10 Home Repairs You Can Do Yourself

1) Fixing a Leaky Faucet

A dripping faucet wastes water and can be annoying. In most cases, all you need to do is replace a worn-out washer or O-ring inside the faucet. Locate the shut-off valves under the sink that control the water supply to the faucet and shut off the water flow. Plug the sink drain with a cloth or a sink plug. This prevents any small parts from falling down the drain and getting lost. Remove the faucet handle: Depending on your faucet type, you’ll find a small cap or a decorative cover on top of the handle. Use a screwdriver to carefully remove.

After removing the handle, you’ll find the cartridge or valve stem. Typically, this is the part that needs to be replaced to fix the leak. Use an adjustable wrench or pliers to carefully remove the cartridge or valve stem from the faucet body. Once you’ve removed it, check the condition of the washers and O-rings. If they appear worn, damaged, or hardened, replace them with new ones of the same size and type. Put the new washers and/or O-rings in place and carefully reinsert the cartridge or valve stem back into the faucet body. Make sure it fits snugly and securely. Reattach the faucet handle and tighten it. Check for any leaks. If you notice any, try tightening the faucet components a little more, or make sure the washers and O-rings are correctly seated. Have questions? Our Madison and Crozet locations offer plumbing supplies. Ask your Cardinal team member for advice for your unique plumbing challenge.

2) Patching Small Holes in Drywall

Whether from a picture frame, a doorknob, or general wear and tear, holes in drywall are quite common. You’ll need some spackle, a putty knife, and sandpaper to patch small to medium-sized holes. Prepare the holes by cleaning the surface around it and cutaway any loose or damaged drywall. Apply spackle or joint compound, ensuring it completely fills the space. Allow to dry, and then sand any uneven or rough areas using fine grit sandpaper. If the patched area is noticeably different from the rest of the wall, consider applying a coat of primer to the patch. Finally, apply a coat of paint that matches the existing wall color over the patched area. All five of our Cardinal locations offer Benjamin Moore Paint and our painting experts are here to help.

3) Replacing a Broken Tile

Cracked or chipped tiles can be unsightly, but you don’t have to be an expert to replace them. Start by protecting the surrounding tiles. Use masking tape to cover the adjacent tiles to avoid damage during removal. With a grout removal tool or utility knife, carefully scrape out the grout surrounding the broken tile. Carefully break the damaged tile into smaller pieces using a hammer and chisel or putty knife. Using a notched trowel, apply a thin layer of tile adhesive or thin-set mortar to the back of the replacement tile. Carefully place the replacement tile into the vacant space, pressing it firmly into the adhesive. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the adhesive or thin-set mortar packaging for the appropriate setting time. Once the adhesive has set, apply the grout. Wipe away the excess grout from the tile surface using a damp sponge. Allow the grout to dry for the recommended time, and then buff any grout haze from the tiles with a clean, dry cloth. Optionally, apply a grout sealer according to the product instructions to protect the grout from stains and moisture. We have the products you need to make this process a smooth endeavor. Visit your local Cardinal Home Center.

4) Installing a New Door Handle

Worn-out or outdated door handles can be easily replaced to give your doors a fresh and updated look. Door handles come in various styles and designs, each serving different purposes and aesthetic preferences. The process may vary slightly depending on the type and style of the handle, but a few general steps apply to most standard door handles.

Ensure your door has pre-drilled holes for the handle. If not, measure and mark the drilling locations. Insert the latch on the door edge, marking the screw hole locations. Use a slightly smaller drill bit to create pilot holes where marked. And drill the pilot holes. Secure the latch to the door with provided screws, ensuring it sits flush. For lever handles, insert the spindle through the latch hole. For knob handles, align the spindle with the latch using the two knob halves. Slide the interior handle over the spindle from the other side of the door and secure it with screws. Check the handle’s functionality by operating it several times. Place the strike plate on the door frame, aligning it with the latch, and mark screw hole locations. Drill pilot holes at the marked spots and attach the strike plate with screws. Close the door and ensure the handle latches securely and operates smoothly. Your Cardinal Madison and Crozet locations have a variety of styles and options in door hardware. Please stop by and visit our two showrooms.

5) Weatherstripping Doors and Windows

Properly sealing your doors and windows is essential for energy efficiency. Weatherstripping is a simple and cost-effective solution to keep drafts and moisture at bay, saving you money on energy bills in the long run. Remove any old, damaged weatherstripping and clean the surface to ensure good adhesion for the new weatherstripping. Select the appropriate weatherstripping material for your door. Self-adhesive foam or rubber weatherstripping is easy to install and works well for most door types. Cut the weatherstripping material to the required length. Peel off the backing from the self-adhesive weatherstripping and carefully press it onto the door frame. Make sure it adheres firmly and creates a tight seal. Your Cardinal Madison and Crozet locations carry a variety of choices.

6) Unclogging Drains

A clogged sink or shower drain can be frustrating, but try using a drain snake or a plunger before reaching for harsh chemicals. In most cases, you can dislodge the clog and get the water flowing smoothly again. If the plunger doesn’t work, try using a drain snake. Insert the snake into the drain and twist or push it further while being cautious not to damage the pipes. The snake will either push through or hook onto the clog, allowing you to pull it out. We have several options of drain snakes available at your local Cardinal Home Center. If the clog persists, repeat the above steps or try a combination of methods. For more stubborn or severe clogs, consider using a commercial drain cleaner (follow the product instructions carefully) or contact a professional plumber for assistance. Have questions? Our Madison and Crozet locations offer plumbing supplies. Ask your Cardinal team member for advice.

7) Painting Interior Walls

Painting interior walls is an easy way to breathe new life into your living spaces, such as great rooms, offices, bathrooms, and kitchens. Remember to prepare the surfaces correctly, use painter’s tape, and invest in good-quality brushes and rollers. All five of our Cardinal locations offer Benjamin Moore paint, and our paint experts can help you choose the correct supplies. Choose your desired finish – satin, flat, matte, or semi-gloss, and explore Benjamin Moore paint’s unique colors and finishes.

8) Fixing a Running Toilet

A running toilet can waste a significant amount of water. Fortunately, it’s often a quick fix involving the flapper or the float. With a basic understanding of toilet mechanics, you can easily diagnose and resolve the issue. Lift the toilet tank lid and observe the components inside. There are three common reasons for a running toilet:

1. The flapper is not sealing properly, allowing water to leak from the tank to the bowl.
2. The fill valve is not shutting off correctly, causing water to continuously flow into the tank.
3. The float or float arm is not functioning correctly, resulting in water constantly flowing into the overflow tube.

Adjust or Replace the Flapper (if needed):

If the flapper is worn, misaligned, or damaged, it won’t create a proper seal, leading to a running toilet. Adjust the chain connected to the flapper to ensure it has the right amount of slack, allowing it to close fully. If the flapper is in poor condition, consider replacing it with a new one that matches your toilet model.

Check and Adjust the Fill Valve:

Ensure the fill valve shuts off correctly after the tank is full. If it continues to run, adjust the float arm or float to the appropriate water level. The water should stop filling just below the overflow tube. Some toilets have a fill valve adjustment screw that can be turned to adjust the water level.

Inspect the Float and Float Arm:

If the float or float arm is bent or malfunctioning, it may not stop the flow of water at the right level. Straighten or adjust the float arm so that it can effectively control the fill valve.

Test for Proper Operation:

After making adjustments or replacements, flush the toilet and observe its operation. Check for any leaks or running water.

Have questions? Our Madison and Crozet locations offer plumbing supplies. Ask your Cardinal team member for advice.

9) Repairing a Squeaky Floor

Nobody enjoys the sound of a squeaky floorboard underfoot. If the squeak is coming from loose floorboards, use screws to secure them back in place. Drill pilot holes slightly smaller than the screws’ diameter to prevent the wood from splitting, and then drive screws through the floorboards into the floor joists below. Space the screws every 6-8 inches along the floorboard. In some cases, the squeak might be caused by a gap between the floorboards and the floor joists. If this is the case, insert wood shims into the gap to eliminate the movement. Apply glue to the shims to keep them in place.

For hardwood floors, you can use finishing nails to secure the floorboards. Carefully drive the nails through the floorboards and into the floor joists, making sure not to damage the surface of the wood. Use a nail set to countersink the nails slightly below the wood’s surface.

If the squeak persists after securing the floorboards, the subfloor may be rubbing against the floor joists. Drill pilot holes through the subfloor and into the floor joists, and then drive screws into the holes. Make sure to use screws long enough to penetrate both the subfloor and the floor joists.

Repairing a squeaky floor might require a bit of trial and error, but with patience and persistence, you can successfully silence those annoying noises and enjoy a quieter living space. Have questions? Ask a Cardinal Home Center team member!

10) Replacing Light Fixtures

Upgrading a light fixture can instantly enhance the ambiance of a room. Once you’ve verified that there’s no electricity flowing to the fixture, remove the old fixture. Typically, light fixtures are held in place by screws or a mounting plate. Carefully unscrew the fixture and gently pull it away from the ceiling or wall. Be cautious as you disconnect any wires.

After removing the fixture, you’ll see the wires coming out of the electrical box. Untwist the wire nuts connecting the black (hot), white (neutral), and green or bare (ground) wires. Note the wire colors and their locations for connecting the new fixture later. Assemble or prepare the new light fixture according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Some fixtures may require minor assembly before installation. Match the wires from the new fixture with the corresponding wires in the electrical box. Typically, black connects to black, white to white, and green/bare to green/bare. Use wire nuts to secure each pair of wires, and then gently push the connected wires back into the electrical box. Carefully position the new fixture against the ceiling or wall, aligning it with the screw holes or mounting bracket. Use the provided screws or the existing ones to secure the fixture in place.