Bathroom Repair: what a handyman does
Most bathroom repairs come down to moisture. A handyman can replace failed caulk, repair cracked grout, secure towel bars, fix vanity hardware and repaint steam-damaged walls. Leaks, drains, toilets and wiring go to licensed plumbers and electricians. Fix the water source first, because mold returns wherever moisture stays.
Jobs we take on
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- Cut out and replace cracked, peeling or moldy caulk at the tub, shower, sink and floor joints
- Remove failed grout in small areas and regrout it
- Mount towel bars, robe hooks and paper holders into studs or heavy-duty metal toggle anchors
- Tighten or replace vanity hinges, pulls and drawer hardware
- Patch and repaint walls and ceilings with peeling paint from steam
- Replace a toilet seat or loose seat hardware
- Hang a mirror or medicine cabinet in the same spot
- Fix a bathroom door that sticks or a privacy latch that no longer catches
- Replace a shower curtain rod or glass door hardware that has come loose
Signs it is time to call
- Caulk that is black, peeling or pulling away from the tub or shower
- Grout that crumbles, or tile that moves when you press it
- Paint that bubbles or flakes on the ceiling above the shower
- A towel bar that pulls out of the wall under a wet towel
- A soft spot in the wall or floor near the tub, which means stop and find the leak before any cosmetic repair
What is not a handyman job
Leaks, drains, toilet internals, faucets and shower valves are plumbing. New outlets, fan wiring and lighting circuits are electrical. Both go to licensed independent contractors. Mold covering more than about 10 square feet, hidden mold, or soft water-damaged walls and subfloors need a specialist. Re-tiling and full remodels are out of scope.
Plumbing, electrical and roofing go to licensed independent contractors.
What a visit looks like
- We confirm the scope from your photos before the visit
- We confirm the current rate before work starts
- We protect the tub, vanity and floors while we work
- We clean up and remove the debris when we finish
Common questions
Can cracked grout be fixed without redoing the whole shower?
Small areas can be regrouted. The old grout is cut out of the joint first, then new grout is pressed in. Bob Vila advises letting new grout harden for 24 to 48 hours before use. Large areas of failed tile or grout may mean re-tiling, which is outside handyman work.
Why does mold keep coming back in my bathroom?
Mold needs moisture. The EPA says to fix the water problem, run the fan or open a window when showering, and clean more often. It also says not to caulk or paint over moldy surfaces. Clean and dry them first, or the new caulk and paint will fail.
Will a towel bar hold in drywall?
It holds best screwed into studs. This Old House says to skip the cone-shaped plastic anchors that come in the box, because they pull out easily. Metal toggle anchors can hold about 40 pounds of pull in half-inch drywall. We check the wall and pick the right fastener.
Can a handyman fix a leaking faucet or a running toilet?
Those are plumbing repairs, and they go to a licensed plumber. A handyman handles the surrounding work, such as caulk, trim, cabinet hardware, drywall patching and paint, once the plumbing is repaired and the area is dry.