Homeowner's Guide

How-to fixes · Last checked: October 21, 2026

If you find a problem: how-to fixes

All months & seasons

Each fix lists simple steps, when to stop and call a pro, and a short video. The numbers (F1, F2...) match the printable calendar. Videos are from manufacturers, retailers and home-improvement channels; we check every link each month. Always follow your own equipment's manual first.

F1 HVAC filter looks dirty

  1. Turn the system off at the thermostat.
  2. Slide out the old filter and write down the size printed on its edge (put it in your Consumables log).
  3. Put in the new filter with the airflow arrow pointing toward the furnace or air handler.
  4. Check monthly; change at least every 3 months, more often in heavy-use months.

Call a pro: System still blows weak or dusty air with a clean filter, or you can't find the filter slot.

Watch how:

Sources: [1] [2]

F2 Smoke alarm fails the test or chirps

  1. Battery alarm with a 9-volt or AA battery: put in a new battery and test again.
  2. Hardwired alarm: it usually has a backup battery. Replace that battery once a year, and when it chirps.
  3. Sealed 10-year alarm: the battery can't be changed. Replace the whole alarm.
  4. Look at the date on the back of each alarm. Replace any alarm 10 years from its manufacture date, even if it still beeps.

Call a pro: Only a qualified electrician should install hardwired alarms. Some fire departments install battery alarms for free.

Watch how:

Sources: [3]

F3 GFCI outlet won't trip or reset

  1. Press TEST: the power to that outlet (and any outlets it protects) should go off.
  2. Press RESET to bring power back.
  3. If TEST doesn't cut the power, or RESET won't stay in, stop using that outlet.

Call a pro: Call a qualified electrician to correct the wiring or replace the defective GFCI.

Watch how:

Sources: [8]

F4 Dryer takes longer, or the vent flap doesn't open

  1. Clean the lint filter after every load. Now and then, scrub it with a nylon brush and hot, soapy water.
  2. Clean behind the dryer, where lint collects.
  3. Outside, run the dryer and make sure you can feel air coming out and the flap opens.
  4. The vent pipe should be rigid or semi-rigid metal, never plastic, and as short and straight as possible.
  5. If drying times have gone up, clean the whole vent run.

Call a pro: Have a qualified technician clean the dryer's interior and vent system once a year.

Watch how:

Sources: [11] [6]

F5 You find a drip or water where it shouldn't be

  1. Wipe the spot dry, then watch where new water comes from.
  2. If a supply line or fitting is leaking, close the small shutoff valve under the sink or toilet (or the main shutoff) until it's fixed.
  3. Put a battery leak alarm on the floor near the washer, dishwasher, fridge, water heater, sinks and toilets.
  4. A water bill much higher than last year's can mean a hidden leak.

Call a pro: Call a plumber for leaks inside walls, at the water heater, or anything you can't stop with a shutoff valve.

Watch how:

Sources: [15] [16]

F6 A pipe froze (only a trickle comes out)

  1. Keep the faucet open; running water helps melt the ice.
  2. Warm the pipe with a heating pad, hair dryer, space heater kept away from anything that burns, or towels soaked in hot water.
  3. Never use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove or other open flame.
  4. Check the other faucets. If one pipe froze, others may too.
  5. Before next cold snap: insulate pipes in the garage, attic, crawl space and under cabinets on outside walls.

Call a pro: Call a licensed plumber if you can't find or reach the frozen spot, can't thaw it, or a pipe has burst.

Watch how:

Sources: [12]

F7 Getting outdoor faucets ready for freezing weather

  1. Disconnect, drain and store hoses.
  2. Close the inside valve that supplies the outdoor faucet.
  3. Open the outdoor faucet to drain it and leave it open so leftover water can expand.
  4. Add an insulated faucet cover if you like.

Call a pro: Call a plumber if the outdoor faucet leaks or drips with the inside valve closed.

Watch how:

Sources: [12]

F8 Sump pump test fails

  1. Make sure it's plugged into a working GFCI outlet. Reset the GFCI if it tripped.
  2. Make sure the pump is standing upright; a tipped pump can jam the float.
  3. Clear stones and debris from the inlet screen and away from the float.
  4. Pour a bucket of water into the pit again. The pump should start on its own and drain the water quickly.
  5. Outside, check that the discharge pipe carries water at least 3 feet from the foundation.

Call a pro: If the pump still doesn't start, have it serviced or replaced (WAYNE manual).

Watch how:

Sources: [24]

F9 Gutters overflow or water pools by the house

  1. Scoop out leaves and debris and flush with a hose (only from a safe ladder setup).
  2. Make sure every downspout is attached and clear.
  3. Each downspout should end at least 5 feet from the foundation, using an extension or splash block that points away from the house.
  4. Splash blocks: the open end faces away from the house.

Call a pro: Hire a gutter pro for two-story roofs or any work you can't do from a stable ladder.

Watch how:

Sources: [23]

F10 Caulk is cracked, peeling or moldy

  1. Cut and scrape out the old caulk.
  2. Clean the joint and let it dry completely.
  3. Run a steady new bead and smooth it.
  4. Caulk is for cracks between parts that don't move (tub edges, window and door frames, where pipes and wires enter). Moving parts get weatherstripping.
  5. Bigger gaps around frames: foam backer rod plus caulk, or low-expansion spray foam.

Call a pro: Water stains, soft drywall or soft floor around the tub mean water got behind it. Call a pro.

Watch how:

Sources: [25]

F11 Drafts or daylight around a door or window

  1. Find the draft: visible daylight or a loose-fitting door is a common sign.
  2. Fix the door first: tighten loose hinges, knobs and strike plates.
  3. Measure each side and the top; buy matching weatherstripping.
  4. Remove the old strip, fit the new one snugly, and fasten it with the short screws provided.
  5. Gap under the door: add or replace the door sweep or threshold. Then check the door still closes smoothly.
  6. Replace any weatherstripping that is cracked or flat.

Call a pro: A door that won't latch, a warped door, or a rotted frame needs a carpenter.

Watch how:

Sources: [26] [25]

F12 Deck: popped nails, loose rails or soft wood

  1. Popped nails: drive a 3-inch deck screw near the old nail hole into the joist below. Pre-drill so the head sits flush. Don't use drywall screws (they're brittle).
  2. Loose fasteners: tighten them. Replace any that are rusted or corroded.
  3. Wobbly railing: tighten its bolts and screws. Railings should be secure, especially on higher decks.
  4. Soft wood: poke it with a screwdriver or ice pick. If it goes in 1/4 to 1/2 inch easily, or the wood is soft and spongy, it may be decaying. Replace soft deck boards.
  5. The deck and stairs shouldn't sag, sway or move.

Call a pro: Soft or split posts, joists or the ledger board (where the deck meets the house), sagging, or swaying: have a deck builder or home inspector check it.

Watch how:

Sources: [35] [34]

F13 AC condensate drain is clogged

  1. Turn off the AC first (water plus electricity is dangerous).
  2. Find the drain line (a small PVC or metal pipe) and the drain pan under the indoor coil.
  3. Pull out a clog you can reach without pushing it farther in, or loosen it with a wire brush.
  4. Or use a wet/dry vac on the end of the drain line to suck out the clog.
  5. Flush with diluted vinegar or a cleaner approved for PVC; let it sit 30 minutes or longer, then flush with water.
  6. Empty and dry the drain pan; look for rust.

Call a pro: Call an HVAC technician if it's still clogged, keeps clogging, the pan overflows, there's water damage, or you see ice on the coil or lines.

Watch how:

Sources: [27] [2]

F14 Outdoor AC unit is dirty or crowded

  1. Turn off power at the breaker or the outdoor disconnect.
  2. Clear leaves and grass from around the unit.
  3. Remove loose dirt with a soft brush or a vacuum brush. Don't bend the thin aluminum fins.
  4. Rinse the coil gently with a garden hose, top down. Never use a pressure washer, and don't spray the electrical parts.

Call a pro: Inside coil cleaning, refrigerant, or a unit that runs but doesn't cool: call an HVAC technician.

Watch how:

Sources: [28]

F15 Cleaning refrigerator coils

  1. Check your manual first: some models don't need coil cleaning; others should only be cleaned by a technician.
  2. Unplug the refrigerator or switch off its breaker.
  3. Remove the grille. Vacuum the grille and the coils with a soft brush attachment or a coil brush.
  4. Homes with pets or lots of dust: check every 3 to 6 months.

Call a pro: Fridge still runs warm or nonstop after cleaning: call an appliance technician.

Watch how:

Sources: [29]

F16 Screens, window tracks and weep holes

  1. Take the screen out. Wash it with mild soap, water and a soft brush; rinse and dry.
  2. Vacuum dirt out of window and sliding-door tracks.
  3. Outside, find the weep holes (small slots on the bottom of the frame) and clear any dirt so water can drain.
  4. Torn screen: patch it or replace the screen mesh.

Call a pro: Water inside on the sill after rain, or a window that won't open or lock: call the window maker or installer.

Watch how:

Sources: [33]

F17 Keeping furnace, stove, dryer and fireplace vents clear

  1. Furnace and water heater: outside, clear snow, leaves and debris from the vent and air-intake pipes.
  2. Stove: clean the range hood's metal grease filters about every 6 months (soak in hot water and detergent; no ammonia; dry fully).
  3. Dryer: see fix F4. Make sure air comes out and the flap opens.
  4. Fireplace and wood stove: have the chimney inspected once a year and swept as needed.

Call a pro: If a CO alarm sounds, get everyone outside and call 911. Chimneys, furnaces and gas appliances get a yearly professional check.

Watch how:

Sources: [5] [32] [36] [4]

F18 Draining the sprinkler system for winter

  1. Find the brand and model on the controller (timer) or valve box and look up that maker's winterizing guide.
  2. Find the system's main shutoff valve and the backflow preventer.
  3. Manual drain valves: wear eye protection. Shut off the main valve, open one zone to relieve pressure, then SLOWLY open each manual drain valve.
  4. Automatic drain valves drain the system each time it shuts off. Check for puddles that mean a drain is stuck open.
  5. Blow-out (compressed air): needs a large compressor and safety gear, and too much pressure can hurt you or break the system.
  6. Then shut off the water source and insulate the valve boxes and backflow preventer.

Call a pro: Not sure, or no big compressor? Hire an irrigation pro, especially for a blow-out.

Watch how:

Sources: [37]

F19 Holiday lights: before you plug them in

  1. Check every string, new or old, for frayed or bare wires, broken or cracked sockets, and loose connections. Throw out damaged sets.
  2. Outdoors, use only lights and extension cords marked for outdoor use.
  3. Plug outdoor lights into a GFCI-protected outlet or a portable outdoor GFCI.
  4. Follow the box for how many strings you can connect, and don't overload outlets.
  5. Keep cords out of snow and standing water, and out of doors and windows where they get pinched.
  6. Turn decorations off at bedtime or when you leave. A timer makes it automatic.

Call a pro: An outlet or cord that's warm, buzzing or scorched: unplug it and call an electrician.

Watch how:

Sources: [7] [9] [10]

F20 Updating your home inventory

  1. Why: a list of what you own makes an insurance claim easier and faster.
  2. Go room by room. Write down and photograph or video everything, including valuables like electronics, jewelry, antiques and collectibles.
  3. For bigger items record brand, model, serial number, what you paid and when you bought it.
  4. Keep receipts for new items and repairs with the inventory.
  5. Store a copy away from home (a relative, a safe deposit box, or online). Update it once a year and when you buy something new.

Call a pro: Ask your insurance agent if any valuables need extra coverage.

Watch how:

Sources: [20]

F21 Mower and small-engine tune-up and storage

  1. Spring tune-up: change the air filter, change the oil (at least once a season or every 25 hours), and put in a new spark plug each season.
  2. Sharpen or replace the mower blade (disconnect the spark plug wire first).
  3. Gas goes stale in as little as 30 days: add fuel stabilizer when you fill the gas can.
  4. Fall storage: fill the tank with fuel treated with an alcohol-free stabilizer and run the engine a few minutes. If you don't use stabilizer, empty the tank and run the engine until it stops.
  5. Riding mowers: take out the battery, clean the terminals and store it somewhere cool and dry.
  6. Chainsaws, trimmers and blowers: follow the maker's manual for chain sharpening, bar oil and trimmer line.

Call a pro: Won't start after a tune-up, smokes, or leaks fuel: take it to a service dealer.

Watch how:

Sources: [38] [39]

F22 Damp spots, condensation or a musty smell

  1. Find and fix the water source: plumbing leaks, roof leaks, poor drainage.
  2. Dry wet materials quickly. Keep indoor humidity below 60% (30-50% is ideal); a humidity meter helps.
  3. Mold on a hard surface: scrub with detergent and water and dry completely.
  4. A moldy area under about 10 square feet (roughly 3 ft by 3 ft) you can usually clean yourself.

Call a pro: Bigger than 10 square feet, a lot of water damage, or mold in the HVAC system: follow EPA's guide and consider a professional.

Sources: [13]

Sources (fetched and checked October 21, 2026)

  1. ENERGY STAR, Heat & Cool Efficiently
  2. ENERGY STAR, Maintenance Checklist
  3. U.S. Fire Administration, Smoke Alarms
  4. U.S. Fire Administration, Heating Fire Safety
  5. U.S. Fire Administration, Carbon Monoxide Safety flyer (PDF)
  6. U.S. Fire Administration, Clothes Dryer Fire Safety flyer (PDF)
  7. U.S. Fire Administration, Holiday Fire Safety
  8. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, GFCI Fact Sheet (PDF)
  9. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Holiday decorating safety tips (2019 release)
  10. Electrical Safety Foundation International, Outdoor Decoration Safety Tips
  11. Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, Clothes Dryer Care
  12. American Red Cross, Preventing & Thawing Frozen Pipes
  13. U.S. EPA, A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home
  14. U.S. EPA WaterSense, Home Maintenance (leaks)
  15. Travelers Insurance, How Water Sensors Can Help Prevent Damage
  16. National Association of Insurance Commissioners, What You Need to Know When Filing a Homeowners Claim
  17. U.S. Dept. of Energy, Building Science Education: Stormwater Gutters and Downspouts
  18. WAYNE Water Systems, Submersible Sump Pump owner's manual (PDF)
  19. U.S. Dept. of Energy, Insulation and Air-Sealing Essentials
  20. U.S. Dept. of Energy, Weatherization Job Aids: Install Weatherstripping on an Exterior Door (PDF)
  21. Lennox, AC Drain Line Clogged? Here's What to Do
  22. Bryant, How to Clean AC Coils
  23. Whirlpool Product Help, How and When to Safely Clean the Condenser Coils
  24. GE Appliances, Vent Hood: Cleaning Metal Grease Filters
  25. Milgard, Window & Door Care Tips
  26. This Old House, How To Fix Popped Nails in Decks
  27. North American Deck and Railing Association, Check Your Deck consumer checklist (PDF)
  28. Chimney Safety Institute of America, Homeowner Resources
  29. Rain Bird, Tips for Winterizing Your Sprinkler System
  30. Briggs & Stratton, How To Tune Up Your Lawn Mower
  31. Briggs & Stratton, Storing Your Mower & Outdoor Power Equipment

Get the free Home Maintenance Calendar (PDF)

A printable 26-page calendar: one page per month with what to check and what to do if you find a problem, plus an Appliance Record, a consumables and replacement parts log, an outdoor power equipment page, a home inventory and a flood/insurance-claim prep sheet. Sign up and you'll get the download link right away, plus a short, practical email no more than a few times a month. Unsubscribe any time.


We store only your email address and the time you signed up. No tracking, never sold. See the privacy note.