— Home-systems fix-it journal
Careful fixes for the systems that keep a home running
Plumbing, heating, water and the trades you have to hire: plain step-by-step guides for the moment something stops working, written for homeowners and renters standing in front of the problem.
Read the latest guidesWhat this site is for
- — Diagnose first
- — Fix what you can
- — Hire the rest well
— Newest on the bench
Latest guides
12 Kitchen Remodel Mistakes to Avoid Before You Start (2026)
Kitchen remodel mistakes to avoid are usually planning errors. Here are the twelve mistakes homeowners make most in , and the practical…
Kitchen Remodel Planning Steps for First Timers (October 2026)
Kitchen remodel planning steps for first timers, with a practical timeline, budget checklist, design priorities and contractor hiring advice. Updated for .
How to Add Insulation to an Attic: Simple DIY (October 2026)
How to add insulation to an attic safely in : choose between batts, loose fill and spray foam, seal air leaks first,…
How to Clean a Mini Split Unit: Simple Step-by-Step Guide 2026
How to clean a mini split unit safely in : step-by-step instructions for filters, coil, drain line and musty odors, plus the…
Heat Pump Water Heater Pros and Cons: October 2026 Guide
Heat pump water heater pros and cons for : efficiency numbers, recovery limits, install requirements, warranty traps and what owners report after…
How to Insulate a Garage Door: Easy DIY Guide (2026)
Learn how to insulate a garage door with foam panels, retainer pins, and new weatherstripping to cut drafts, road noise, heat loss,…
How to Find and Seal Drafts Around Windows (October 2026)
Learn how to find and seal drafts around windows, stop cold air, cut energy loss, and improve comfort with practical DIY repair…
How to Air Seal an Attic Hatch: Easy DIY Guide (2026)
Learn how to air seal an attic hatch with foam board, weatherstripping and a latch, cutting drafts, heat loss and wasted energy…
How to Prevent Ice Dams Without a Roof Rake: 5 Steps (2026)
Learn how to prevent ice dams without a roof rake with attic insulation, air sealing, clear drainage and pro-installed heating cables for…
— About Wave 2011
Written for the middle of the problem
Wave 2011 is a home-repair notebook for owners and renters: how a fixture actually fails, the order to check things in, and the point where a job stops being a weekend task.
The guides stay practical enough to follow with the tools already in the house, and honest about the jobs worth handing to a licensed trade.