Fix-it guides

Safe, no-tool fixes for the problems residents report most. Property managers: share these with your residents, or let FixRoute walk them through it automatically.

Garbage disposal hums but won't spin
A humming garbage disposal is usually jammed. How to reset it safely with the red button and the hex key, and when to call maintenance.
Outlets dead in the bathroom, kitchen or garage
When several outlets stop at once, a GFCI outlet has usually tripped. How to find it and reset it safely.
AC is running but blowing warm air
Five safe checks for an air conditioner blowing warm air: thermostat, batteries, filter, breakers and frozen coils. Plus when to call a technician.
Lost power in part of your home
How to find and reset a tripped breaker safely, and why you should stop if it trips again.
Toilet clogged, overflowing or running
How to stop an overflowing toilet, clear a clog with a plunger, and fix a running toilet, safely.
Smoke detector chirping
A smoke detector that chirps every minute or so has a low battery. How to stop the chirp safely.
Water standing in the dishwasher
Most dishwashers that don't drain have a clogged filter. How to clean it in two minutes.
Garage door goes up but won't close
Garage doors that reverse or won't close usually have blocked or misaligned safety sensors. Safe checks you can do in a minute.
No hot water
What you can safely check when there is no hot water, for electric and gas water heaters, and when to call maintenance.
No heat from the furnace
Safe checks when the heat won't come on: thermostat, batteries, the furnace switch, the filter and the panel door.