Guide archive

Every Fixly Guide article

Browse 2,875 homeowner guides by category — repair steps, realistic costs, and honest advice on when a job is worth calling a pro.

Hands installing a new silver deadbolt lock on a brown wooden door with a screwdriver.
Troubleshooting
interior-fixes

How to Replace a Deadbolt Lock: A DIY Guide

Learn how to replace a deadbolt lock yourself with this easy-to-follow guide, improving your home security in under an hour.

11 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Homeowner inspecting a damaged extension cord with a tripped circuit breaker
Troubleshooting
electrical

Extension Cord Keeps Tripping Breaker? Easy Fixes for Homeowners

An extension cord tripping a breaker usually indicates an overloaded circuit or a faulty cord/appliance, a problem often solvable with simple troubleshooting steps.

6 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
A homeowner pruning an overgrown shrub in their garden, showing the process of rejuvenation.
Troubleshooting
yardwork

How to Prune Overgrown Shrubs for Health

Learn how to properly prune your overgrown shrubs to encourage healthy growth, improve their shape, and increase flowering without damaging them.

9 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Open stainless steel French-door refrigerator with fresh produce inside, homeowner inspecting the back of the appliance with a flashlight
Troubleshooting
appliances

Refrigerator Not Cooling but Freezer Works: 6 DIY Fixes

When the freezer is fine but the fridge is warm, the cause is almost always airflow — not refrigerant. Here are the 6 fixes, ordered from free to $50.

11 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Close-up of a chrome single-handle kitchen faucet with a single droplet of water hanging from the spout
Guide
plumbing

How to Fix a Leaky Faucet (Single-Handle and Two-Handle)

A dripping faucet wastes 3,000+ gallons a year. Whether you have a single-handle cartridge or an old two-handle compression faucet, here's the exact repair — usually under $15 in parts.

12 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Modern residential gas furnace in a clean basement utility room being inspected by a homeowner with a flashlight
Troubleshooting
hvac

Furnace Blowing Cold Air? Diagnose It in 10 Minutes

A furnace that runs but blows cold air is almost always one of 6 things — and 5 of them you can fix yourself before the house drops below 60°.

12 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Kitchen sink with baking soda and vinegar on the counter, morning light through a window
Guide
plumbing

How to Unclog a Drain Without Harsh Chemicals (5 Pro Methods)

Drain cleaners eat your pipes, your skin, and the environment. These 5 chemical-free methods clear 95% of household clogs faster — and cost less than a bottle of Drano.

11 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Homeowner adjusting a smart thermostat in a sunlit living room with an AC unit visible outside
Troubleshooting
hvac

AC Not Cooling? 12 Things to Check Before Calling HVAC

Before you spend $150 on a service call, run through these 12 quick checks. Most no-cool AC problems are solved in under 15 minutes with no tools and no parts.

13 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Modern white toilet with the tank lid open showing the flush mechanism inside
Troubleshooting
plumbing

Why Is My Toilet Running? 7 Quick Fixes Before Calling a Plumber

A constantly running toilet wastes up to 200 gallons of water a day. Here are the 7 most common causes and how to fix each one yourself in under 30 minutes.

11 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Close-up of a hand pressing the red reset button on a white GFCI electrical outlet
Troubleshooting
electrical

How to Reset a GFCI Outlet (and What to Do When It Won't Reset)

GFCI outlets trip to protect you from shock. Here's how to reset one in 10 seconds — plus the 6 reasons yours won't reset and what to do about each.

10 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Homeowner tightening a screw on a ceiling fan blade to fix wobble
Troubleshooting
electrical

How to Fix a Wobbly Ceiling Fan: A DIY Guide

A wobbly ceiling fan can be annoying and, in some cases, unsafe. Learn how to diagnose and fix the most common causes of ceiling fan wobble with this easy-to-follow guide.

10 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Homeowner tightening a screw on a ceiling fan blade to fix wobble
Troubleshooting
electrical

How to Fix a Wobbly Ceiling Fan: A Step-by-Step Guide

A wobbly ceiling fan is not only annoying but can be a safety hazard; this guide helps you diagnose and fix common causes.

11 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Homeowner checking a dirty air filter in a return air vent
Troubleshooting
hvac

Why Your House is Humid Despite AC & How to Fix It

Even with your AC running, high indoor humidity can make your home uncomfortable. Often, common issues like oversized units or clogged filters are to blame.

11 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Homeowner checking circuit breaker for a non-working range hood fan
Call a Pro
electrical

Range Hood Fan Not Working? Easy Fixes for Common Issues

Fix a non-functional range hood fan by checking power, cleaning components, and inspecting basic electrical connections to restore ventilation in your kitchen.

10 min fixCall a Pro
Read Guide
Close-up of a toilet tank interior and bowl rim jets, illustrating common clog points
Troubleshooting
plumbing

Toilet Keeps Clogging? Common Causes & Easy Fixes for Homeowners

A toilet that clogs frequently can be a frustrating and unsanitary problem, often indicating an underlying issue from flushing habits to plumbing vents.

11 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Homeowner inspecting vinyl siding for hail damage on a sunny day
DIY Guide
roofing

Hail Damaged Siding: A Homeowner's DIY Repair Guide

Address hail-damaged siding promptly to prevent further issues like water intrusion and reduced curb appeal with this DIY repair guide.

10 min fixIntermediate
Read Guide
Homeowner inspecting a pop-up sprinkler head in a green lawn
DIY Guide
yardwork

Fix Your Sprinkler System: Troubleshooting Common Issues

Troubleshoot and fix common sprinkler system problems like no water, low pressure, or zones not activating with these DIY steps.

11 min fixIntermediate
Read Guide
Hand testing a dryer thermal fuse with a multimeter, showing continuity test.
Maintenance
hvac

Dryer Not Heating: Fix a Tripped Thermal Fuse Fast

Is your electric dryer running but not heating? This guide walks you through safely diagnosing and replacing a tripped thermal fuse, a common culprit for no heat.

11 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Homeowner applying fresh sealant to a wooden deck with a roller for protection.
Troubleshooting
roofing

How to Reseal a Wood Deck: A Step-by-Step Fix

Resealing your wood deck protects it from weather and extends its life. This guide covers how to properly prepare and apply new sealant for lasting durability and beauty.

10 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Hands in gloves scrubbing dirty grill grates with a wire brush during grill cleaning and maintenance.
Troubleshooting
general

How to Clean and Maintain Your Outdoor Grill: A Complete Guide

Regular cleaning and maintenance of your outdoor grill is essential for safe operation, optimal performance, and extending its lifespan.

11 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
How to Unclog a Shower Drain Without Chemicals: A Homeowner's Guide
Troubleshooting
plumbing

How to Unclog a Shower Drain Without Chemicals: A Homeowner's Guide

Learn how to clear a clogged shower drain using simple tools and methods, avoiding harsh chemicals that can damage pipes.

11 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Homeowner cleaning a dishwasher drain filter to fix a draining issue.
Troubleshooting
plumbing

Dishwasher Not Draining? Easy Fixes for a Clogged Drain

A dishwasher that won't drain at the end of a cycle is a common problem, often caused by simple clogs or blockages that homeowners can fix themselves.

9 min fixBeginner
Read Guide
Homeowner pointing to a tripped circuit breaker in an electrical panel
DIY Guide
electrical

Why Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping: A DIY Guide

A tripping circuit breaker is a common household problem, often indicating an overloaded circuit or a short circuit. This guide helps you diagnose and fix the issue safely.

11 min fixIntermediate
Read Guide
Homeowner checking dirty AC air filter in furnace
DIY Guide
hvac

AC Blowing Warm Air? Easy Fixes for Common AC Problems

Discover the most common reasons your AC is blowing warm air and learn simple, actionable steps to troubleshoot and fix the issue yourself, saving you time and money.

11 min fixIntermediate
Read Guide