How to handle basic home repairs

1. 01Find the shutoffs todayMain water valve, individual sink and toilet valves, breaker panel, and gas shutoff. Label them. This is the single most valuable 20 minutes in your home.
2. 02Build a starter toolkitScrewdriver set, adjustable wrench, pliers, hammer, tape measure, level, plunger, utility knife, and a headlamp.
3. 03Unclog a drain without chemicalsPlunger first, then a drain snake or bent wire. Chemical cleaners corrode pipes and make plumber visits worse.
4. 04Fix a running toiletUsually the flapper or the fill valve — both are cheap parts, swapped in under 15 minutes after shutting the valve behind the toilet.
5. 05Patch and paint a wallSpackle, let dry, sand smooth, prime, paint. This alone recovers many security deposits.
6. 06Reset a tripped breakerUnplug what caused it, flip the breaker fully off then back on. Repeated trips mean an electrician, not a stronger flip.
7. 07Know when to call a proGas smell, standing water near electrical, structural cracks, roof work, and anything requiring a permit.

General educational information, not legal, tax, medical, or financial advice. Rules vary by country and change over time — verify with a qualified professional before acting.