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How can I fix a leaky outdoor faucet? Answers to your home questions

Lou Manfredini stopped by TODAY Thursday to share the best ways to fix those pesky household problems— leaky faucets, torn screens and more.
/ Source: TODAY

It's those pesky household problems that never get fixed— a leaky faucet, torn screen or the paint that's been chipping for the past six months. But it doesn't have to take an entire afternoon of struggling to accomplish those projects you've been desperately trying to tackle.

Lou Manfredini stopped by TODAY Thursday to share tips on how to fix those troublesome household problems in a few easy steps.

Fix a leaking outdoor faucet

Lou Manfredini segment
Lou Manfredini segment on TODAY's Kathy Lee and Hoda show on July 23, 2015.TODAY

No need to replace the whole spigot! Surprisingly, you only need to replace the little rubber washer to fix that leak. Make sure to turn the water off in your house before attempting any repairs. Remove the long shaft within the faucet and you'll see the rubber washer.

Lou Manfredini segment on TODAY's Kathy Lee and Hoda show on July 23, 2015.
Lou Manfredini segment on TODAY's Kathy Lee and Hoda show on July 23, 2015.TODAY

Using a wrench, loosen the nut and handle. Go to the hardware store with the existing rubber washer and ask for a new one (roughly 40 cents).

Put on the new washer and you're good to go!

MORE: Lou Manfredini shares 3 tips to help you nail your next home improvement project

Repair the screen door

Lou Manfredini segment
Lou Manfredini segment on TODAY's Kathy Lee and Hoda show on July 23, 2015.TODAY

This is just like replacing the screen on a small window in your home. First, remove spline from edges of screen and pop it out. Lou recommends replacing split screens using a pet screen as it's super heavy duty and just 20 cents more. The only downside is that it does obscure your view a little bit.

Make sure you don't stretch the screen too tightly as it might cause the material to look distorted.

Painting vinyl French doors or window frames

Lou Manfredini segment on TODAY's Kathy Lee and Hoda show on July 23, 2015.
Lou Manfredini segment on TODAY's Kathy Lee and Hoda show on July 23, 2015.TODAY

You can paint anything, Lou says, it's just about how long you want it to last!

To paint wood around a first, wash the window first around its exterior and start with a stain-killing primer.

Paint the window or door with a product that is both paint and primer in one. It might look streaky at first, but after two coats it will look great!

The surface should be repainted again within the next few years.