Alright, single moms, gather ‘round. We need to talk about something that’s not talked about nearly enough: how we’re not just managing life—we’re straight-up fixing it. And I’m not just talking about the kids’ broken hearts or the fact that we’re the only ones capable of finding the missing shoe and the homework folder. Nope, I’m talking about the real-life repairs that once would’ve had us calling up a husband, dad, or some nice handyman to swoop in and handle it for us. But guess what? These days, we’re the ones doing the swooping.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not about to claim I’m a licensed plumber or electrician, but I am proud to say I’ve figured out a thing or two along the way. And I’ve learned that sometimes, being a single mom superhero means showing our kids that we can handle whatever life throws our way—even if that means learning how to fix a broken water heater or deal with a gas oven that’s gone rogue.

It’s time to embrace the DIY life, ladies. Yes, even if it means wrapping our fingers in electrical tape before attempting to re-wire a wall (don’t try that at home, kids, or do—your call).

When the Water Heater Breaks Days After You Move In (And You’re Already Sweaty From Unpacking)

Let’s take a trip down memory lane, shall we? Last year, I moved into my new house, and everything was going according to plan. Boxes were everywhere, I was sweating from unpacking, and I was just trying to feel human again. You know—like a person who could shower without feeling like a sweaty box-moving machine. Then, just days after I moved in, my water heater decided to break.

I know, right? Perfect timing.

Naturally, my first instinct was to call a repair company. I mean, who else would know what to do when your water heater randomly decides it’s time to die? The guy who showed up seemed extra confident in his diagnosis when he saw me standing alone, tired, sweaty, and frustrated: My water heater was so old, he claimed, that there were no parts available to fix it. He said I needed a brand new one—and it would only cost me $3000. Cue the sound of my wallet sobbing.

But here’s the thing: I wasn’t just a single mom with no clue about appliances (though, let’s be honest, I was that too). A quick search for water heater costs showed that they ran $400 – 500 for a heater the size I needed, and the $2500 I’d save would cover a month of bills. I didn’t need to call a repair company, for that matter—I just needed to use my brain. And thankfully, I had an incredible panel of experts on speed dial.

I called up my trusty friends Mike and Joey. They’ve been my go-to guys for everything from plumbing to electrical issues, and I’m pretty sure they have a loyalty card for all my DIY disasters by now. They weren’t just willing to help—they were ready to make sure I didn’t do anything stupid (like electrocute myself). So, armed with their guidance, and after more than a few cracks at my expense (Mike has previously fixed a water heater for me, at my old house, so naturally he had questions about my luck with these devices), I figured out that the issue wasn’t the water heater itself—it was a fried heating element and an electrical problem.

Thanks to my “panel of experts,” I didn’t need to shell out $3000 for a new unit. I replaced the heating element and rewired the electrical issue myself, with a little help from my friends, YouTube University, and some serious nerve. But I’ll admit: I didn’t exactly look cool doing it. There was the minor incident where I failed to drain the heater first and got blasted in the face with pressurized water (pro tip: always drain the heater before doing anything, and always triple check that it’s empty – because that water comes out with hydrant force), but eventually—victory. Hot water was restored, and I was feeling like a DIY goddess.

My Gas Oven: A Tale of Love, Betrayal, and How I Fixed It

Fast forward to this year, when my gas oven decided it was time to throw a tantrum just before Thanksgiving. The oven refused to turn on, and I panicked. I mean, how could I bake a turkey without an oven? What kind of monster does that to a mom a week before Thanksgiving?

My first thought was to call my boyfriend (because, hey, that’s what boyfriends are for, right? Wrong. That’s how home projects are left incomplete for weeks or months). But then I remembered a little something about single mom life: We don’t rely on boyfriends for home repairs. So I switched gears and decided to tackle this myself, with a combination of online resources, expert advice from my trusty panel of friends, and the occasional maybe-I-should-just-order-takeout breakdown.

Enter Mike. Once again, Mike saved the day, this time via FaceTime. He had the local fire department number handy in case things went south (thankfully, it didn’t), and we walked through the issue together. The oven wasn’t igniting, and after some troubleshooting, we figured out that the solenoid was shot. But rather than calling an expensive repair company, I turned to YouTube University and JustAnswer.com, where I found the exact parts I needed and instructions on how to fix it.

Mike’s support was priceless—he helped me through every step of the process and made sure I didn’t blow up my house in the process. I mean, it’s a gas oven, so explosions are a real possibility when you’re this clueless, right? (Pro tip: humor is always helpful when you’re calling a friend away from work to help you on your mission. And the look on his face when I asked, “Oh, I have to turn the gas off before banging on this piece to loosen it?” (it was off) was priceless). Anyway, with Mike’s help, the oven was back in business just in time for Thanksgiving baking. The turkey was roasted, the stuffing was perfect, and my DIY hero complex was in full swing.

Building Your Own Panel of Experts: It’s a Lifesaver

So, what’s the secret to surviving these “oh-my-God-I’m-a-mom-not-a-plumber” moments? It’s simple: Build your own expert network. You don’t need to be a certified repair guru to fix things around the house, but having a support system that’s willing to help you out is a total game-changer. I’ve built a network of friends who are more than happy to lend their expertise when my DIY attempts go awry (which is pretty much every time, but hey, I’m learning).

Here’s how to build your own panel of experts:

1. Find Your Fix-It Friends: Whether it’s a buddy who’s a plumber, an electrician, or someone who just knows their way around tools, having friends with specialized skills is invaluable. Mike and Joey have been my go-to guys for years, patiently answering questions (and trying not to laugh at my disasters). You’d be surprised how willing people are to help—just ask.
2. YouTube University: YouTube is like a magic wand for fixing stuff. It’s free, easy, and full of expert tutorials. If you need to swap out a part or troubleshoot a repair, chances are someone else has already posted a how-to video. I’ve learned everything from how to replace a water heater element to how to fix a gas oven—one tutorial at a time.
3. JustAnswer.com: When you’re really stuck, JustAnswer is a lifesaver. You can ask licensed experts your burning questions and get instant advice. It’s a great resource when you need a second opinion before you start tearing apart your appliance or when you just don’t know if you’re about to break the whole system.
4. Home Depot, Lowes, and Local Hardware Stores: These places are goldmines for information. The employees at your local hardware stores usually know a lot about the products they sell and can offer tips to help solve your issues. I can’t count how many times I’ve walked into Home Depot looking like a disheveled mess, armed with a list from my friends on speakerphone, and gotten spot-on advice from the employees. Don’t be afraid to ask questions—they’re there to help!
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions: Seriously. If you don’t know what you’re doing (and let’s face it, that’s most of us), ask. The only thing worse than making a mistake is not asking for help. Your friends will laugh at your dumpster fire life (we all have one), but they’ll also be more than happy to share their expertise.

The Bottom Line: You Got This

So, here’s to all the single moms out there doing their best to fix everything from water heaters to ovens, and everything in between. You’re a superhero, and you don’t need to rely on anyone to handle life’s little breakdowns. You’ve got your friends, your “panel of experts,” and most importantly—you’ve got yourself.

So go ahead, tackle those repairs like the boss you are. Your kids are watching, and you’re teaching them something incredibly valuable: that you can handle anything life throws at you—even if you end up looking like a drowned rat with electrical tape on your hands. And that, my friends, is how you make everything work.

Stay strong, mama. You’ve got this. And thank you, Mike and Joey, for always answering my panicked calls and text messages. You’re the men who have allowed this single momma to proudly proclaim she didn’t need a man to fix her home problems.