BEFORE YOU CALL

Before you call

Three small tools, one page. Pick a tab, fill in the left, read the right. Each result stays where it is when you switch tabs.

What's actually wrong?

Answer a couple of quick questions about the symptom and we'll point you to the likely cause and the trade you need.

Start with what you notice

If you smell gas or burning, or see water near electrical points or wiring, stop. Get urgent help before trying any checks.

Your result appears here.

About this tool

What does the problem finder do?

You pick the symptom, answer up to two quick questions, and we tell you the most likely cause and the trade it points to. Two questions is the whole budget: past that point, more questions cost you more time than the extra certainty is worth.

Some of those questions can end things there and then. If a check points to something you can safely sort out yourself, we say so before pointing you to a provider.

Which problems does it cover?

The ones in the list at the top of this page. It is a short list, not every possible home problem, and we would rather cover a few properly than guess at hundreds.

What is this, and what isn't it?

It's a shortcut to the right trade and the right question to ask a provider.

It is not a diagnosis. It doesn't replace a technician's own inspection, and it isn't medical, legal or engineering advice. Think of it as a sharper starting point, not a verdict.

If your answers contradict each other or don't point to one cause, the tool says so instead of guessing.

When should I call someone right now, skip the questions?

If you smell gas, smell burning, or see water anywhere near electrical points or wiring, stop and call someone immediately. Don't wait for this tool, and don't try to check it yourself first.

Frequently asked questions

How accurate is the likely cause?

It's our reading of the pattern in your answers, not a certainty. If it's not right, your own check or a technician's inspection can rule it out.

What happens after it gives me an answer?

You get the likely cause, how urgent it is, and a link to the providers for that trade. Where it's safe, you also get a check you can try yourself first.

My problem isn't on the list. What do I do?

Search for it directly, or head to the trade page for the kind of work it needs.

Does using this cost anything?

No. It's free, with no account and nothing to sign up for.

Something doesn't look right?

Tell us which fact and which listing. We can check its source.

Report a fact

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