7 Simple Home Repairs That Take Less Than 10 Minutes
Though we wish it wasn’t the case, things in our homes break all the time. Thankfully, though, not every repair needs a full toolbox and and hours of your time. Some small fixes can be done in less time than it takes to brew coffee. These quick repairs not only make life easier, but also help prevent bigger issues down the line, so here are seven easy fixes you should know that take under ten minutes.
Slamming Door
A door that slams shut can startle anyone, and it isn’t fun to live with. An easy fix is to place a few strips of felt pads or even adhesive weatherstripping along the frame where the door meets. This softens the impact and keeps the slam from happening. If you don’t have pads, a rubber band looped around both knobs can slow the door enough to make it gentler.
Loose Showerhead
A wobbly showerhead doesn’t just feel bad to shower with, it also wastes water! Wrapping a little plumber’s tape around the threads where you screw the showerhead on will help with grip and stop water from leaking through. If the showerhead droops, slip a small rubber washer into the joint to help it hold the correct position. It’s quick, easy, and your shower will feel leagues better right away.
Stripped Screw Hole
When a screw won’t tighten anymore, the hole is likely stripped. Instead of replacing the whole piece or finding a new place to drill into, insert a matchstick or toothpick (or a few) coated with glue into the hole before re-screwing. It gives the screw something to grip again, filling in the gaps that the threads have worn down. This trick works for furniture, door hinges, or anything that keeps loosening on you.
Drafty Electrical Outlet
Cold air can sneak in through outlets on exterior walls, and it usually means something somewhere isn’t sealed right. Foam outlet gaskets, found at hardware stores, take only minutes to install and help cut off that draft right away. Just remove the cover plate, slip the gasket over, and replace the plate. The difference in comfort can be immediate, especially in winter.
Sticking Door Latch
If a door won’t latch smoothly, if it sticks and stutters, it usually means the strike plate is just slightly off. A metal file or even a few taps with a hammer can adjust the plate enough for the latch to catch properly. No more forcing it closed, no more hearing it scrape against the door frame, and no more having to fight with the lock.
Rattling Cabinet Doors
Cabinet doors that rattle or bang can be stopped with small bumpers, stick-on silicone dots placed on the inside corners of the doors that act as cushions. If you don’t have bumpers, small felt pads or even a dab of hot glue flattened out works the same. It’ll help soften the sound and make your kitchen a generally less startling place to be.
Loose Toilet Seat
A wobbly toilet seat, while annoying, can actually be fixed in minutes. Tightening the bolts underneath with a screwdriver is the first step, but if they don’t hold after that, slip a small washer between the bolt and the porcelain. This creates a closer fit that’s more likely to stay in place.
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Home repairs don’t always need big plans, tons of tools, or long weekend hours. With just a few minutes and a little effort, you can make noticeable differences in your home without any of the stress. So, if you see a small issue that bothers you during your day-to-day, look into how to fix it. It might be way easier than you think.
Daniel Mitchell
