Taking care of your home can be a rewarding, yet challenging task, especially for first responders with demanding schedules. From leaky faucets to squeaky doors, there’s always something that needs fixing.
As Amazon Prime Day approaches, it’s the perfect time to stock up on essential tools that will make tackling those common household repairs a breeze. In this article, we’ll walk you through the top five house repairs every homeowner should be prepared for and highlight the must-have tools available on Amazon that will help you get the job done efficiently.
Even with a busy schedule, these quick fixes and tool recommendations will ensure your home stays in tip-top shape without taking too much of your valuable off-duty time.
1. Fixing leaky faucets
A leaky faucet is a common household issue that can waste water, damage flooring and increase utility bills.
Fortunately, it’s a straightforward fix that most homeowners can handle on their own. All you need is an adjustable wrench, plumber’s tape and replacement washers or cartridges. By simply turning off the water supply, disassembling the faucet and replacing the worn-out parts, you can stop the leak in no time.
- High-quality forged carbon steel, heat treated for durability
- Corrosion-resistant chrome-plated finish
- Set includes 6-inch, 8-inch, 10-inch and 12-inch
- Each roll has a width of 1/2 inch and a length of 520 inches
- Made of PTFE material, which has high sealing and durability
- 4 rolls of tape in one package
- Package includes two of each: Stem, 1/4 turn stop, rubber seat and spring
- Brass stem and stainless-steel plate add extra strength
- Kit contains 88 pieces of 10 different beveled and flat faucet washers + 145 pieces of 7 different plumbing flat gaskets
- Assorted rubber hose gaskets in 7 sizes
2. Repairing drywall holes
Accidents happen and sometimes, they leave unsightly holes in your drywall.
Repairing these holes is easier than you might think. A drywall patch kit, putty knife, sandpaper, primer and paint are all you need. Begin by applying the patch, smoothing it with putty, and once it dries, sand it down for a seamless finish. With a quick coat of primer and paint, your wall will look as good as new!
- Kit includes: 8 pieces of 4×4-inch aluminum repair patch, 2 pieces of 6×6-inch aluminum repair patch and 2 pieces of 8×8-inch aluminum repair patch
- Easy to use and self-adhesive screen patch is made of quality aluminum
- Made of stainless steel
- 4 sizes of putty knives: 1.5", 3", 4" and 6”
- Comes in a package of 25, 50 or 75 sheets
- Each sheet measures 4-1/4'’ x 11'’ and has a medium 150 grit
- Ideal for sanding drywall surfaces quickly and efficiently
3. Unclogging drains
Clogged drains can be a real pain, but they’re also one of the simplest home repairs.
You can easily clear most blockages with a drain snake, plunger and drain cleaner. Start with the plunger to loosen the clog, then use the drain snake to remove any stubborn debris. Finish with a drain cleaner to clear any remaining residue. This quick fix can save you the cost of a plumber and keep your sinks, showers and tubs draining smoothly.
- With 360° rotation, the 18-inch drain snake cleaner, featuring micro-hooks, locks in hair, filth and grime
- Includes 5 wands and a reusable handle
- Disposable wands for easy clean-up
- Made with 100% recycled PVC
- Clears slow and blocked drains
- Spray with bleach and run under the tap/shower when done
- Starts working in 7 minutes
- Pour 16 oz slowly over drain; use 32 oz for slow-running drains
- Safe for bathroom and kitchen sinks
- Comes with 25-foot steel and pair of gloves
- Can be used manually or powered
- Remover is made of high-impact ABS drum housing
- Springs are made of 72A Mn-steel
4. Fixing running toilets
A running toilet is not only annoying but also wastes a lot of water. Fixing it is a simple task that requires a toilet repair kit and adjustable pliers. Most running toilets are caused by issues with the flapper, fill valve or flush valve. By following the instructions included in the repair kit, you can identify and replace the faulty components in just a few minutes.
- Kit replaces inefficient fill and flush valves, leaky flappers and broken toilet handles
- 400A toilet fill valve adjusts from 9 to 14 inches, fits most 2-inch flush valve toilets and ideal for use in 1.6 to 3.5 gallons per flush toilets or larger
- Includes PerforMAX high-performance 2-inch adjustable water-saving toilet flapper
- Installs in 10 minutes or less
- Comes with 8-inch groove joint straight jaw, 10-inch groove joint straight jaw and 12-inch groove joint straight jaw
- Adjustable tongue and no-slip grip
- Easy to install – no tools needed
- High-quality TPR material
- Stainless steel chain and hook included
- Easy to install, step-by-step instructions included
- Universal fit for most toilet models and brands
- EZ-Twist height adjusts from 9” to 14” to fit more tanks
5. Replacing light fixtures
Upgrading or replacing light fixtures can instantly refresh the look of any room. It’s a relatively simple job that requires only a screwdriver set, wire stripper and voltage tester.
*After turning off the power to the fixture, you can remove the old light and install the new one by connecting a few wires. Even DIY beginners can safely and efficiently complete this task.
- 73-piece ratchet wrench and screwdriver set
- Made of chrome vanadium steel
- Plastic storage case included
- 8-inch professional wire stripper
- Cuts, strips wire and loops 10-22 AWG solid copper wire or aluminum cables
- High carbon alloy steel with accurate stripping
- Strong-gripping serrated nose for easy wire bending, shaping and pulling
- 24-month warranty
- Measures AC/DC voltage, DC current, resistance and diode
- Double ceramic fuse is anti-burn and protects from overloading
- Features LCD backlit screen for use in dimly lit areas
- Battery, set of test leads and user manual are included
NEXT: Gearing up for Amazon Prime Day? Find out how corrections officers can use these discounts to gear up for less.
