7 Things Men Fix Around the House—And Still Get No Credit For
As a husband, I know that there are certain things around the house that fall under my realm of responsibilities. For one, my wife isn’t very handy (her tool kit includes a screwdriver and hammer; anything else is my problem). This is true in many other households. A lot of the time, men step in to quietly handle issues around the house. Unfortunately, much of the time, these efforts go unnoticed. Here are seven things many men do around the house that they aren’t getting credit for.
1. Fixing Leaky Faucets (Without Calling a Plumber)
One of the most common things men fix around the house is that annoying, ever-dripping faucet. While it seems small, it’s a task that requires patience, the right tools, and a bit of know-how. A quick rubber washer replacement or cartridge swap can save the family hundreds in plumbing bills. But since the fix is quiet and behind-the-scenes, no one’s cheering in the kitchen afterward. The drip stops, life goes on—and the silent fixer moves on to the next thing.
2. Unclogging the Toilet (No One Wants to Talk About It)
Let’s just admit it: unclogging the toilet is a dirty job that almost no one wants to do. But in many homes, it’s one of those things men fix around the house without waiting to be asked or praised. It’s gross, it’s thankless, and it’s essential. Whether it’s grabbing the plunger or running a drain snake, this fix prevents far more embarrassing disasters. Yet somehow, no one’s baking cookies in gratitude afterward.
3. Rebooting the Wi-Fi or Fixing the Router
Tech goes down, the house goes silent in panic—and who gets called? Yep, the guy who knows what a modem reset button looks like. Fixing internet issues is one of those things men fix around the house that doesn’t involve tools but still requires logic, patience, and Google. It doesn’t look like much, but keeping the streaming, scrolling, and smart TVs running smoothly is a quiet win in the digital age. No applause, just restored connectivity.
4. Taking on Yard Work Like It’s a Full-Time Job
Cutting the grass, trimming the hedges, edging the walkway—yard work is a constant battle. And in many households, men handle it as if they’re landscaping a golf course, even if no one notices the difference. It’s sweaty, repetitive, and time-consuming—but the compliments rarely roll in. Maintaining curb appeal is one of the top things men fix around the house, even if the reward is just a slightly straighter lawn stripe.
5. Replacing Light Fixtures or Ceiling Fans
Changing out a ceiling fan or overhead light fixture might look easy, but it’s no joke. There’s electricity involved, a ladder to balance on, and parts that never quite fit the way they should. Still, it’s one of those things men fix around the house with minimal complaints. The end result? Brighter rooms and cooler air—no one really claps, but everyone benefits. It’s home improvement without the TV crew or the “big reveal.”
6. Fixing Door Hinges, Squeaks, and Sticking Locks
When a door creaks every time it opens or a lock gets stuck for the third time this week, someone eventually steps in to fix it. Usually, that someone is a guy with a can of lubricant and a screwdriver. Door fixes may not be sexy, but they’re essential for peace, privacy, and sanity. These quick tweaks fall into that pile of things men fix around the house without fanfare. It’s one of those fixes you only notice when it’s not done.
7. Quietly Troubleshooting the HVAC or Thermostat
When the house gets too cold or too hot, panic sets in. But rather than call in a professional right away, many men dive into troubleshooting the HVAC system or smart thermostat first. It’s a blend of patience, research, and a little bit of tinkering that often saves the day. The best part? If it works, no one even realizes how close they came to freezing or melting. That’s one more behind-the-scenes win for team fix-it.
Credit Where Credit’s Due: The Little Fixes Matter
It’s important to appreciate the small stuff in your relationship. These seven day-to-day tasks are essentially a way of supporting your partner, supporting your household. So, if you’ve noticed your other half taking on these smaller things, take the time to recognize their efforts. A simple thank you can go a long way.
Fellas—what’s the most annoying thing you’ve fixed around the house without getting credit? And ladies, have you caught yourself forgetting to say thanks for one of these behind-the-scenes jobs? Share your story in the comments!
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.