Small Repairs You Can Make Yourself in Apartment Living

Apartment living offers the convenience of shared maintenance services, but there are many small repairs you can do yourself to save time, avoid waiting for maintenance staff, and even help prevent bigger problems down the line. While some tasks in an apartment may require a professional touch, there are plenty of simple fixes that most tenants can manage with a few basic tools and a bit of know-how.

In this article, we’ll cover several small repairs that apartment residents can tackle independently, from fixing a leaky faucet to patching up holes in the walls. By addressing these common issues yourself, you can maintain a more comfortable living space and potentially reduce your reliance on your building's maintenance team.

1. Fixing a Leaky Faucet

A dripping faucet is not only annoying but can also waste a lot of water over time, leading to higher utility bills. Fortunately, fixing a leaky faucet is often a simple task that requires just a few basic tools. Here’s how to do it:

• Turn off the water supply to the sink by locating the shut-off valves under the sink.

• Remove the handle: Depending on your faucet, you may need a wrench or screwdriver to remove the handle. Some handles may have a decorative cap that covers the screw, so be sure to pop that off first.

• Replace the washer or cartridge: Most leaks are caused by worn-out washers or cartridges. These can easily be purchased at a local hardware store. Once you have the replacement, install it where the old one was.

• Reassemble the faucet and turn the water back on to check if the leak is fixed.

If you’re dealing with a more complex type of faucet (like a ball or cartridge faucet), you might need a specialized repair kit, but most home improvement stores have options for common faucet types.

2. Unclogging a Drain

Clogged drains are a common nuisance in apartments, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Before calling maintenance, try these simple methods to clear the clog yourself.

• Plunger: For a sink or tub drain, a plunger can be surprisingly effective at loosening debris. Make sure to create a tight seal around the drain and plunge vigorously.

• Baking Soda and Vinegar: For stubborn clogs, pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes, then flush with hot water. This method is safe for most types of pipes and can break up grease and soap buildup.

• Drain Snake: If the clog is deeper in the pipe, a drain snake (or auger) is an inexpensive tool that can help you reach and clear the blockage. Simply insert the snake into the drain, twist, and pull it back to remove the clog.

If these DIY methods don’t work, and the drain is still clogged, it may be time to contact your building’s maintenance team.

3. Patching Small Holes in Walls

Small holes in your apartment walls from nails or screws are a normal part of living in a space. However, these holes can be unsightly and may lead to issues when you move out. Fortunately, patching them is an easy task:

• Gather your supplies: You’ll need wall spackle (or joint compound), a putty knife, sandpaper, and paint that matches your wall color.

• Apply the spackle: Use the putty knife to scoop up some spackle and spread it over the hole. Make sure to fill it completely, and smooth it out so it’s flush with the surrounding wall.

• Let it dry: Allow the spackle to dry completely (this can take a few hours, depending on the product).

• Sand the area: Once dry, lightly sand the patched area with fine-grit sandpaper until it’s smooth.

• Touch up with paint: Use a small paintbrush to touch up the wall with paint that matches the surrounding area. It’s best to use a small amount of paint and blend it well.

This quick and simple repair will leave your walls looking fresh and free of unsightly holes.

4. Replacing a Toilet Seat

Over time, toilet seats can become loose, cracked, or simply outdated. Replacing a toilet seat is a fast and affordable repair that can improve the comfort and appearance of your bathroom:

• Buy the right replacement: Measure the length and width of your current toilet seat to ensure you buy the correct size.

• Remove the old seat: Use a wrench to loosen the bolts securing the old seat to the toilet. Most toilet seats have bolts at the back that hold it in place.

• Install the new seat: Position the new seat and tighten the bolts to secure it. Make sure it’s stable and not wobbly.

Replacing a toilet seat can make your bathroom look more polished and functional, and the process typically takes less than 30 minutes.

5. Fixing a Running Toilet

A constantly running toilet can waste a lot of water and create unnecessary noise. If your toilet won’t stop running, it’s often due to a faulty flapper valve or an issue with the float mechanism.

• Turn off the water supply to the toilet.

• Remove the tank lid and inspect the inside of the tank. The flapper valve should be sealing the opening at the bottom of the tank. If it’s worn out or not sealing properly, it can cause the toilet to run.

• Replace the flapper: Simply unhook the old flapper from the chain, and hook the new one in its place. You can find replacement flappers at any hardware store.

• Adjust the float: If the float mechanism is malfunctioning, adjust it so that the water level in the tank is just below the overflow tube.

Once you’ve made the adjustments, turn the water back on and flush to test. This fix should stop your toilet from running unnecessarily.

6. Replacing Air Filters

Changing your air filter is a small but important repair that helps maintain the efficiency of your apartment’s heating and cooling system. Dirty filters can reduce airflow, making your HVAC system work harder and driving up energy costs. Here’s how to replace the filter:

• Locate the filter: Your apartment may have a wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted air handler. Check your system’s user manual or consult your landlord if you’re unsure where the filter is located.

• Remove the old filter: Pull out the old filter carefully. Pay attention to the direction the filter is installed, as new filters will need to be installed in the same direction.

• Insert the new filter: Place the new filter into the slot, ensuring that the airflow arrows are pointing in the correct direction.

• Check the size: Make sure the new filter fits snugly into the space.

Changing your air filter every 1-3 months is a simple maintenance task that ensures your apartment stays comfortable year-round.

Conclusion

While apartment living doesn’t always provide the same freedom as owning a home, there are still many small repairs that tenants can do themselves to keep their space in top shape. From fixing a leaky faucet to patching small holes in the walls, these quick and simple repairs not only improve the appearance and functionality of your apartment but also give you a sense of control over your living space. The best part is that these DIY fixes can help you avoid long wait times for maintenance requests and may even save you money in the long run. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just starting, these tasks are a great way to take care of your home and ensure a comfortable living environment.