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Home improvement projects, whether large or small, can significantly enhance our happiness, make our homes more comfortable and livable, and increase our property value. However, many people hesitate to take on these projects due to the perception that they are complicated, difficult, or even dangerous. If you’re new to DIY home improvement, it’s natural to worry about getting overwhelmed.
This concern is especially relevant in the bathroom, a space crucial for our health and hygiene. While there are certainly some bathroom repairs better left to professionals, many tasks are simpler than they appear. With just a few basic tools and some guidance from online tutorials, you can successfully tackle the repairs on this list.
Change a Faucet
If your goal is to replace a faucet without any leaks or issues, you can likely complete the task with just an adjustable wrench. While a basin wrench can simplify the process, it is not strictly necessary. You can view a helpful tutorial here. Most standard kitchen and bathroom faucets can be replaced easily—just be prepared to work in a tight space under the sink.
Number of tools needed: 1 (adjustable wrench)
Regrout
If your shower grout is stained, cracked, or missing, you might think that replacing it requires a professional. However, this is a straightforward, albeit labor-intensive, task that anyone can tackle. You will need a grout saw, a grout float, a sponge, and a bucket, along with some grout. The process is relatively simple, especially if you use pre-mixed grout. Just be sure to clean off any excess grout before it hardens, to avoid dulling your tiles.
Number of tools needed: 2 (grout saw, float)
Recaulk
Replacing the caulk in your bathroom or kitchen might seem daunting, but it’s quite an easy task. Follow these two basic steps, as outlined in this video:
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Remove the old, damaged caulk. A utility knife can help scrape out the caulk from the corners. You can use a caulk removing product to soften it, but it’s not essential.
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Apply new caulk. Clean the area, load your caulk gun with appropriate caulk, and apply a smooth line to fill the gaps. Using your finger to smooth it out can help, and using painter’s tape on the joints can create clean lines.
Number of tools needed: 2 (utility knife, caulking gun)
Swap Out the Shower Head
If your shower head is leaking or corroded, there’s no need to call a plumber. You can replace it with just two tools in about five minutes. Begin by disconnecting the existing shower head with an adjustable wrench. If it’s stubborn, a bit of lubricant like WD-40 can help. Clean the threads of the pipe, apply new Teflon tape, and attach the new shower head. Tighten it, test for leaks, and enjoy your upgraded shower experience!
Number of tools needed: 2 (adjustable wrench, Teflon tape)
Replace Laminate Flooring
If your bathroom has laminate flooring and one of the planks is damaged, replacing it is manageable as long as you have a spare plank. If you don’t have an exact match, be cautious as different batches may vary in color and finish.
To replace a damaged plank, you can pry it up (consider cutting it in the center with a circular saw to simplify removal—just ensure you set the blade depth correctly). Cut your replacement plank to size, and use a utility knife to remove the “tongue” part. After dropping the new plank into place, use some glue to secure it. Weigh it down for a day, and you’re all set!
Number of tools needed: 5 (utility knife, rubber mallet, prybar, circular or table saw, laminate floor glue)
Fix the Toilet
Working with a toilet might seem intimidating, but it’s quite straightforward. If you notice a leak, constant running, or a loose handle, these issues can often be resolved with minimal tools:
Leaking: A leaking toilet can lead to water damage and mold. The issue is usually an old wax ring. To remove the toilet and replace the wax ring, follow these steps:
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Turn off the water supply and flush the toilet to drain any remaining water (you might want to use a siphon or pump, but towels and a cup will do).
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Remove the plastic bolt protectors and unscrew the bolts with an adjustable wrench.
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Lift the toilet off the floor and place it on its side.
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Clean off the old wax ring residue and position the new wax ring on the toilet’s base. Reinstall the toilet, pressing down to secure the wax ring. Bolt it back in place, reattach the plastic protectors, and turn the water back on.
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Number of tools needed: 3 (adjustable wrench, putty knife, wax ring)
Running: If your toilet runs constantly, the flapper in the tank may need replacement. This process is simple and requires no tools:
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Turn off the water and flush the toilet.
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Remove the tank lid.
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Detach the chain from the flapper and remove it.
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Insert a new flapper (universal ones are available if you’re unsure of your model), reconnect the chain, and replace the tank lid.
Number of tools needed: 0
Loose Handle: If the flush handle is loose, simply lift off the tank lid to check if the plastic nut connecting it to the flapper is loose. You can typically tighten it by hand in seconds. If it needs more adjustment, an adjustable wrench might be useful, but that’s likely unnecessary.
Number of tools needed: 0-1 (an adjustable wrench might be needed)
