Repairs & Fixes
Step-by-step fixes for the everyday problems every house throws at you — doors, walls, floors, leaks and more.
How to Find and Seal Drafts (Ranked by What Actually Leaks)
Most people weatherstrip the windows and ignore the places losing the real heat. Here's how to find every draft with a stick of incense, and what to seal first for the biggest saving.
How to Fix a Slow Drain (Without Chemical Drain Cleaner)
Slow bathroom sink? The clog is usually inches away, made of hair and soap. Here's the order that clears it — and why the bottle of drain cleaner is the worst first move.
How to Fix a Squeaky Floor (From Above or Below)
Floors squeak because the subfloor separated from the joist — not because the house is old. Locate the squeak, then use the right fix for carpet, hardwood, or open access from below.
How to Fix a Door That Sticks or Rubs (5 Causes and Their Fixes)
A sticking door almost always comes down to one of five causes. Here's how to diagnose yours in two minutes and fix it — usually without removing the door.
How to Patch a Hole in Drywall (From Nail Holes to Fist-Sized)
The right way to patch drywall depends entirely on the hole's size. Here's the exact method for each — spackle, mesh patch, or the California patch — with costs and drying times.
How to Fix a Running Toilet in 15 Minutes (No Plumber Needed)
A toilet that keeps running wastes up to 200 gallons a day, and the fix is almost always a $5–$15 part you can swap yourself. Here's how to diagnose which one.
How to Fix a Squeaky Door Hinge (and Keep It Quiet for Years)
WD-40 stops a squeak for a week. Here's what actually silences a hinge long-term, what's causing the noise, and the 10-minute deep fix for squeaks that keep coming back.
How to Open a Window That's Painted Shut (Without Breaking Anything)
A painted-shut window is glued, not stuck — and forcing it cracks glass and frames. Here's the patient method that frees it cleanly with a utility knife and a putty knife.
Why Your Faucet Drips (and How to Fix It This Weekend)
A dripping faucet wastes 3,000+ gallons a year and usually needs only a $2 washer or a $15 cartridge. Identify your faucet type and fix the drip in under an hour.