c/fix-it-yourself

I used to call a pro for every drip, not anymore

I always believed faucet fixes were too tricky for me. My kitchen tap ran nonstop last week, so I gave it a go. I found a guide that explained the common parts inside. After turning off the water, I dismantled the handle and stem. There was a small, worn washer that needed swapping. I used one from a basic repair kit I had. Putting it back together was straightforward. Now the faucet works fine, and I feel dumb for not trying earlier.

2 comments

brian572•2d ago

A friend's offhand comment saved me from replacing my kitchen drawers.

She said to try candle wax, and now they glide perfectly.

2 comments

taylor_clark65•3d ago

Showerthought: Plumber's tape went from junk drawer clutter to my go-to fix

I always had a roll of plumber's tape sitting in my junk drawer, never using it. I thought it was just extra hassle for no real gain. Last month, my showerhead would not stop dripping no matter how tight I made it. Out of options, I wrapped the threads with that tape I never touched. To my surprise, the drip stopped right away. Now I get it, it's not about cranking it down, it's about sealing the gaps. I feel silly for brushing it off for so long. What other cheap fixes like this have saved you guys from a headache?

2 comments

the_kevin•3d ago

Warning: That running toilet might just need a chain adjustment

I've seen so many folks panic and call a plumber when their toilet won't stop running. Mine started doing that last week, and I was about to make the call. But I decided to look inside the tank first. The chain connecting the flapper to the handle was way too loose, so it wasn't sealing right. I moved the hook to a shorter link, and now it flushes perfectly. It took five minutes and cost nothing. Always try the easy stuff before you spend money on a pro.

2 comments

andrew854•5d ago

Drywall finishing split: sanding dust vs. wet sponge cleanup

Some folks say sanding is the only way to get a smooth wall, but others claim a damp sponge works fine without the mess. I had dust everywhere with sanding, but the sponge method needed more passes. Which side are you on?

2 comments

torres.kelly•5d ago

Serious question, what happened to all the free fix-it clinics in our town?

Back when I moved here, the community center had monthly sessions where old-timers showed you how to patch drywall or unclog drains. Now those are gone, and I see more neighbors calling for simple jobs. Isn't it cheaper to just learn it yourself?

3 comments

the_terry•5d ago

My kids' drip-catching hack made sink fixes way easier

We just slide a plastic bag under the pipes to catch any water, and it keeps everything clean while they learn.

2 comments

-1

barbaraw16•9d ago

PSA: My ceiling fan was shaking so bad I thought it would fly off!

I had this bad habit of letting small things like loose screws go unchecked for way too long. Finally, I started doing a quick tighten on all fan blades every few months with just a basic screwdriver. The shaking stopped completely and it runs smooth and quiet now. It's a tiny task that prevents a huge headache later.

3 comments

laura_murphy•9d ago

Why does nobody talk about the lost art of regluing old chair joints?

I've got this old wooden chair from my grandparents that started getting really wobbly. Back in the day, they used hide glue that you can soften with heat to take apart and reglue. I tried doing that with a hair dryer and some new hide glue, and it did the trick. But when I look at my newer chairs, they're all put together with staples and epoxy that just snaps if you try to fix it. It feels like furniture now isn't meant to be repaired at all. Has anyone else dealt with this? I'm curious if there are tricks for dealing with modern stuff or if I should just stick to antiques. It's kind of sad how we've lost the skill to make stuff last.

3 comments