20 Essential Home Repairs Every Prepper Should Know

Being prepared means knowing how to fix key issues in your home. Whether you're dealing with a burst pipe or drafty windows, these essential home repairs will help you protect your space and keep it functioning well when it matters most.

General Maintenance

1. Fixing Leaky Faucets

Avoid water waste (and high bills) by learning how to replace washers or O-rings in faucets.

2. Unclogging Drains

Keep your sink or shower flowing with tools like a plunger or plumbing snake.

3. Patch Holes in Drywall

Repair small to medium holes with drywall patches, spackle, and a sanding block.

4. Fixing Squeaky Doors

Lubricate hinges with a silicone spray or household oil to eliminate squeaks.

5. Sharpening or Replacing Tools

Every prepper needs sharp knives, axes, and other tools. Learn how to file down edges or replace worn parts.

Plumbing Repairs

6. Replacing a Toilet Flapper

Stop your toilet from running constantly by replacing the flapper.

7. Repairing Burst Pipes

Learn how to turn off the main water supply and use repair clamps or pipe tape in emergencies.

8. Installing a New Showerhead

Upgrade water efficiency or fix low pressure by replacing the showerhead yourself.

Electrical Repairs

9. Resetting a Tripped Circuit Breaker

Understand how your breaker box works to quickly restore power when circuits trip.

10. Replacing an Outlet

Tackle electrical issues by safely swapping out a broken or outdated outlet.

11. Fixing Light Fixtures

Know how to replace bulbs or fixtures to maintain proper lighting in all areas.

12. Repairing or Replacing Cables

Ensure household devices function properly by mending frayed appliance cords.

Structural Repairs

13. Sealing Drafty Windows

Use caulk or weather-stripping to combat drafts and help regulate indoor temperature.

14. Fixing Roof Leaks

Identify and patch cracked shingles or flashing to protect against water damage.

15. Replacing Broken Tiles

Know how to remove damaged floor or wall tiles and install new ones.

16. Reinforcing Loose Railings or Steps

Keep stairs safe by tightening screws or adding brackets for extra stability.

17. Cleaning and Repairing Gutters

Prevent water damage by regularly clearing debris and fixing leaks in the gutter system.

Appliance Repairs

18. Cleaning or Replacing HVAC Filters

Ensure air quality and heating/cooling efficiency by swapping out dirty filters.

19. Fixing a Broken Door Handle

From exterior doors to kitchen cabinets, learning to repair or replace handles ensures functionality.

20. Recalibrating Your Refrigerator

Adjust your fridge's temperature settings or replace faulty thermostats to reduce energy use and keep food fresh.

Final Thoughts

Even basic repair skills can save time, money, and resources, especially in an emergency. Master these 20 tasks, and your home will feel more secure no matter what situation arises. A little preparation today can save significant trouble tomorrow!