The Sorted Dad

Simple wins for modern family life — money, mindset, home and more.

10 DIY Jobs Every Dad Should Know How to Do (And How to Actually Do Them)

Master the top 10 DIY jobs every dad should know — from fixing dripping taps to hanging shelves. Simple, no-fluff advice for real-life homes and busy parents.

The Sorted Dad
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Let’s be honest: DIY isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being useful.

Whether it’s fixing a leak before bedtime, hanging a picture without wrecking the plaster, or knowing where the stopcock is (because no one else does) — these are the jobs that keep family life ticking.

And yes, anyone can do them. But for a lot of dads, there’s something quietly satisfying about being the one who steps up, tools in hand, and sorts it.

Here are 10 DIY jobs every dad should know how to do, explained without jargon — just clear, honest instructions and a few lessons I’ve learned the hard way.

1. How to Fix a Dripping Tap

Nothing makes a house feel more neglected than a dripping tap. The good news? Most of the time it’s just a worn washer or ceramic disc cartridge.

Quick fix:

  • Turn off the water supply under the sink.
  • Remove the tap handle (usually with an Allen key).
  • Unscrew the valve and replace the washer or cartridge (found at Screwfix or B&Q).

Dad tip:
I once delayed fixing ours for two weeks. We “got used to the sound” — until our toddler started mimicking the drip. Motivation sorted.

2. How to Bleed a Radiator

If your radiators are cold at the top but hot at the bottom, they’ve got trapped air — wasting energy and heating bills.

What you’ll need: A radiator key and a towel.

  • Turn off the heating.
  • Use the key to slowly open the bleed valve (top side of radiator) until you hear a hiss — then a dribble.
  • Tighten again. Done.

💷 Bonus: This ties into energy-saving tips — if you liked this, check out 10 Ways to Cut Your Energy Bill Without Freezing from the Fitness & Energy section.

3. How to Hang a Shelf (Without It Falling Down)

I’ve done this wrong. I’ve filled the holes. I’ve apologised. Let me save you the hassle.

Key points:

  • Use a spirit level.
  • Check for studs or wires behind the wall (use a detector if you can).
  • Use the right wall plugs for the surface (plasterboard plugs for stud walls, heavy-duty for brick).
  • Mark before you drill. Then double-check. Then drill.

📌 See also: “How I Built a Permanent BBQ Area That Actually Holds Weight” – another DIY win.

4. How to Unblock a Sink

You don’t need harsh chemicals. Most clogs are hair, food, or gunk just under the U-bend.

Steps:

  • Boil a kettle. Pour it slowly down.
  • Still blocked? Unscrew the U-bend under the sink and clean it out.
  • Use gloves. It’s disgusting, but satisfying.

🧠 Tip: Do this before calling a plumber. It’s a £0 fix most of the time.

5. How to Fill a Hole in the Wall

Picture frames, wall plugs, tantrum-induced dents — they leave scars.

What to do:

  • Use pre-mixed filler (saves time).
  • Apply with a putty knife. Let dry fully.
  • Sand smooth. Prime if needed. Repaint.

🎨 Check out my post on Paint That Doesn’t Clash With Cottage Vibes — your walls will thank you.

6. How to Reseal Around a Bath or Sink

Mouldy sealant ruins a nice bathroom. The trick is removal and patience.

How:

  • Use a sealant remover and a Stanley knife to clean old silicone.
  • Dry the area.
  • Apply new sealant with a smooth motion (use masking tape if needed).
  • Wet your finger to smooth the finish.

Let it cure 24 hours. No shortcuts.

7. How to Reset a Tripped Fuse Box

When the lights go out and the microwave beeps angrily, don’t panic.

  • Locate your consumer unit (fuse box).
  • Find the switch that’s flipped down — that’s the tripped circuit.
  • Flip it back up.

⚠️ If it trips again: Unplug everything in that room and try again. Still tripping? Call a pro — it’s probably faulty wiring or an appliance issue.

8. How to Paint a Room Like a Grown-Up

Painting is the dad-equivalent of meditation — until you drip gloss on the carpet.

Top painting tips:

  • Cut in edges with a 2-inch angled brush first.
  • Roll in a “W” shape — it blends better.
  • Two coats minimum.
  • Don’t skimp on masking tape.

And always let the toddler “help” for 10 minutes. Then firmly remove them before chaos ensues.

9. How to Fit a Child Safety Gate

They look simple. They are not.

Advice:

  • Measure twice.
  • Choose pressure-fit for stairs (avoid screw-fixing to plasterboard unless you’ve got anchors).
  • Check it opens towards safety, not down a step.

This one’s for sanity and safety. We’ve had ours collapse once — I blame overtightening. Now I keep it solid and check monthly.

10. How to Drill Into Brick or Plasterboard Safely

Brick:

  • Use a hammer drill and masonry bit.
  • Drill slow, steady. Don’t force it.

Plasterboard:

  • Use plasterboard fixings (grip or toggle bolts).
  • Don’t just stick a normal screw in — it will fall.

🛠️ Tip: Keep a scrap piece of wood to test fixings before you drill into a wall you care about.

Final Thoughts from The Sorted Dad

You don’t need to be a builder. You don’t need a full tool wall or a beard that smells of teak oil.

You just need the confidence to give it a go — and maybe a backup roll of masking tape. DIY isn’t about perfection. It’s about stepping up, learning something, and keeping your home ticking along without spending £120 for a 10-minute fix.

So pick one job this weekend. Knock it out. Feel the smugness.

Then reward yourself with a bacon sarnie and a brew. You’ve earned it.

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