Homeownership doesn’t always mean big projects, expensive contractors, or complicated repairs. In fact, many of the small problems that drive homeowners crazy can be fixed in less than 15 minutes with basic tools you already own. This guide walks you through the most common quick-fix issues, how to solve them, and why they happen.

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1. A Running Toilet

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A running toilet wastes up to 200 gallons of water per day. The two most common causes are a worn flapper or a tangled chain.

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Fix (5 minutes):

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1. Open the tank lid.

2. Untangle or shorten the chain.

3. If the flapper is warped or doesn’t seal, replace it (under $10).

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2. A Dripping Faucet

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Besides the annoyance, a slow drip adds up over time.

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Fix (10 minutes):

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1. Turn off the water supply under the sink.

2. Remove the faucet handle.

3. Replace the cartridge or rubber washer.

4. Reassemble and test.

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3. Squeaky Door Hinges

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This is one of the fastest fixes in home maintenance.

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Fix (2 minutes):

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Spray WD-40 or apply petroleum jelly to the hinge pins. Move the door back and forth to work it in.

 

4. A Loose Cabinet Handle

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Kitchen cabinets get daily use and screws loosen over time.

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Fix (1 minute):

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Tighten the screw with a Phillips screwdriver. If it keeps coming loose, add a drop of wood glue before tightening.

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5. A Slow Router / Spotty Wi-Fi

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Before blaming your internet provider:

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Fix (5 minutes):

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Unplug the router for 30 seconds. Restart.

Move it away from microwaves, TVs, and thick walls.

This alone solves most Wi-Fi problems.

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6. A Jammed Garbage Disposal

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Often caused by food scraps jamming the impeller.

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Fix (3 minutes):

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1. Turn off the disposal and cut power at the breaker.

2. Use an Allen wrench underneath to rotate the motor.

3. Remove the jammed object with tongs.

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7. A Sticking Sliding Door

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Built-up dirt in the track is usually the culprit.

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Fix (10 minutes):

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1. Vacuum the track.

2. Wipe with warm, soapy water.

3. Lubricate with silicone spray.

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8. A Wobbly Toilet Seat

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Loose bolts cause side-to-side movement.

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Fix (5 minutes):

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Use a flathead screwdriver to tighten the bolts under the seat. Replace worn rubber washers if needed.

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9. A Foggy Window

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Temporary fog is normal — but if it’s regular, it means bad airflow.

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Fix (2 minutes):

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Turn on exhaust fans, open windows, or run a dehumidifier.

(If fog is between panes, the seal is broken — long-term fix required.)

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10. A Dead Outlet

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If one outlet stops working:

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Fix (3 minutes):

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Check nearby GFCI outlets (bathroom, kitchen).

Press the RESET button — this restores most dead outlets instantly.

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Final Tip:

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Spend 15 minutes each week doing these quick checks, and you’ll prevent bigger issues later.