Common home fixes

Plumbing

Brown/yellow stain on ceiling, sagging drywall, drip below bathroom

Sagging wet drywall can collapse — clear the area below

Possible cause: Failed wax ring / toilet seal above

Safe first step: Observe from a safe distance whether the stain grows after showering or flushing; stay clear of sagging drywall.

Call a pro: Plumber, within days; same day if dripping

Plumbing

No hot water or lukewarm water, water heater rumbling/popping

Gas smell = leave home and call gas utility

Possible cause: Sediment buildup in tank

Safe first step: Check the heater's label and temperature setting; arrange professional service for gas components or tank flushing if unsure.

Call a pro: Plumber; gas units only by licensed tech

Plumbing

Water pooling around water heater base

Possible cause: T&P relief valve discharging

Safe first step: Dry area and locate the source

Call a pro: Plumber, soon; tank leaks mean replacement

Plumbing

Toilet runs constantly or refills on its own

Possible cause: Worn flapper

Safe first step: Food-coloring test in tank

Call a pro: Plumber only if DIY parts fail

Plumbing

Slow drain or gurgling sink/tub

Possible cause: Hair/soap clog in trap

Safe first step: Remove and clean stopper/trap

Call a pro: Plumber if multiple fixtures are slow (main line)

Plumbing

Low water pressure

Possible cause: Clogged aerator/showerhead

Safe first step: Clean aerators

Call a pro: Plumber if whole-house

Plumbing

Sewage smell indoors

Possible cause: Dry P-trap in unused drain

Safe first step: Run water in unused drains

Call a pro: Plumber if smell persists

HVAC

AC runs but doesn't cool / warm air

Possible cause: Dirty air filter

Safe first step: Replace filter

Call a pro: HVAC tech; refrigerant and capacitors need a pro

HVAC

Water dripping near indoor unit/air handler, ceiling stain near attic unit

Possible cause: Clogged condensate drain line

Safe first step: Flush drain line with vinegar

Call a pro: HVAC tech if pan cracked

HVAC

Furnace not heating, short cycling

CO alarm or gas smell = leave and call 911/utility

Possible cause: Dirty filter

Safe first step: Replace filter

Call a pro: HVAC tech; gas components pro only

HVAC

Uneven temperatures between rooms

Possible cause: Closed/blocked vents

Safe first step: Open and clear vents

Call a pro: HVAC duct inspection

Electrical

Outlet dead, some outlets don't work

Possible cause: Tripped GFCI elsewhere on circuit

Safe first step: Reset GFCIs in kitchen/bath/garage/outdoor

Call a pro: Electrician if reset fails

Electrical

Breaker keeps tripping

Burning smell, scorching or warm outlets = stop, cut power at breaker, call electrician

Possible cause: Overloaded circuit

Safe first step: Unplug devices and reset

Call a pro: Electrician

Electrical

Flickering lights

Whole-house flicker can indicate a failing neutral

Possible cause: Loose bulb

Safe first step: With the light off and cool, check the bulb. Wiring and dimmer replacement require an electrician.

Call a pro: Electrician urgently if whole-house

Roof

Ceiling stain on top floor after rain, attic drip

Possible cause: Failed pipe boot/flashing

Safe first step: Inspect attic with flashlight during rain

Call a pro: Roofer; avoid walking the roof

Moisture

Mold or musty smell, black spots on walls/ceiling

Large mold growth — avoid disturbing it

Possible cause: High humidity / poor ventilation

Safe first step: Run bath fans 20 min after showers

Call a pro: Remediation pro if >10 sq ft

Moisture

Condensation on windows

Possible cause: High indoor humidity

Safe first step: Use exhaust fans

Call a pro: Window installer for failed seals

Structure

Cracks in drywall or foundation, sticking doors

Rapidly widening cracks — get an engineer promptly

Possible cause: Normal settling (hairline)

Safe first step: Mark crack ends and date to monitor

Call a pro: Structural engineer if >1/4 in, widening, or stair-step in masonry

Appliances

Dishwasher not draining

Possible cause: Clogged filter

Safe first step: Clean filter

Call a pro: Appliance repair

Appliances

Refrigerator not cooling, water under fridge

Possible cause: Dirty condenser coils

Safe first step: Vacuum coils

Call a pro: Appliance repair

Appliances

Dryer takes too long

Clogged dryer vents are a fire risk

Possible cause: Clogged lint trap or vent duct

Safe first step: Clean lint trap and full vent run

Call a pro: Dryer vent cleaning service

Exterior

Water in basement/garage, pooling by foundation

Possible cause: Downspouts discharging near foundation

Safe first step: Extend downspouts 4–6 ft

Call a pro: Drainage contractor

Pests

Droppings, gnaw marks, scratching in walls/attic

Possible cause: Rodents entering via gaps

Safe first step: Seal gaps >1/4 in

Call a pro: Licensed pest control; termites need inspection

Safety

Gas / rotten egg smell

EMERGENCY

Possible cause: Gas leak

Safe first step: Leave immediately, no switches or flames

Call a pro: Gas utility / 911 from outside

Safety

CO alarm sounding, headaches/nausea at home

EMERGENCY

Possible cause: Combustion appliance venting failure

Safe first step: Get everyone outside to fresh air

Call a pro: 911 / fire department