Don't call a pro when you can do it yourself

Here are 10 repairs that every homeowner should know how to do — for a fraction of the cost of calling a pro. "Some projects might seem a little dirty, but a bar of soap is a lot less expensive than an hour of a handyman's time," said Daniel Vannoni, founder of the home-repair website ProperSee.

Why: "Showerheads can clog with mineral deposits and sediments over time, and newer models have low-flow designs to save on your water consumption without sacrificing the strength of spray," Vannoni said.

Tools: Crescent wrench or slip-joint pliers and Teflon tape.

Time: Five to 15 minutes.

More help: Home repair expert Barbara K of AOL's home improvement channel provides guidance in this video titled "How to Change a Showerhead," on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHBaTCKcYPU

Why: It wastes water. This usually indicates that the flapper and sealing flange need a cleaning or replacement.

Tools: A flapper replacement kit from the hardware store.

More help: Check out Howcast's video "How to Fix a Running Toilet" on identifying and fixing your porcelain throne's issues: http://tinyurl.com/bruqf9d

Why: Swapping out a light fixture can turn around a room.

Tools: Wire tester, screwdriver, pliers, electrical tape and ladder.

Time: 30 minutes, depending.

More help: Buildipedia's YouTube video "How to Replace a Light Fixture" gives some safety and DIY tips: http://tinyurl.com/brqblq9

Why: The hose and washers need replacing.

Tools: Adjustable locking pliers.

Time: 20 to 30 minutes.

More help: Let home repair guru Ron Hazelton shows you "How to Replace Washing Machine Hoses": http://tinyurl.com/bqwnmyg

Tips: Rick Johnson, owner of the Sky's the Limit remodeling company in Groton, Mass., offers three tips: Replace old lines with a set of stainless steel braided lines, which are more durable.

Tools: Safety glasses, hammer, chisel, grout saw, adhesive, new tile and grout.

Time: One hour.

More help: Home repair TV host Eric Stromer gives step-by-step instructions to "Replace a Broken Tile" on YouTube: http://tinyurl.com/c8cbstv

Tip: "Do not use good tile edges as leverage to pry the broken one out."

Why: The rubber seal is worn down and needs replacing.

Time: 10 to 15 minutes.

More help: RepairClinic.com gives a quick "Door Gasket Replacement" demo: http://tinyurl.com/muh2sg5

Tip: Before replacing, first wipe down the gasket to make sure that food and mineral gook are not preventing a proper seal. Soak new seal in warm water before replacing.

Why: It keeps your air clean, prolongs the life of the appliance and reduces energy costs.

Tools: Just a new filter.

More help: It really is simple; just check out this "How to Change a Furnace Filter for Dummies" video: http://tinyurl.com/k2agn5c

Tip: If the filter is any color but white, it's time to replace it. .

Why: Dripping plumbing wastes water and leads to stains.

Tools: Faucet repair kit, which should include any needed hardware, plus a wrench set and Philips screwdriver.

Time: 20 minutes.

Tip: Close the drain and drape a towel at the bottom of the sink to prevent hardware from going down the drain.

Why: It's important to remove old grout that's cracked or moldy to prevent deep-water damage in the wall and floor.

Tools: Screwdriver for scraping as well as grout and a sponge.

Time: 30 to 60 minutes, plus drying time.

More help: Los Angeles contractor Chris Wade demonstrates "How to Regrout a Bathtub" on a flamingo-pink tub: http://tinyurl.com/mfrhaaj

Tools: Mesh, spackle, putty knife and sandpaper.

Time: 10-plus minutes.

More help: AOL's Barbara K shows you "How to Patch or Repair a Hole in a Wall": http://tinyurl.com/cw797am