Fix it right the first time
Plain-English, step-by-step guides to common home repairs: what tools you need, what to check first, how to stay safe, and when the job is better left to a licensed pro.
Latest guides
How to Fix Low Water Pressure in a Faucet by Cleaning the Aerator
If only one faucet has weak flow, a clogged aerator is the usual suspect. Here's how to remove, clean or replace it, plus what to check if pressure stays low.
Fall Home Maintenance Checklist: 15 Tasks Before Winter
A practical fall home maintenance checklist for US homeowners: gutters, furnace filters, smoke and CO alarms, outdoor faucets, dryer vents, drafts and more.
Door Won't Latch? How to Fix Strike Plate Misalignment
Fix a door that won't latch by diagnosing strike plate alignment, tightening hinges, adjusting the strike or enlarging the opening, step by step.
How to Fix a Leaky Single-Handle Faucet (Cartridge Replacement)
Stop a dripping single-handle kitchen or bathroom faucet by replacing the cartridge, step by step, including how to find the right part.
How to Fix a Running Toilet: Flapper vs. Fill Valve
Find out whether a running toilet is caused by the flapper, chain, float or fill valve, and fix it yourself with simple step-by-step instructions.
How to Fix a Squeaky Door Hinge (Without Making a Mess)
Silence a squeaky door hinge by removing and lubricating the hinge pin, with advice on the best lubricants and how to fix a hinge that keeps squeaking.
How to Fix a Sticking Interior Door
Find exactly where a door rubs, then fix it in the right order: tighten hinge screws, use longer screws, shim a hinge, and plane or sand only as a last resort.
Garbage Disposal Humming But Not Working? How to Unjam It
A humming garbage disposal is usually jammed. Learn how to free it safely with an Allen wrench, reset the overload button and prevent future jams.
GFCI Outlet Won't Reset? Safe Troubleshooting Steps
Learn why a GFCI outlet won't reset and how to troubleshoot it safely: tripped breakers, linked outlets, moisture, faulty devices and when to call an electrician.
How to Change a Furnace Filter: Size, MERV Rating and Direction
Find your furnace filter, choose the right size and MERV rating, and install it facing the right direction, with tips on how often to change it.
How to Clean a Dryer Vent Safely (and Why It Matters)
Clean lint from your dryer, vent duct and exterior hood step by step to reduce fire risk and speed up drying, plus signs your vent is clogged.
How to Patch a Hole in Drywall (By Hole Size)
Patch nail holes, doorknob dents and larger holes in drywall with the right method for each size: spackle, mesh patches or a new drywall piece.
How to Recaulk a Bathtub: Step-by-Step for a Clean, Watertight Seal
Remove old moldy caulk and apply a smooth new silicone bead around your bathtub, with tool lists, curing times and tips for a professional finish.
How to Regrout Tile: Remove Old Grout and Apply New
Refresh cracked or stained tile grout by removing the old grout, applying new grout with a float and sealing it, step by step.
How to Unclog a Bathtub Drain Without Chemicals
Clear a slow or blocked bathtub drain with a plunger, a plastic drain snake or a hand auger, step by step, without harsh chemical drain cleaners.
How to Unclog a Kitchen Sink: Plunger, P-Trap and Snake Methods
Clear a clogged kitchen sink step by step with a plunger, by cleaning the P-trap, or with a drain snake, including double sinks and disposals.
Why Is My Water Heater Making Popping Noises? Causes and Fixes
Popping or rumbling from a tank water heater usually means sediment buildup. Learn why it happens, how to flush the tank safely and when to call a pro.
How to Winterize Outdoor Faucets and Hose Bibs
Protect outdoor faucets from freezing: disconnect hoses, shut off and drain the supply, check frost-free sillcocks and add covers, with signs of a burst pipe to watch for.