Case Study: I Fixed a Toilet with AI

The other day, I had a bit of a household challenge: our master bathroom toilet kept refilling itself. Not being the handiest person, I decided to try out the Google Gemini app’s live mode.

I showed Gemini the toilet and the inside of the tank while explaining the problem. I told it that I didn’t know the model of the toilet and needed to know what the size of the flapper was if I was going to replace it. Gemini was able to identify a white product number stamped on a white plastic ring that the flapper goes into to create the seal and prevent the water from trickling down.

Not only did the app identify that the flapper was the problem, but that the ring used in the tank was associated with a specific brand, a specific model of toilets, that are most often sold at Lowe’s hardware store, and use a 3” flapper.

This saved me at least 30 minutes of Google searching for a project I was already dreading but needed to solve. Off to the hardware store I went and I bought both the 2 inch and 3 inch flappers just in case the AI was wrong. Much to my surprise the AI got the size correct and I was able to fix everything in about 10 minutes.

Later my wife complained about a noise that the water softener was making and that “it better not be broken.” With my new abilities to actually fix things I went downstairs and started the live mode and showed Gemini the watersoftener and the read out. Turns out it was in a rinse cycle and my wife happened to be downstairs when it made a horrible noise.

What I found fascinating about these experiences is how AI can be a practical assistant for everyday tasks, not just the complex marketing and business strategies we often talk about here at Enterprising Minds. It’s a reminder that technology can empower us in so many ways, making life a little easier and more efficient.

I’d love to hear from you—have you used AI to tackle any everyday challenges? Feel free to share your stories and insights. Let’s keep exploring how technology can make a difference, one small fix at a time!

Cheers,
Dave