Photo Fix Finder
Photograph the crack, stain or broken part. You get the likely cause, how careful to be, and what to do next.
This is a likely cause from one photo, not an inspection. When safety is in doubt it picks the more careful answer. If you smell gas, see sparks or water will not stop, leave it and call for help.
What it can recognize
Each issue has a lowest safety level. The photo can only move the answer to a more careful one.
At least: Likely a DIY fix
Hairline crack in drywall or plaster
Normal settling or seasonal movement at a seam or corner. Tape and patch it. If it comes back wider within months, have the structure checked.
Is this a DIY job?At least: Likely a DIY fix
Hole or dent in drywall
Impact damage, a doorknob or a removed anchor. Patch with a mesh or drywall patch, then prime and paint.
Is this a DIY job?At least: Have a pro look
Wide, stair-step or diagonal crack
Possible foundation or framing movement, often near doors and windows. Measure and photograph it, then have a structural engineer or foundation pro look.
Is this a DIY job?At least: Have a pro look
Crack in a foundation or basement wall
Shrinkage cracks are common; wide, leaning or leaking cracks point to movement or water pressure. Have a foundation pro or structural engineer check it before sealing it.
Is this a DIY job?At least: DIY with care
Water stain on a ceiling
A roof leak, a plumbing leak above, or condensation from ducts. Find and stop the source first. Check whether the stain is still damp before painting.
Is this a DIY job?At least: Stop and get help now
Sagging or bulging ceiling
Water pooling above the drywall or failed fasteners. Keep everyone out from under it, shut off water if it is a leak, and call a pro.
At least: DIY with care
Mold or mildew
Ongoing moisture from a leak, poor ventilation or condensation. Fix the moisture. A patch bigger than about 10 sq ft is a job for a mold pro.
At least: DIY with care
Soft or rotted wood
Water getting in at trim, sills, decks or siding over time. Probe it with a screwdriver. If rot reaches a post, joist or sill, have a pro check the structure.
At least: DIY with care
Peeling or bubbling paint
Moisture behind the paint, poor prep or paint over a glossy surface. If the home was built before 1978, test for lead before scraping or sanding.
Is this a DIY job?At least: DIY with care
Leaking pipe or fitting
A loose fitting, worn washer or corroded pipe. Shut off the water to that line. A leak you cannot stop is an emergency.
Is this a DIY job?At least: DIY with care
Green or white crust on pipes
Slow pinhole leaks or reactions between different metals. Watch for drips. Widespread corrosion on supply lines is worth a plumber's look.
At least: DIY with care
Water around a toilet base
A failed wax ring, loose bolts or a cracked tank. Check for a soft floor around the toilet. A soft floor means rot below.
Is this a DIY job?At least: Have a pro look
Leaking or rusty water heater
A failing tank, a dripping relief valve or a loose fitting. Turn off the power or gas and the cold supply. A leaking tank usually needs replacing.
Is this a DIY job?At least: Stop and get help now
Scorched, melted or warm outlet or switch
A loose connection or overloaded circuit heating up. Turn off that breaker and leave it off. Have an electrician check it.
Is this a DIY job?At least: DIY with care
Cracked or loose outlet cover or receptacle
Wear, impact or a receptacle that was never fastened tight. Turn off the breaker and test it dead before you touch it.
Is this a DIY job?At least: Have a pro look
Exposed or damaged wiring
Missing covers, rodent damage or an unfinished repair. Keep clear of it and have an electrician make it safe.
Is this a DIY job?At least: Stop and get help now
Rust, scorch marks or damage in an electrical panel
Moisture in the panel or an overheating breaker. Do not open the panel. Call an electrician.
Is this a DIY job?At least: Have a pro look
Gas appliance, line or flex connector problem
A worn connector, loose fitting or venting problem. If you smell gas, leave the house and call the gas company from outside.
Is this a DIY job?At least: DIY with care
Missing, curled or damaged shingles
Wind, age or poor ventilation in the attic. Look from the ground or with binoculars first. Large areas or steep roofs are for a roofer.
Is this a DIY job?At least: DIY with care
Sagging, overflowing or detached gutter
Clogs, failed hangers or the wrong slope. Clear it from a steady ladder with a helper, then re-hang or add hangers.
Is this a DIY job?At least: Likely a DIY fix
Cracked tile or missing grout
Impact, movement in the floor below or worn grout. Regrout or replace the tile. Many cracked tiles in a line can mean the floor is flexing.
Is this a DIY job?At least: DIY with care
Buckled, cupped or soft flooring
Moisture below or behind the floor. Find the moisture source before replacing boards.
Is this a DIY job?At least: Likely a DIY fix
Sticking door, failed seal or broken window
Seasonal swelling, worn hardware or a failed glass seal. Adjust hinges or weatherstrip. A door that suddenly sticks with new cracks nearby can mean movement.
Is this a DIY job?At least: DIY with care
Appliance leak or broken part
A worn hose, door seal or drain. Unplug it and shut its water valve before you look.
Is this a DIY job?At least: DIY with care
Loose, cracked or rotting deck parts
Weather, rot at the ledger or rusted connectors. Keep people off a bouncy or leaning deck and have the ledger and posts checked.
Is this a DIY job?At least: Have a pro look
Signs of termites, rodents or other pests
Mud tubes, droppings, frass or chewed wood. Have a licensed pest inspector confirm it.
FAQ
How accurate is a diagnosis from one photo?
What if it looks dangerous?
What happens to my photo?
Planning a repair that may need a permit? Do I need a permit?