Fix-It Guides: Diagnose, Repair or Call for Help

Find the symptom closest to yours, work through the checks in order, and stop at the first one that solves it. If you reach the end without a fix, that is your cue to get help.

Plumbing

Dripping tap

Usually a worn washer or cartridge. Isolate the water first. Full steps: fixing a dripping tap.

Slow drain

Clear the visible trap or plughole of hair and debris, then try a plunger. Avoid mixing chemical cleaners. Repeated blockages in several drains point to a problem further down the pipe.

Doors, walls and fittings

Sticking or squeaking door

Tighten hinge screws first. A squeak often needs only a little lubricant on the hinge pin. Swelling in damp weather may settle on its own.

Tripped switch keeps tripping

Unplug everything on that circuit, reset, then plug items back one at a time to find the culprit. If it trips with nothing plugged in, call an electrician.

Devices

Phone will not charge

Try another cable and charger, then gently clean lint from the port. More in why your phone is not charging.

Slow or hot laptop

Restart, close heavy apps, install updates and make sure the vents are not blocked. A laptop that shuts itself down from heat needs its fans cleaned or checked.

Know your limits

Read when to call a professional before starting anything involving gas, fixed wiring, structural work or swollen batteries.