9 Household Fixes You Can Do in Under 30 Minutes

3. Tighten a loose cabinet door

Most cabinet hinges have two or three adjustment screws. Tighten the loose ones, then use the adjustment screws to line the door up evenly with its neighbor.

4. Boost weak water pressure at a faucet

Mineral deposits often clog the aerator, the small screen at the tip of the faucet. Unscrew it, soak it in white vinegar for about 15 minutes, scrub it with an old toothbrush, rinse and screw it back on.

5. Reset a GFCI outlet

If an outlet in a bathroom, kitchen or garage stops working, check for a GFCI outlet with "Test" and "Reset" buttons nearby. Press "Reset" firmly. One GFCI can control other outlets on the same circuit. If it trips again straight away, call an electrician.

6. Change your HVAC filter

Turn the system off, slide the old filter out and note the size printed on its edge. Slide the new one in with the airflow arrow pointing toward the furnace or air handler. Write the date on the edge so you know when it's due again.

7. Patch small nail holes

Press lightweight spackle into the hole with a putty knife, scrape it flat and let it dry. Sand lightly and touch up with paint. Small holes often need no more than a fingertip of spackle.

8. Clean a range hood filter

Metal mesh filters pop out of most range hoods. Soak them in very hot water with dish soap and a spoonful of baking soda, scrub gently, rinse and let them dry before reinstalling.

9. Stop a toilet from running

Lift the tank lid and check the chain between the handle and the flapper. If it's tangled or too tight, adjust it so there's a little slack. For other causes, see How to Fix a Running Toilet.

A basic toolkit for quick fixes

• A screwdriver with interchangeable bits, including Phillips and flat-head
• Needle-nose pliers and an adjustable wrench
• A putty knife, lightweight spackle and fine sandpaper
• A tape measure and a small level
• A flashlight or headlamp
• White vinegar, an old toothbrush and some rags

Keeping them together in one small box means you're more likely to fix things when you notice them.

Bonus: three more five-minute jobs

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms by pressing the test button. Replace batteries as the manufacturer recommends.
• Clean the dishwasher filter. Many dishwashers have a removable filter at the bottom that collects food. Rinse it under the tap.
• Tighten loose door handles and knobs. Most have a small screw on the side or underneath.

When to stop and call a professional

• A breaker or GFCI outlet that keeps tripping
• Any sign of burning smells, scorch marks or warm outlets
• Water leaks you can't find the source of
• Anything involving gas

Conclusion

An afternoon with a screwdriver and a few household supplies can clear most of the little annoyances around your home. Stay safe: switch off power at the breaker before working near wiring, turn off water before plumbing jobs, and call a professional for anything that keeps coming back.