Something broke? Fix it step by step

Short animated guides for what goes wrong at home: what to do right now, what not to do and, if it is not fixed, a pro near you.

Popular:Toilet clogged or overflowing AC not cooling Breaker keeps tripping Garage door won’t close Roof leaking into the house Hole in the drywall

Guides by trade

Most common problems, step by step

DIY · 15 minToilet clogged or overflowing: what to do right nowToilet clogged or overflowing? Stop the water in 10 seconds and unclog it the right way, step by step. If it is the sewer line, find a plumber near you.
DIY with care · 20 minAC not cooling: what to check before you callAC not cooling? Check the thermostat, filter, breakers and outdoor unit safely, step by step. If it still blows warm air, find an AC technician near you.
DIY with care · 10 minBreaker keeps tripping: what it means and what to doBreaker keeps tripping? Unplug the big stuff, reset it safely once and find the culprit. If it trips with nothing on, call an electrician near you.
DIY · 10 minGarage door won’t close: check the safety sensorsGarage door won’t close and the opener light blinks? Clear, clean and line up the safety sensors in 10 minutes, and know when to call a technician.
DIY with care · 20 minRoof leaking: what to do from insideRoof leaking into the house? Catch the water, protect your things and document it for insurance, step by step. A roofer near you can tarp it today.
DIY · 40 minHow to patch a hole in drywall (check for wires and pipes first)Hole in the drywall? Patch it with a mesh patch and joint compound, check for wires and pipes before you cut, and know when to call a handyman.
DIY · 30 minBlack mold in the shower: how to clean itBlack mold in the shower? Clean it off the grout and caulk with one product at a time, keep it from coming back, and know when to call a pro.
DIY · 30 minBroken sprinkler head: how to replace itBroken sprinkler head shooting water? Turn the system off, dig it out and screw in a matching head in about 30 minutes. Know when to call a pro.
DIY with care · 20 minCar won't start, just clicks: what to checkCar won't start and just clicks? It is usually a weak battery or a loose, crusty terminal. What to check, how to get going and when to call a mechanic.
DIY · 30 minClogged sink: how to unclog it without chemicalsSink clogged and not draining? Clean the stopper, plunge it the right way and clear the P-trap, step by step. If it still backs up, find a plumber near you.
DIY with care · 15 minAC frozen: ice on the lines or the coil, what to doAC frozen, with ice on the lines or the coil? Set it to Off with the fan On, change the filter and let it thaw. If the ice comes back, call a technician.
DIY with care · 10 minOutlet not working: what to check before you callOutlet not working? Test it with a lamp, flip the wall switch, reset the GFCI and the breaker safely. Still dead or warm? Find an electrician near you.

What it costs

National price ranges from the main cost guides, each with its source and date, so you know what a fair quote looks like before you call.

Tools

Contractor license lookup
Check if a plumber, electrician, AC or roofing contractor has an active license in Texas, California or Florida.
AC size calculator: how many BTU do I need?
Room size, sun, people and kitchen, with the ENERGY STAR sizing table.
Car symptom checker: what’s wrong with my car?
Warning lights, noises, smells, smoke and puddles: what each likely means, how urgent it is and what to do.