Work Out What Is Wrong Before You Pick Up a Tool
Practical guides for diagnosing everyday household and device problems, fixing the simple ones yourself and knowing when to call a pro.
Start here
A dripping tap, a door that will not latch, a laptop that suddenly runs hot. Most household and gadget problems have a short list of likely causes, and many can be sorted in an afternoon with basic tools. FixMy.info helps you narrow down the cause first, then decide whether it is a job for you or for a professional.
What we cover
Around the house
Drips, squeaks, sticking doors, tripped switches, slow drains and tired sealant.
Gadgets and devices
Phones that will not charge, slow laptops, frozen screens and dead remotes.
When to stop
Clear signs that a job needs a qualified tradesperson or repair shop.
The three-question habit
- What changed? Problems often follow a move, a storm, an update or a knock.
- What is the simplest cause? Power, batteries, a loose connection, a blocked filter.
- Is it safe for me to touch? If gas, mains wiring or water near electrics is involved, the answer is no.
Popular questions
- Can I fix a dripping tap myself?
- Why is my phone not charging properly?
- When should I call a professional instead of fixing it myself?
Build your kit
Read the basic home repair toolkit to see the handful of tools that cover most small jobs.
DIY fix-it guides for the home and the gadgets in it