What people keep running into with repairs
Complaints tagged repairs, each raised by more than one person. One-off posts are not included.
136 recurring problems · 2715 people · 32 forums we read
Raised more than once
Most people first.
- 148How to explain an intermittent car noise to a mechanicIntermittent car noises are notoriously difficult to show a mechanic because they often refuse to happen during a test drive. Without proof, drivers struggle to get an accurate diagnosis, sometimes leading them to waste money replacing the wrong parts like sway bar links while the underlying mechanical problem remains unsolved.
- 131Is this mechanic repair quote too high?Shops routinely bundle minor, unneeded services and high labor rates into major engine and body repair quotes. This leaves vehicle owners unable to tell if they are paying fair market value or absorbing inflated charges for parts they may not actually require.
- 126How to fix a leaking water pipe in a tight spaceRepairing a pipe leak in a confined area like beneath attic ductwork requires choosing an appropriate temporary or semi-permanent fix to avoid high plumbing costs. However, recurring pinholes in older copper lines often lead to a frustrating cycle of repeated patches that eventually force a full-house replumbing.
- 114Should I pay for appliance repair or fix it myself?Paying for professional service calls and OEM parts often costs hundreds of dollars more than buying third-party components online and fixing the appliance yourself. However, guessing wrong about whether a machine is actually safe to use can leave you with a dangerous hazard instead of a working fix.
- 113How do I know if a contractor quote is fair?Homeowners often lack the baseline knowledge to evaluate whether high-stakes repair estimates—such as a $10,000 foundation fix—are reasonable. This leaves them feeling clueless and vulnerable to overpaying, especially when facing urgent structural fears and limited funds.
- 111How to handle a bad contractor who won't fix poor workPaying before inspecting leaves homeowners with little leverage when contractors deliver subpar or unauthorized work. Without a clear path to recourse or refunds for shoddy repairs, people are left feeling cheated and stuck with expensive, unsightly results.
- 95Landlord built a fence around the AC and it brokeWhen a broken air conditioner leaves your home unlivable during a heatwave, you are left waiting indefinitely for a repair while scrambling to find alternative shelter for a newborn. Meanwhile, DIY attempts to clean the condenser coil with store-bought brushes risk causing major damage that leads to thousands of dollars in professional repair costs.
- 79How to find reliable contractors who actually show upContractors frequently fail to appear on scheduled dates, communicate delays, or return to finish half-completed projects after receiving deposits. This unreliability leaves homeowners stranded with unfinished work and unable to secure dependable help for future repairs.
- 74Why does my car make a loud rattle when starting the engine?An engine startup rattle indicates a mechanical noise occurring immediately upon ignition. This issue stops the engine from idling smoothly and can cause severe shaking throughout the vehicle cabin.
- 59How to tell if a new roof was installed correctlyContractors sometimes take shortcuts that leave visible vulnerabilities, like gaps where moisture can seep in and rot the wood underneath. Homeowners are left guessing whether these flaws are normal settling or bad workmanship that will cause future damage.
- 57How do I know if I can DIY a repair or need a pro?Deciding whether to tackle home repairs yourself or pay a contractor comes down to guessing if the job is simple enough to figure out or risky enough to require an expert. This uncertainty often leads to second-guessing the complexity of the damage and worrying about making mistakes that make things worse.
- 57How to remove a stripped recessed retaining screwStandard methods like flathead screwdrivers, extractor bits, and wrenches often fail on recessed or stubborn fasteners when there is no room for power tools or welding. This prevents routine maintenance like changing brake rotors or dismantling wall fixtures.
- 54How to identify a random car part that fell offRandom car parts found on the road or dropped from a vehicle can leave drivers unsure if their car is unsafe to drive or if they simply hit debris. Without knowing the part's name or function, vehicle owners struggle to figure out if it belongs to their car or an obstacle they ran over.
- 52How to tell if roof flashing is installed wrongPoorly installed roof flashing relies heavily on caulk rather than proper metal integration, leaving homeowners with leaks and visually unacceptable work. Without clear industry standards to reference, it becomes difficult to dispute substandard craftsmanship and demand corrections from a roofing contractor.
- 50How to fix a leaky plumbing valve that doesn't fit a new faucetNon-standard valve connections often fail to sit flush with new faucet lines, and older diverter stems may require specific replacement washers. Mismatched sizing prevents a proper watertight seal, forcing you to replace incompatible components or track down exact-fit washers.
- 47How to know which replacement part code to buyOnline parts catalogs often list multiple options that match a vehicle's specifications, leaving buyers stuck when a service sticker shows conflicting or multiple option codes. This confusion stops people from completing repairs because they cannot risk ordering the wrong components.
- 46Why does my new plumbing still have bad water pressure and risky joints?Poorly installed pipes and high-tension fittings put excessive pressure on joints, creating constant risks of leaks and floods. Even after professional upgrades like Pex, substandard workmanship leaves homeowners dealing with weak water flow and questionable setups like S-traps that require tearing out walls and digging up pipes just to check for defects.
- 44How to tell if a damaged roof needs replacing before winterContractors often advise a complete re-roofing to ensure safety, but homeowners working with tight funds struggle to know if a repair can safely buy more time. This leaves them unable to determine whether immediate replacement is genuinely necessary or if temporary measures will survive heavy winter snow.
- 44How to find replacement parts for discontinued hardwareBig-box home improvement stores and original manufacturers often no longer stock components for older or discontinued items like rusted casement hinges and legacy appliances. This forces homeowners to hunt for compatible alternatives online without confidence in the fit, leaving them stuck trying to source obscure parts to avoid paying for entirely new installations.
- 37Why is there a mystery wet dog or sour smell in the house?An unexplained, lingering odor resembling wet dog, sourness, or sweetcorn transfers unpredictably onto household fabrics in rooms like the bedroom, leaving people unable to trace its source. Because the smell appears in random places despite no obvious cause, it prevents occupants from successfully eliminating it.
Comes up alongside
Topics that keep appearing on the same problems — not topics with similar names.