Home fixes that don't need a toolbox
None of these needs a screwdriver or wrench. A flashlight, a towel and something from the kitchen or the hardware aisle usually covers it, which makes them a good place to start if you don't own many tools yet.
These are the jobs to start with if you don't own many tools yet, or you're somewhere without them, like a rental or a vacation house. Most are checks and resets: a tripped GFCI, a clogged filter, a thermostat with dead batteries, a sump pump float that's stuck.
They're also the first things a technician checks, which is why they're worth doing before you book a visit. If one of these doesn't solve it, the guide will tell you what to check next and when a pro makes sense.
Guides in this list
AC not cooling? Check these first
Burning smell when the heat comes on
Change your HVAC air filter
Circuit breaker keeps tripping
Clean dirty grout without harsh chemicals
Clean your AC condenser coils
Condensation on the inside of windows
Dishwasher not cleaning dishes
Dishwasher not drying dishes
Electric stove burner not working
Find your main water shutoff
Fix a running toilet
Fix low shower water pressure
Furnace won't turn on
Garbage disposal smells
Gas stove burner won't light
Get rid of a musty basement smell
Get rid of a smelly washing machine
Heat pump blowing cold air
How to find a wall stud (with or without a stud finder)
Ice maker not making ice
Ice on the AC lines or coil
Microwave not heating
One room too hot or too cold
Outdoor outlet not working
Refrigerator not cooling
Reset a tripped outlet or breaker
Sewer smell in the house
Sump pump not turning on
Touch up wall paint so it doesn't show
Washing machine won't spin
Water leaking from the AC: clear a clogged condensate drain
Hardwood floor cupping
How to prevent ice dams
No hot water? Start here
Thaw a frozen pipe safely
No toolbox needed questions
Can I really fix things without tools?
Many problems are resets, cleanings or settings: a tripped GFCI, a clogged filter, a thermostat battery, a stuck sump pump float. Those need hands and a flashlight, not a toolbox.
What if the guide turns out to need a tool?
Each guide lists what you need up front. If it's something you don't own, the guide usually says whether it's worth buying or when to call someone instead.
What are the first tools worth buying?
A screwdriver with interchangeable bits, an adjustable wrench, pliers and a tape measure. Our toolkit page covers the basics.