The Most Common Home Repairs and How to Fix Them

Every Perth homeowner knows the struggle—one day, it’s a leaky tap, the next, a stubbornly stuck door. Home maintenance can feel overwhelming, but the good news is that many common repairs are easy to fix yourself. With the right tools and a bit of know-how, you can save money and avoid the hassle of waiting for a tradie.

From leaky taps to cracked walls, this guide will walk you through simple fixes for Perth’s most common household issues.

1. Leaky Taps and How to Fix Them

A dripping tap isn’t just annoying—it wastes litres of water and increases your bill (especially important with Perth’s water restrictions!). In most cases, the culprit is a worn-out washer or O-ring.

DIY Fix:

1. Turn off the water supply (usually under the sink).
2. Use a spanner to loosen the tap head and remove the faulty washer or O-ring.
3. Replace it with a new one (available at Bunnings for a few dollars).
4. Reassemble and test—no more drips!

When to Call a Plumber:

If replacing the washer doesn’t solve the problem, there may be an issue with the pipework or valve seat.

2. Unclogging a Slow-Draining Sink

Slow drains are often caused by a buildup of soap scum, grease, and hair—a common problem in older Perth homes.

DIY Fix:

• Pour boiling water down the drain to loosen grime.
• Add ½ cup baking soda, followed by 1 cup vinegar—let it fizz for 10 minutes.
• Flush with more boiling water.
• Use a plunger for stubborn clogs, or a drain snake to pull out hair and debris.

When to Call a Plumber:

If water keeps backing up despite your efforts, there may be a deeper blockage in the pipes.

💡 Tip: If you’re doing a big home cleanout or renovation, getting rid of old pipes, or replacing fixtures, consider using a skip bins hire Perth service to dispose of waste easily.

3. Fixing a Stuck or Squeaky Door

Doors can swell from humidity or become misaligned over time. If yours squeaks or sticks, it’s an easy fix.

DIY Fix:

• Spray WD-40 or apply petroleum jelly to the hinges.
• Tighten or reposition the screws in the hinge plate.
• If the door is sticking, sand down the problem area slightly.
• For rust-prone coastal homes, consider replacing hinges with stainless steel.

4. Repairing Cracks in Walls (Plaster or Drywall)

With Perth’s shifting soils and older homes, minor wall cracks are common. Luckily, most are cosmetic and easy to fix.

DIY Fix:

1. Clean the crack and remove any loose plaster.
2. Fill with polyfiller or gap sealant, smoothing with a putty knife.
3. Let it dry, sand lightly, and repaint to match the wall.

When to Worry:

• Large or expanding cracks could indicate structural issues—get a professional inspection.

5. Replacing Broken or Loose Tiles

Chipped or loose tiles in kitchens and bathrooms can lead to water damage. The good news? You don’t need a tiler to replace a single tile!

DIY Fix:

1. Carefully chisel out the broken tile without damaging the surrounding ones.
2. Apply tile adhesive and press in the replacement tile.
3. Once set, reapply grout using a spatula.
4. Wipe excess grout away and let it dry.

Pro Tip:

Match the grout colour for a seamless finish.

Conclusion

Home repairs don’t have to be daunting. With a little DIY effort, you can fix common household issues without waiting for a tradie. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also gain confidence in maintaining your home.

Of course, when in doubt, call a professional—especially for electrical, gas, or structural problems. But for everyday fixes like leaky taps, creaky doors, and clogged drains, a few simple tools and techniques will do the trick.

So next time something needs fixing, give it a go! You might surprise yourself. 😉