← LCCREPAIRS & DIY
Repairs & DIY Cheat Sheet
  • Claw hammer (500g) — nails, small demo
  • Screwdriver set — Phillips #1/#2, flat 3mm/6mm, torx set
  • Cordless drill + drill bits set (3–10mm) — for wall anchors
  • Adjustable wrench (8") + pliers (nose pliers + slip-joint)
  • Utility knife + measuring tape (5m) + spirit level
  • Electrical insulation tape + Teflon tape (for pipe threads)
  • Wall plugs / Fischer anchors (6mm/8mm) + suitable screws
  • Putty knife + sanding paper (60, 120, 220 grit)
  • Cable tester / voltage tester (non-contact type — safety essential)
  • M-seal / Fevicol SH / Araldite (for different bonding needs)
★Non-contact voltage tester (~Rs 300) is the single most important safety tool — tells you if a wire is live before you touch it.
  1. Check for pipes/wires — Use stud finder or a wire detector app before drilling. Avoid drilling behind sockets or switches
  2. Mark the spot — Use pencil + spirit level for horizontally aligned holes
  3. Choose drill bit — Masonry bit (grey tip) for concrete/brick. Wood bit (sharp point) for wood. Use the right one
  4. Drill at correct depth — Anchor length + 5mm. Mark depth on drill bit with tape
  5. Insert wall plug — Tap Fischer anchor in gently with hammer until flush with wall
  6. Screw in slowly — Hand-tight first, then drill. Over-tightening splits the anchor
★RCC walls need a hammer drill (SDS setting). Regular drill just spins on concrete. Most cordless drills have a "hammer" setting — use it.
  • ALWAYS switch off the MCB (circuit breaker) for that circuit before any electrical work — not just the switch
  • Verify power is off with a non-contact voltage tester. Test the live wire before touching
  • India wiring: Live = Red/Brown, Neutral = Black/Blue, Earth = Green/Yellow. ISI mark wires only
  • Loose socket/switch: Turn off MCB, open plate, tighten screw terminals, check wire insulation
  • Tripping MCB: Overloaded circuit (too many appliances) or short circuit. Unplug all, reset MCB, plug back one by one
  • Never use 15A socket for 5A appliance with adapter for extended periods — fire risk
  • Three-pin grounded plugs for ACs, washing machines, geysers — do NOT bypass the earth pin
ProblemLikely CauseDIY Fix
Dripping tapWorn washer or O-ringClose main valve, disassemble tap, replace washer/cartridge (Rs 20–50)
Running toiletFlapper not sealingCheck flapper rubber — replace if warped. Adjust fill valve float height
Slow drainHair/soap clogPour boiling water first. Then baking soda + vinegar. Last: drain snake/plunger
Pipe joint leak (small)Loose thread jointWrap Teflon tape on thread (8–10 turns), reassemble tight
Flush not fillingFloat valve stuck or valve closedCheck float arm, ensure inlet valve is open, clean valve seat
Low water pressureClogged aeratorUnscrew tap aerator, soak in vinegar 30 min, clean mesh, refit
★Every home must have a main water shutoff valve. Know where yours is BEFORE you need it. Test it annually — they seize if never used.