My tools consist of a few wrenches and screwdrivers, plus an old drill that my dad gifted me to curb my incessant requests for help with repairs. But here’s the revelation: you can solve many household issues without ever plugging in a power tool. Simple items—like cooking spray, wood glue, and screwdrivers—can often do the trick. However, if you’re still interested in investing in power tools, there are some essentials worth considering.
### 1. Silence Squeaky Door Hinges
Living in a home that’s over 45 years old means I frequently deal with minor repairs, and squeaky door hinges top the list of irritations. That high-pitched sound when my daughter opens her bedroom door was driving me nuts. Fortunately, there’s an easy fix. Just spray the hinges with WD-40—a trusty multipurpose lubricant that’s been around since the ’50s. You can find it at most hardware stores.
After spraying, wipe away any excess to prevent drips on your floor, then swing the door back and forth to test if the noise has stopped. If the squeak persists, a bit more WD-40 might be needed. No WD-40 handy? Cooking spray or vegetable oil also work well and are safe around kids and pets.
### 2. Stop a Running Toilet
There’s nothing more annoying than a toilet that won’t stop running. This not only disrupts your peace but can also inflate your water bill over time. Often, a simple jiggle of the handle resolves this issue. If that doesn’t work, try spraying WD-40 on the handle mechanism to ensure it moves freely.
If the problem continues, you’ll need to investigate inside the tank. Begin by removing the lid and flushing while watching for issues. Typically, a running toilet is due to a misfitting flapper or an excessively high water level.
The flapper—usually made of rubber—controls the water flow from the tank to the toilet bowl. If it’s not sealing properly, your toilet will keep running. Check the connecting chain too; if it’s loose, readjust it to restore function. If the flapper feels brittle or crumbles when touched, it’s time for a replacement, which you can easily find at stores like Walmart or online.
### 3. Unclog Slow Drains
Clogged drains can be a headache, whether in your kitchen sink or toilet. For minor issues, a plunger is your best friend. When unclogging a toilet, opt for a bellows plunger, as it’s more effective than the standard cup style.
To use a plunger, position it over the clog and pump it up and down to shift whatever is blocking the drain. If it’s more serious, a drain snake is the way to go.
Still stuck? Add some dish detergent and let it sit a while; this can sometimes break down stubborn clogs. If all else fails, don’t hesitate to call a plumber.
### 4. Tighten Loose Cabinet or Drawer Pulls
With frequent use, cabinet and drawer pulls can loosen over time. If you notice one getting wobbly, grab a screwdriver and tighten the screws. It may take some trial and error to find the right fit, so keep several screwdrivers handy.
### 5. Patch Small Drywall Holes
Drywall makes repairs a breeze, and minor holes can be patched quickly. For this, you’ll need a putty knife, some spackle, and fine-grit sandpaper. All these supplies are available at your local hardware store.
Simply fill the hole with spackle, smooth it out with the putty knife, and let it dry. Afterward, sand it down so it blends with the surrounding wall. If the patch isn’t the same color as your wall, don’t worry—just paint over it or hang something over the spot to hide it.
### Wrap-Up
Many household repairs can be tackled using items you already have or can easily acquire. By opting for simple tools and solutions, you’ll save both time and money while keeping your home in good shape. Want to tackle some floor cleaning challenges next? Stay tuned for more tips!
