Keeping a home in good condition requires constant attention. Whether you are a fan of DIY (Do-It-Yourself) projects or you need to explain a problem to a professional, you need the right words. While words like “fix” or “repair” are helpful, native speakers use phrasal verbs to describe the specific work they do around the house.
This guide will help you use 17 phrases to talk about maintaining your living space.
Quick Summary: 17 Home Repairs Phrasal Verbs
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example Sentence |
| Look over | To examine for faults | Look over the walls. |
| Check on | To verify safety/status | Check on the heater. |
| Test out | To try for the first time | Test out the drill. |
| Go over | To review in detail | Go over the plan. |
| Patch up | To fix temporarily | Patch up the leak. |
| Fix up | To renovate/improve | Fix up the garage. |
| Put together | To assemble | Put together the desk. |
| Hook up | To connect to power/water | Hook up the dryer. |
| Rip out | To remove forcefully | Rip out the old sink. |
| Put in | To install | Put in a new light. |
| Brighten up | To make cheerful | Brighten up the hall. |
| Clear away | To remove debris | Clear away the tools. |
| Clean out | To empty and tidy | Clean out the shed. |
| Block up | To fill a gap | Block up the crack. |
| Seal off | To close tightly | Seal off the vent. |
| Wear down | To erode over time | The paint has worn down. |
| Brush on | To apply with a brush | Brush on the glue. |
Checking for Problems
Before you can fix something, you need to identify what is wrong. They are also useful phrases to use when you notice something is not working during your regular household chores.
1. Look over
To look over means to examine something carefully to check its condition or to find any faults.
- Example: I need to look over the roof for any missing shingles after the big storm.
2. Check on
To check on means to visit or look at something to make sure it is working correctly or is safe.
- Example: Can you check on the boiler in the basement to make sure the pilot light is still on?
3. Test out
To test out means to use something for a short time to see if it works properly or if it is suitable.
- Example: We should test out the new smoke detectors to ensure the batteries are still good.
4. Go over
To go over means to examine or review something in detail, often to make sure nothing has been missed.
- Example: Let’s go over the list of repairs we need to finish before the winter starts.
Fixing and Repairing
When something stops working, you have to take action. These verbs are essential for describing repairs.
5. Patch up
To patch up means to repair something quickly or temporarily, often using simple materials.
- Example: I managed to patch up the hole in the drywall until we can repaint the whole room.
6. Fix up
To fix up means to repair, decorate, or improve a building or a room so that it looks much better.
- Example: They bought an old farmhouse and plan to fix it up over the next few years.
7. Put together
To put together means to assemble the different parts of something, like furniture or a machine.
- Example: It took me all afternoon to put together the new bookshelf I bought from the store.
8. Hook up
To hook up means to connect an appliance or a piece of electronic equipment to a power source or a system.
- Example: Can you help me hook up the new washing machine to the water pipes?
Renovating and Improving
Sometimes you aren’t just fixing things; you are making your home better.
9. Rip out
To rip out means to remove something from a building forcefully, such as old carpet, cabinets, or tiles.
- Example: We decided to rip out the old green carpet and install hardwood floors instead.
10. Put in
To put in means to install a new piece of equipment or furniture in your home.
- Example: We are going to put in a new dishwasher next week to save time on chores.
11. Brighten up
To brighten up means to make a room or a space look more cheerful or have more light.
- Example: Adding a few yellow cushions and a new lamp really brightened up the living room.
12. Clear away
To clear away means to remove things that are not wanted or needed to make a space tidy.
- Example: Please clear away the wood scraps from the yard after you finish building the fence.
Maintenance and Outside Work
A home also includes the space around it. These verbs help you describe gardening and exterior care. If you enjoy working outside, you can find more related phrases in our fitness and health guide, as many of these tasks are great exercise.
13. Clean out
To clean out means to remove all the dirt or unwanted items from the inside of something.
- Example: It is time to clean out the gutters before the rainy season begins.
14. Block up
To block up means to fill a hole or an opening so that nothing can pass through it.
- Example: We need to block up the small gap under the door to keep the cold air out.
15. Seal off
To seal off means to close an area or a container tightly so that air, liquid, or people cannot enter or leave.
- Example: You should seal off the room while you are sanding the floors to keep the dust from spreading.
16. Wear down
To wear down means to become thinner or weaker over time because of constant use.
- Example: The wooden steps on the porch have worn down after years of people walking on them.
17. Brush on
To brush on means to apply a liquid, such as paint or varnish, using a brush.
- Example: You need to brush on two coats of waterproof sealant to protect the deck.
Taking Pride in Your Space
Maintaining a home is a big responsibility, but it is much easier when you have the right vocabulary to describe the work. By using these 17 phrasal verbs, you can communicate clearly with neighbors, landlords, or repair workers. Whether you are fixing up a spare room or simply cleaning out the garage, you are practicing the practical English used in everyday life.
Try to identify one maintenance task you need to do this week. Will you look over your appliances? Do you need to put together some new furniture? Using these phrases while you work will help you remember them for a long time.
