How to Fix a Sticky Trip-Lever Bathtub Drain Stopper

A trip-lever drain stopper is more tricky than most to fix, due to its somewhat complicated mechanism. This throw in of drain stopper is sometimes known as alift bucket. The fixes for both types of drain stoppers are slightly different. The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto Carefully remove the cover plate and extract the connecting rod and plunger through the overflow opening. If the plunger is badly corroded or damaged, the entire assembly should be replaced....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 319 words · Jessica Cooper

How to Fix a Stripped Screw Hole

A screw in a strippedscrew holehas no holding powerloose doorhingescrews are a prime example. Though moving thescrewto a new position is usually best, that’s not always possible. All wood between the threads is gone, so the screw has nothing to grab onto. zilli / Getty Images The simplest fix, using a longerscrew, bypasses the stripped section and grabs deeper into the wood. The longer screw could reach the framing behind the jamb and twist the door frame out of alignment....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 299 words · Alex Miller

How to Fix a Toilet That Keeps Running

Here are three common causes and solutions. The Spruce / Sarah Lee If yourtoiletkeeps running, this commontoilet problemcan be fixed easily without calling a plumber. Usually, the overflow tube, flush valve, or fill valve needs to be adjusted or replaced. The Spruce / Sarah Lee If it is, the water level should be lowered. A float rod is a horizontal rod extending from the fill valve to the float ball....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 473 words · Kelly Collins

How to Fix a Toilet That's Leaking From the Tank

In rare cases, a leaking toilet tank may also be due to a crack in the porcelain. Find out how to identify the source of theleakand how to fix a toilet leaking from the tank. Wait a few minutes to see if the color changes. The Spruce / Carson Downing Want more home reno project tips and inspiration? The Spruce / Carson Downing The Spruce / Carson Downing The Spruce / Carson Downing...

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 88 words · Andrew Wheeler

How to Fix a Window Seal

The cause is a failure in the edge seal that secures the individual panes of glass. If you notice a window seal failure, you have a few options. What Is an Insulated Window? penkanya / Getty Images An insulated window features two or three panes of glass with open space between the panes. This window assembly is an IGUan acronym for insulated glazing or insulated glass units. Insulated windows are sometimes called thermopanes or thermal windows....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 293 words · Maria Brown

How to Fix a Wobbly Ceiling Fan

Learn simple, inexpensive, and effective ways to fix a wobbly ceiling fanwithout having toremove the ceiling fan. Be careful when working on the fan while standing on the ladder. Cover the Floor Cover the floor directly below the ceiling fan with a dropcloth or plastic sheeting. The Spruce / Kevin Norris Clean the Fan Blades Clean the fan blades with the extendable duster. Hold a free blade with one hand to stabilize the fan....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 438 words · Nicole Livingston

How to Fix a Wobbly Chair in 6 Easy Ways That Actually Work

Vadym Plysiuk / Getty Images Learning how to fix a wobbly chair can save you money and frustration. Below, weve rounded up 6 ways to fix a wobbly chair, making them sturdier and safer. Cause: Worn Fasteners Many chairs are assembled with screws and bolts. Vadym Plysiuk / Getty Images Overtime, these fasteners maystrip out or loosen. Similarly, a thread-locking adhesive or a secondary lock nut can solve the issue for nuts and bolts....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 248 words · Dr. Katelyn Powers

How to Fix a Zipper: Repair Broken, Stuck, or Separated Zippers

How do you get a zipper back on track? It’s as easy as gently moving the zipper up and down on the track to readjust it. Try spritzing it with WD-40 to oil it up. The Spruce / Georgia Lloyd If you could’t get them to mesh, mark the spot where a problem aligns the teeth. The teeth may be damaged at that spot and will never align properly. Want more cleaning and organizing tips?...

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 249 words · Philip Humphrey

How to Fix an Electrical Outlet by Yourself

The Spruce / Kevin Norris Most homeowners will call in anelectricianfor advanced electrical jobs, and legitimately so. Running a new circuit or adding a sub-panel are major tasks. But fixing an electrical outlet is a different matter. The Spruce / Kevin Norris Most outlet problems can be solved quickly and inexpensively by the homeowner. Fortunately,electrical outlets are simple, inexpensive devices. Regular (non-GFCI) outlets have no moving parts that can wear out....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 501 words · Erica Mejia

How to Fix an Over-Fertilized Lawn

How Fertilizer Affects Lawns Every lawn needs fertilizer. Think of your lawn as a crop that gets harvested by mowing, usually weekly. The soil test indicates whether you gotta correct the pH of the soil by adding lime. The Spruce / Ana Cadena Slow-Release High-Nitrogen Fertilizer Lawns need about one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. How this translates into the actual fertilizer amount depends on the percentage of nitrogen in the fertilizer....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 321 words · Diana Sharp

How to Fix Broken Blinds

KatarzynaBialasiewicz / Getty Images Blindsare a common furnishing for the home. Damaged blinds are not as effective at protecting your privacy or keeping the sun out. Use this guide to repairing horizontal and vertical blinds for learn how to fix broken blinds. KatarzynaBialasiewicz / Getty Images Repeat this process with the remaining lift cords. Inspect the blinds to find out what may be causing the issue. If you find the blinds are just twisted, simply untangle them to fix the issue....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 212 words · Jason Daniel

How to Fix Chipped Paint on Walls Without Repainting the Whole Room

Fixing chipped paint on walls is simple and doesn’t require repainting the entire room. Tape a drop cloth to the floor against the baseboard to prevent paint splatter from damaging the floor. Remove Loose Paint Brush off loose edges of peeling paint with the wire brush. The Spruce / Brie Goldman For loose paint you’re free to’t easily brush off, switch to the putty knife. Hold the putty knife at a 45-degree angle and push gently to avoid removing more paint than necessary....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 417 words · Wanda Edwards

How to Fix Cracks in Drywall

zimmytws / Getty Images Drywallcan crack, especially in key places like doors and windows. But the results will look truly professional. Unless these issues are fixed, cracks will develop again in the drywall. zimmytws / Getty Images Hairline-thin cracks that extend above doors or windows may not always indicate a serious problem. These are stress points that can crack drywall over time. Safety Considerations Wear breathing protection when sanding drywall joint compound....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 339 words · Tammy Wells