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DIY or Call an Adult? My New Homeowner Fix-It Kit
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items The joys of homeownership: first I panic, then I get a quote, then suddenly I’m enrolled in YouTube University. These are tools for the small jobs I’m willing to tackle — filters, simple toilet parts, basic drain cleanup, and a starter kit. If the mi...
This is the kind of kit I meant when I said some fixes do not need a contractor. Keep basic tools in one place for furniture, hardware, and small household jobs. Anything electrical, gas, structural, or major plumbing? Call an actual adult.
Kobalt 158 -Piece Blue Household Tool Set with Folding Case
Changing an air filter is a job I’ll do myself. Check your system’s required size and filter rating first; the 1-inch Filtrete MPR 1000 is an example, not a one-size-fits-all answer.
Filtrete MPR 1000 Air Filter (1-inch)
A running toilet can be a flapper problem, and this is one of the small fixes I’ll consider myself. Check whether your toilet takes a 2-inch flapper before buying. If the problem is bigger than a simple swap, call a plumber.
Fluidmaster 2 in. Universal Longest Lasting, Chlorine Resistant Toilet Tank Flapper 501P21
For a simple hair clog near the drain opening, I’d try a basic cleaning tool before paying for a service call. If water backs up, the clog keeps returning, or the issue is deeper in the plumbing, that’s contractor territory.
THEWORKS Drain Cleaning Tool (2-pack) PL171204
For when 'I'm pretty sure there's a stud here' is not a plan. This helps locate studs before hanging shelves or heavier decor. Follow the directions and check for utilities before drilling. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Franklin Sensors ProSensor M210 13-Sensor Stud Finder, Live Wire Detection
A slow or clogged toilet does not always need a plumber. This liquid version breaks up clogs without you touching anything. If it does not clear after a try or two, that is your sign to call someone.
Green Gobbler Liquid Toilet Plunger 2 Pack
For sealing a sink drain, faucet base, or other small leak around a fixture. Cheap, easy, and it keeps water where it belongs. If the leak is behind a wall, that is plumber territory.
Harvey's WM Harvey 043010 Stainless Plumbers Putty 14oz
For scraping old caulk, peeling paint, or stuck on gunk before you fix something properly. A cheap tool that saves your good blades for the right job.
WEGAZ 2 Pack 12-in-1 3" Putty Knife Scraper
Because eyeballing "straight" is how you end up with a crooked gallery wall. This does the guessing for you before you drill a single hole.
Laser Level with Tripod, 100 Ft Green Cross Line
Smoke detectors, remotes, flashlights, they all die at the worst possible time. Keep a pack of these around so a dead battery never turns into a bigger problem.
Amazon Basics 20-Pack AA Alkaline Batteries