DIY SOS: Quick Fixes for Everyday Problems
Quality reviewed September 2026
Facts verified September 16, 2026
- Subject
- Career & Life Skills
- Grades
- Grades 9-12
- Length
- 7-page student worksheet
- Time
- About one 50-minute class period
- Great for
- Sub plans and independent work
- Includes
- Reading passage, comprehension questions + full answer key
- Format
- Print-and-go PDF
What students do
- Match three household problems to their fixes, and safety glasses and a flashlight to what each one does
- Fill in the blanks on the basic DIY toolkit, preventative maintenance, and the breaker box
- Answer multiple choice questions on why DIY skills matter, the step to take before fixing a faucet, and why safety comes first
- Write short answers on what ignoring a leak could cost, two appliance maintenance tips, and why instructions matter before using a tool
What it covers
- Fixing a leaky faucet, a loose doorknob, and a clogged drain with the right tool for each
- A starter toolkit and safety rules, from turning off power at the breaker to wearing safety glasses
- A case study on Sarah, whose bathroom faucet keeps dripping because she doesn't know how to fix it
Start reading this worksheet
Focus
Feeling helpless when a minor household mishap strikes? Don't call the repairman just yet! This guide gives you simple DIY solutions for common household problems. Learn how to tackle leaky faucets, loose doorknobs, and other pesky issues with confidence. We'll also introduce you to the essential tools every teen should have on hand and emphasize the importance of safety when tackling DIY tasks. Build essential life skills and become a household hero!
Why is DIY Knowledge Important for Teens?
Simple repairs can save time and money compared to calling a professional for every minor issue. DIY projects also foster a sense of accomplishment and self-reliance, valuable skills for every teenager.
Conquering Common Household Woes: DIY Solutions
Here are some everyday household problems you can tackle yourself: Leaky Faucet: A leaky faucet is a common issue, but it's an easy fix! You'll likely need a wrench to tighten the packing nut around the base of the faucet handle. Turn off the water supply before starting and follow a quick online video tutorial for specific steps. Loose Doorknob: A loose doorknob can be frustrating. Often, the problem lies with the screws that secure the knob to the door. Use a screwdriver to tighten the screws, ensuring a snug fit. Clogged Drain: Clogged drains are a nuisance, but they can often be unclogged with simple tools. A plunger is a common solution, but a drain snake can also be helpful for tougher clogs. Be sure to identify the correct type of drain snake for your sink or tub.
Like what you read? The full reading, the case study, and every question set are in the free download below, along with the answer key.
Why this matters
Small repairs are the kind of problem a teen will run into the first time they live somewhere without a parent to call. Knowing that a dripping faucet is often a wrench and a short video saves the time and money of calling a professional for every minor issue. The reading also teaches knowing your limits, and its prevention tips, like cleaning refrigerator coils and not overloading the washing machine, help stop costly repairs before they start.
From one teacher to another
The reading covers three common household problems and the tool that handles each one: a wrench to tighten the packing nut on a leaky faucet, a screwdriver for a loose doorknob, and a plunger or drain snake for a clogged drain. It also builds a starter toolkit (screwdriver set, adjustable wrench, slip-joint pliers, claw hammer, and flashlight) and a short list of safety rules, including turning the power off at the breaker box before touching an electrical appliance. I like that the faucet steps begin with turning off the water supply and following a quick video tutorial. In the case study, Sarah's bathroom faucet keeps dripping and wasting water because she has no idea how to fix it.
What you get
Download
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