7 Things to Check Before Calling a Handyman

Not everything needs a professional. Before you call, run through this checklist - you might solve it in minutes.

1. Something's Not Working - Is It Switched On?

Sounds obvious, but check:

Electrical:

• Plug properly in socket?
• Socket switched on?
• Switched at the wall?
• Has something tripped the fuse box?

Appliances:

• Isolation switch on? (ovens have these)
• Timer set correctly? (boilers, heating)
• Child lock engaged?

I've attended callouts where: The extractor fan "wasn't working" - it was switched off at the isolation cord.

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2. Toilet Won't Flush Properly - What's in the Cistern?

Before calling about a "broken toilet":

Lift the cistern lid and check:

• Is there water in the tank?
• Is the flush mechanism connecting to the handle?
• Is anything caught/blocking the mechanism?
• Is the float stuck?

Quick fixes:

• Adjust float if too low (not filling)
• Unhook and rehook the flush lever
• Remove debris if something's fallen in

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3. No Hot Water - Have You Checked the Obvious?

Before assuming boiler problem:

Check:

• Is the boiler switched on?
• Is there pressure? (gauge should read 1-1.5 bar)
• Is the timer set correctly?
• Has the pilot light gone out? (older boilers)
• Is the hot water tap actually turned to hot?

Easy fixes:

• Repressurise the boiler (use the filling loop)
• Reset the timer
• Relight pilot (follow boiler instructions)

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4. Door Sticking - Is It the Hinges?

Before assuming the door needs planing:

Check:

• Are the hinge screws tight?
• Is the top hinge pulling away?
• Is something blocking the frame (swollen carpet, debris)?

Quick fix:

• Tighten all hinge screws
• If they spin, fill holes with matchsticks + glue, redrive

This fixes 50% of sticking doors in 5 minutes.

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5. Dripping Tap - When Did It Start?

Before replacing parts:

Check:

• Is it actually dripping or just condensation?
• Is a handle loose? (tighten the grub screw)
• Has something changed recently? (water pressure, kids?)

Easy fixes:

• Tighten the tap head (may have loosened)
• Clean any debris from the aerator (end of spout)

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6. Light Not Working - Is It the Bulb?

Before assuming electrical fault:

Check:

• Has the bulb blown? (replace and try)
• Is the light switch on?
• Has the circuit tripped?
• Is it an LED dimmer compatibility issue?

Common issue: LED bulbs in circuits with old dimmers flicker or don't work. Try a non-dimmable bulb first.

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7. Radiator Cold - Have You Bled It?

Before calling about heating:

Check:

• Is the TRV (thermostatic valve) turned up?
• Is the radiator cold at the top? (needs bleeding)
• Is the lockshield valve open? (the one without numbers)

Quick fix:

• Bleed the radiator (takes 30 seconds with a radiator key)
• Unstick a seized TRV pin (remove head, work pin up and down)

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When You SHOULD Call

After checking the obvious, call if:

• It's gas-related - Never DIY gas
• It's electrical beyond basics - Safety first
• You've tried the obvious and nothing works
• You don't feel confident - Valid reason
• Time is valuable - Your weekend might be worth more than the callout

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The Information That Helps

When you do call, it helps to know:

• What exactly is happening (or not happening)
• When it started
• What you've already tried
• Any recent changes (work done, new items, etc.)

This helps diagnose faster and quote accurately.

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I Don't Mind Either Way

If you call me and it's simple: I'll tell you over the phone how to fix it. No charge for that conversation.

If you check everything and still need help: You'll know the problem is genuine, and I'll arrive with relevant tools.

Either way: You've learned something, and you haven't wasted money on something you could have fixed yourself.

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Checked everything and still stuck? That's what I'm here for. Call 01392 964094 or get a quote.