Repair a Hole in Drywall

Although it’s far more easily installed than plaster, a surface sheathed in drywall (also known as sheetrock, wallboard, and plasterboard) tends to be softer and more damage-prone than one built up with plaster. The damage ranges from the small dents and scrapes caused by doors or furniture to major holes. Though it's unsightly, damage like this can typically be repaired by competent homeowners with the right tools and sufficient patience. Here’s a rough outline of how to patch drywall.

Evaluate the Damage

Determine the extent of the damage. Holes in walls can be of any size, but generally fall into a simple classification. The smallest class is the punctures made by nails or other picture hangers; next come those dents and scratches that don't break the surface. The third class is small holes that crack the wallboard and tear the paper - Many of these, for unknown reasons, seem to be fist-sized. Last comes large holes that might be caused by falling objects or trapped pets. You'll need to approach repair with different techniques and tools depending on the size of the hole.

Assemble Your Tools

Whatever the size of the hole, you’ll eventually use a putty knife or wallboard knife. Wallboard knives are made in widths of about 6-12 inches; for large holes you may need two or three sizes. No wallboard repair can be made without at least some joint compound. Although your college dorm roommate repaired nail holes with white toothpaste, a small container of joint compound or latex spackle actually costs less than that tube of toothpaste. Collect an assortment of different grits of closed-coat sandpaper. To repair a large hole you’ll need additional tools like a ruler, a wallboard saw, and something to use as a patch.

Patch Holes in Subfloor (or Drywall)

As much as we adore our furry friends, sometimes  they make a mess. One of the biggest messes any of our dogs ever made was the time she knocked over a lit floor lamp, which somehow managed to stay lit instead of shattering. It took some time, but the 150-watt bulb melted clear through the carpet and pad, eventually charring a perfectly circular three-inch hole in the subflooring of our upstairs. We came home to a house filled with smoke and a two Labradors cowering in the back yard – no flames, though, so no visit from the fire department.

So… how do you patch a hole in the floor? Well, here’s how I did it…

Emergency Plumbing Repairs in Pipes

According to Murphy's Law, plumbing emergencies only occur on holidays, weekends, or in the middle of the night. A pipe that suddenly springs a leak can create a royal mess in your kitchen, bath or basement. Fortunately Mr. or Ms. Average Homeowner can make short-term repairs with things you can find around the house. One of these fixes can keep you dry until your plumber handyman comes to make permanent repairs, though you can't count on them to last for the long term.

What You'll Need

• Pencil
• Duct tape or wide plastic tape
• Bicycle inner tube or garden hose
• Utility knife or scissors
• 3 hose clamps or stiff wire
• Screwdriver or pliers