A well-maintained home is much more enjoyable and less stressful to live in. Take your home environment into your own hands by learning some easy and essential DIY skills.

Some home maintenance tasks should be left up to the professionals, but there are many small jobs that almost anyone can learn to do on their own. A bit of DIY can save homeowners a lot of money over the long term, and basic maintenance skills are beneficial for renters to have as well. Let’s take a look at five jobs everyone should be able to do.

1. Cleaning gutters

It’s not the most pleasant job but, if you live in a house, then gutter cleaning should be on your to-do list in the spring and the fall. Gutters direct rainwater and melting snow away from your home. If they are clogged, it can lead to roof leaks and basement flooding. To clean your gutters, simply find a strong and stable ladder and clear out the leaves and other debris using a trowel and a hose. Alternatively, you can find special attachments for your wet-dry vac or leaf blower that can also get the job done.

2. Small drywall repair

From nail holes to furniture scrapes and dents, walls sustain damage over time. You can easily fix small holes and dings with some spackle, a spackle knife, sandpaper, and touch-up paint. First, fill the damaged area with a bit of spackle and use the spackle knife to press it down. Let the spackle dry, sand the area until smooth, and paint over it for a flawless finish.

3. Resealing caulking

The caulking around fixtures like sinks, showers, and bathtubs loses its effectiveness over time, allowing water to seep through. Old caulking should be removed with a utility knife or other sharp tool before a new layer is applied. Start by taping off the area you want to seal so the caulk goes only where you want it. Use a caulking gun for the application and finish it off by using a finishing tool or simply the end of your gloved finger to smooth out the caulk bead.

4. Finding a stud

Studs–the vertical framing beams that support your home’s walls–are important to locate when mounting televisions, hanging decorations, or anchoring furniture. Studs are typically located on either side of windows and beside electrical outlets, then set 16 to 24 inches apart. You can confirm their presence by knocking on the wall and listening for a solid rather than a hollow tone. Alternatively, using a stud finder is always a quick and simple option.

5. Unclogging a drain

When your drains start moving slowly, try using a mixture of hot water, baking soda, and vinegar to dissolve grease or bath products. For clogged sink, shower, and bathtub drains, you can use a cup plunger in much the same way as you would unclog a toilet. Another important tool to have is a drain snake, which is fed into the pipes in order to mechanically remove blockages. Note that for large and stubborn clogs, it is best to call a professional.

Learning how to take care of your home can boost your confidence and encourage peace of mind. Create and maintain a nice home for you and your family with these simple skills.