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Using AI to troubleshoot household problems
Your quick guide to leveraging AI for hands-on problem solving around the house.
This article is part of the eBook: Everyday AI guide: Practical genAI life hacks from real users, a free download from We Love Open Source.
I’m new to home ownership, and that means I’m the maintenance person now. I wanted to share how I used AI, specifically Gemini, to diagnose and assess a household issue. Using a live camera feed, I showed the problem, provided details, and answered clarifying questions so the AI could help identify potential causes and solutions. This interactive approach let me explore options, get guidance, and make informed decisions without guessing.
A leak in the bathroom?
For example, I used Gemini to investigate a wet spot on my bathroom wall. I started by showing the area and explaining the context, then followed the AI’s questions and suggestions to gather more details about the location, orientation, and nearby features. See how I progress with my prompts and interactions below. By considering the position of windows and proximity to the roof, Gemini helped me narrow down the likely cause.
Prompts used in this guide
- I have a problem and I need your help.
- I think I have a leak or a wet spot in my bathroom, I want your help to help me assess what the problem is and then walk me through how to potentially solution this problem.
- Would it be helpful to see where in the bathroom this leak is located?
- Can you assess this area based on the outside view of the wall and roof?
By the end of the interaction, Gemini guided me through a structured assessment and ultimately recommended calling a roofer to inspect a potential roof leak. This experience highlighted how AI can act as a thoughtful problem-solving partner, breaking down unfamiliar challenges, exploring potential solutions, and reaching practical outcomes, all in the palm of my hand.
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