5 five-minute home repairs that cost only pennies

Not every homeowner is born with the do-it-yourself gene. But even someone who's all thumbs can master a few simple home repairs and avoid calling the plumber or other expensive pro. Toilet running? Sink clogged? The fix may be something you can do yourself without breaking a sweat. Here are five common problems and their five-minute solutions from the experts at Consumer Reports.

Problem: Running toilet
Solution: Fix the flapper. A running toilet can be a real water waster. Often the problem is a flapper that fails to close or seal properly. To investigate, take the top off the tank, flush the toilet and see whether the chain is too long or too short or if the arm isn't operating as it should. Before you attempt a fix, turn off the water using the handles behind the toilet. Then adjust the chain or arm. If you need a new flapper, you can buy a kit at the hardware store and follow the instructions.
Full toilet Ratings and recommendations

Problem: Refrigerator not cold enough
Solution: Clean the condenser coils. Overstuffed refrigerators may be struggling in advance of the holidays. To get the most cooling power out of yours, clean the dust and grime off the condenser coils. The first challenge is to find the coils—they're usually on the back of old refrigerators and at the bottom of new models. You'll have to remove a panel to access the coils underneath. Once you do, unplug the refrigerator and clean the coils using a combination of a brush for surface dirt and your vacuum attachment.
Full refrigerator Ratings and recommendations

Problem: Radiators won't heat up
Solution: Bleed out the air. Cast iron radiators have their charm but over time air can get trapped inside leaving you with radiators that are hot on the bottom and cool on top. Often there's no need to call the plumber. You can bleed the air from the radiator using a key that costs a dollar or less at your hardware store. With the heat off, insert the key into the bleed valve and slowly twist it. You'll soon hear air escaping. Keep an old towel handy in case hot water squirts out. When it does, your job is done. If your house has multiple floors, start on the lower level first.
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Problem: Leaky faucet
Solution: Replace a washer. The drip, drip of a leaky faucet can be annoying. Stemming the flow can be as easy as replacing the washer, a cheap part you can buy for pennies at any hardware store (bring the old one with you).  Before you begin, turn off the water supply using the handles under the sink. Then carefully dismantle the faucet until you locate the washer or O-ring. If you have what is called a ball faucet, you can buy a replacement kit for about $20. Just follow the instructions in the box.
Faucet buying guide

Problem: Water backing up in sink
Solution: Unclog the drain. If your sink won't drain, try using a toilet plunger to dislodge the clog. Cover the drain with the plunger and quickly pump it up and down. If there's no standing water in your sink or tub, you can forego chemicals and try a more natural solution by pouring equal parts of baking soda and vinegar into the drain, waiting five minutes and then pouring boiling water down the drain. If the water continues to drain slowly, try using a snake. You can find an inexpensive one at the hardware store.
Full sink Ratings and recommendations

Got other problems? There are plenty of how-to websites and videos online that walk you through home and appliance repairs. So do a little research before giving up and calling a pro. The money you save will make you glad you did.

—Mary H.J. Farrell (@mhjfarrell on Twitter)