Watch an Overview Video

Gather Your Materials and Tools

Sometimes the best tool for a quick fix is something already around the home.

Materials and Tools:

duct tape
plumber's seal
wood glue
wood putty
sandpaper
paint
stain
brushes
silicone caulk
gutter liner with end caps and corners
scissors
cyano glue

Fix Pipes and Joints

If it's only a little leak, you might not need a plumber.

Wrap leaky pipe or joint tightly in duct tape. With a little plumber's seal on the edges, the fix could last for years.

Repair Molding and Furniture

Wood glue is a quick fix for broken molding or furniture

Stick the broken piece back on, carefully matching edges. Use only a small amount of glue, and carefully wipe away any excess.

Fill dents or cracks with wood putty, and then lightly sand and stain or paint.

Caulk Doors and Windows

Leaky seals around doors and windows can be repaired with silicone caulk.

Use transparent caulk or one tinted to match woodwork or walls. Run thin bead of caulk around perimeter of window or door, making sure caulk has contact with molding and wall.

Tip: You can also use silicone caulk to repair a leaky refrigerator seal.

Line Gutters

Gutter liner can make leaky gutter last for years.

Liner should be trimmed to fit smoothly inside gutter and should fit below hangers. Use scissors to trim to size.

Use caulk to attach end caps or corner pieces.

Fix or Replace Tiles

Use cyano glue to stick down raised laminate on countertop. Use as small an amount as possible.

Cyano glue also fixes broken ceramic tile. Remove damaged tiles and scrape old adhesive from wall. Use cyano glue to stick new tile to wall

Tip: If you can’t find matching new or companion tile, use cyano glue to stick broken tile together; let dry thoroughly before gluing to wall.