50 cheap things that'll save you from having expensive home problems

Avoid a pricey plumber’s visit and prevent clogged drains with this cheap drain cleaner tool. The 18-inch long tool spins 360 degrees and has a micro-hook at the end which locks onto hair clogs to remove them. It comes with five wand refills, can be used on tub, sink, and shower drains, and is a reviewer favorite with well over 23,000 five-star reviews.

Stop a small leak from turning into costly damage by placing this water leak monitoring sensor in the bathroom and other rooms susceptible to leaks. An alarm will beep loudly as soon as the lady bug-shaped sensor gets wet, alerting you that there’s a leak. If leaks are not addressed, they can lead to mold as well as flooding, both of which are much more expensive to fix than the cost of this clever sensor.

Fix small rips and tears on fabric, leather, and fur upholstered furniture using this cheap upholstery repair kit. This kit includes an assortment of different-sized needles and spools of black and white thread made of heavyweight 100% nylon. Using the kit to stitch up small tears as you notice them will help keep your furniture in good shape and avoid costly replacements.

No damage is more costly than that to your health, so try to prevent slip and fall incidents with this anti-slip tape. The heavy-duty tape is four inches wide, features an 80-grit surface, and is resistant to water, oil, and detergents. It has strong self-adhesive backing to adhere to indoor and outdoor stairs and other surfaces and can be cut down to size for easy installation.

Maintain room temperature in spaces with attic stairs using this clever attic stairway insulation cover and potentially lower your energy bills, too. The cover blocks hot air in the summer and cold air in the winter, as well as dust, dirt, and pollutants. It features a double aluminum foil design which is fireproof and creates an airtight seal. The cover is intended for year-round use.

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that can be detrimental to your health and home, which is where this plug-in carbon monoxide detector comes in. It protects against the hidden gas, which is colorless and odorless, and therefore hard to detect. This plug-in device sounds an 85-decibel alarm when carbon monoxide is detected and records the last time the gas was detected or the unit was tested to help you keep track. It can be plugged into any regular outlet and uses batteries for backup in the case of a power outage.

This super absorbent sock absorbs 1.75 gallons of water and protects your walls, floors, and furniture from moisture damage by trapping water leaks. Whether it’s a leaking toilet or a burst pipe, the sock has a flexible design that creates a snug fit and stops leaks from spreading. The sock is intended for one-time use to stop indoor leaks and is a wallet-friendly investment that could save you thousands of dollars in repairs.

Use this window weather-sealing tape to prevent moisture-related damage around doors, windows, and AC units. The heavy-duty tape is transparent to seamlessly blend in and water and airtight to stop drafts and moisture from coming in. It’s made from a weather-resistant material to withstand extreme outdoor conditions and maintain its tight seal long-term.

Stick these indoor gnat traps in your potted plants to stop a bug infestation. The bright yellow traps are dual-sided and super sticky to attract everything from gnats to fruit flies. They are eco-friendly, free from harsh chemicals, and weatherproof and UV-resistant if you want to pop a couple in your outdoor plants, too.

Avoid the expense and headache of indoor leaks and potential mold caused by clogged clutters by cleaning them out with this telescoping gutter cleaning wand. It extends from 40 to 70 inches long and has a rotating nozzle so you can tilt it to the precise angle needed to clean hard-to-reach gutters. The wand has a nonslip grip thanks to a padded foam handle and it’s lightweight for comfortable use all year round.

Whether you’re a renter or homeowner, protect your floors from dents, scratches, and scuff marks with these chair leg floor protectors. They’re made from stretchy silicone to fit over furniture legs of any shape and size, and feature thick felt bottoms that glide across floors without damaging them. The covers create a tight fit without any adhesives and are available in multiple colors to seamlessly blend with your furniture.

Combat basic home fires and stop them from spreading with this multi-purpose fire extinguisher. Made from lightweight aluminum, it’s designed for effective use and quick handling. The fire extinguisher has an easy-to-read pressure gauge to indicate it’s ready for use and a clear instruction label on the front. It’s designed for one-time use and comes with a strap bracket for secure mounting.

Instead of leaving cords and hoses on the ground and running the risk that they’ll cause injury, or get punctured and need to be replaced, consider storing them safely using these heavy-duty storage straps. The straps are constructed from weatherproof polypropylene and feature stainless steel grommets to hold up to 50 pounds. They are suitable for indoor and outdoor use, they protect coiled outdoor items from damage, and they utilize vertical space to keep the garage or shed floor clutter-free.

Leather furniture can be a hefty investment and this leather and vinyl repair kit provides a cheap way to maintain its like-new condition. It’s suitable for real and faux leather as well as vinyl and has rave reviews from more than 5,000 Amazon shoppers. The kit allows you to mix a custom color that’ll seamlessly blend with the tone of your leather and it uses a quick-dry technology to make repairs fast and effective.

This rain gutter downspout is designed to direct water and stop soil erosion to prevent a very expensive home problem: water damage to the foundation. It’s made from durable resin which is weatherproof and not prone to chipping or cracking. The downspout has a sleek design that’ll fit right in with your landscaping. It serves as a small investment that can prevent a potentially very pricey repair.

For maximum safety, illuminate and protect your property with these outdoor solar spotlights. They are small to appear discreet, but provide a 90-degree beam of bright light that’s ideal for illuminating walls, trees, or flags. The solar lights work for up to 12 hours on a full charge and include ground stakes as well as wall brackets to offer flexibility for adding visibility around the exterior of your home.

Extend the lifespan of your furniture and hide chips and scratches using this wood furniture repair kit. It includes six markers and six wax sticks ranging in shades from oak to black. This inexpensive kit is much cheaper than calling in a professional or buying a new piece of furniture. Plus, thousands of customers say the touch-ups are easy to make and effectively cover surface damage.

For extra traction on potentially slick surfaces, these nonslip bathtub stickers go a long way toward peace of mind. They adhere firmly to tub or tile to add a thin yet effective layer of grip that’s virtually seamless underfoot and won’t interfere with regular showers or cleaning. “You don’t even notice them there but they make a big difference,” one fan remarked. With more than 15,000 ratings, they maintain a glowing 4.5-star average. Yes, they’re that good.

The health and safety of your loved ones is priceless and to help prevent falls inside and outside your house, use this anti-slip formula which increases slip resistance. The formula is suitable for a number of surfaces including natural stone, porcelain and ceramic tile, slate, and brick. It’s clear and won’t alter the look of the natural surface, and it lasts for up to a year between applications.

If you’re a pet owner whose furry four-legged friend likes to scratch at the door, you’ll appreciate this pet scratch protector. The vinyl protector is self-adhesive and has a slick surface which prevents scratches and peeling paint — plus, it deters pets from scratching. It’s clear so as not to distract from your decor and it can also be attached to other surfaces your pal likes to scratch, such as countertops, tables, or window sills.

Protect your furniture from daily wear and tear with these wear-resistant sofa covers. The elastic covers stay put, don’t shed, and can be vacuumed for a quick clean. They’re sold individually as back, seat, and chaise covers so you can customize them to your sofa, love, seat or sectional, and they’re machine-washable for easy care.

To stop stains from permanently damaging clothes and shoes, use this stain treater and shoe cleaner duo. The plant-based stain removers can be used to tackle fresh and set-in stains, whether caused by juice, ink, or blood. They can be used on a variety of materials including canvas, leather, cloth, and rubber for fast, professional-grade treatment.

Whether it’s an accidental tear or a lifted seam, there’s no need to suffer ragged wallpaper or hang artwork strategically thanks to this clever adhesive, which is formulated specifically for easy repairs. It’s easy to apply, thanks to its notably spreadable texture and precise nozzle. The formula promises extra-strength hold, too, because you should only have to do this kind of chore once.

Use this double-bubble film to wrap pipes and prevent heat loss and freezing. Both can cause expensive damage and make your energy bills unnecessarily higher. The tape provides thermal insulation and in addition to helping maintain temperature, it creates a barrier for water and blocks noise.

This tempered glass screen protector is way cheaper than the expense of a screen repair or device replacement. It’s scratch-resistant, doesn’t affect the quality of the display, and maintains touch sensitivity. It’s compatible with a 5th and 6th-generation iPad and attaches to a screen smoothly and without any annoying bubbles. The protector is removable and doesn’t leave behind any residue.

Faulty electrical wiring is a dangerous and expensive problem, so avoid the hazard by having this outlet tester on hand. It features an LCD for easy voltage reading and indication of wiring conditions. The tester uses bright red and green lights to identify open neutral and ground wiring faults so you can take the necessary safety measures and prevent more extensive and costly damage.

A mattress is a big purchase, so shield it from damage with this waterproof mattress encasement. The hypoallergenic cover is six-sided and forms a secure barrier that blocks bed bugs as well as dust mites, allergens, and bacteria from seeping into the mattress. It’s made from 100% cotton terry and is machine-washable for hassle-free maintenance.

These felt pads will help prevent cabinet doors and cupboards from slamming, which may also bring a little extra peace to your household. They adhere to create a soft barrier that not only absorbs sound but also prevents damage like scratches. You can even use them under vases or statues to protect your countertops, or underneath small furniture legs.

Erase signs of wear and tear on your car’s finish with this automotive paint pen that makes touchups a cinch and protects the frame. The advanced formula is thick enough to fill in scratches and dries within 10 minutes to a high-gloss UV-resistant shine. It comes with two attachments for patching small and large areas — no gloves or hassle needed. Get it in nine classic colors.

You’ll never be without lighting during an outage again with this six-pack of miniature flashlights. Small yet mighty, they fit compactly within the palm of your hand while nine LED bulbs powered by AAA batteries cast a powerful beam up to 59 feet. Their brightly-colored plastic cases are easy to find in low light with a slip-proof finish. They also have built-in lanyards for optional hanging.

The standout feature of this dryer vent cleaning kit is how it makes quick work of an otherwise tedious task. It has a flexible brush and vacuum hose attachment that sweeps up accumulated lint in minutes. This not only helps your machine run more efficiently for reduced drying time but also decreases the possibility of fires caused by trapped lint. Over 7,000 reviewers gave it five stars.

Give broken vertical blinds a new lease on life with these brilliant repair tabs. They slip over the ends of snapped slats so you can rehang them instantly instead of having to scrap the entire length. “A necessity if you have vertical blinds,” one reviewer swore. “These are so great to have on hand,” they wrote, calling it “such an easy fix.” Get them in packs of 12 to 50 so you never run out.

Is there anything this Gorilla tape can’t repair? Indoors, outdoors, or even underwater, this heavy-duty tape’s extra-thick adhesive creates a permanent seal against air and water. On land, UV resistance and a temperature rating of -70 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit ensures it can weather the great outdoors. Whatever you need to repair, this tape is up to the job — and more. Over 14,000 shoppers gave it a five-star rating.

Protect your plumbing in cold weather with this easy-to-install outdoor faucet attachment. It has a temperature-activated valve that automatically kicks in once the temperature drops below 37 degrees Fahrenheit to drip water and keep your pipes from freezing, all without you having to turn your faucets on and off all season. It also saves water — and hassle, too.

Sometimes, the biggest home expenses are replacing things you’ve lost — which is why these sticky gel pads may be one of the smartest purchases you make all year. Arriving in a pack of 10, they easily mount anywhere and can hold items like remotes, keys, or glasses. They’re easily removable and won’t leave a residue behind. They can also regain their stickiness with a quick rinse with water.

Getting in the habit of cleaning your dishwasher can be very helpful in making sure it runs efficiently and gets the job done the first time around, and these dishwasher tablets make it easy. They’re ideal for a monthly deep clean, removing limescale, grease, and hard water stains while restoring shine and getting rid of odors. Just pop one into the detergent compartment and run a normal cycle, and the scrubbing is done for you.

This pack of liquid ant bait traps has a glowing 4.5 stars after more than 169,000 ratings from shoppers for its ability to eliminate ant colonies swiftly. The bait works against multiple species, getting carried back to the hive by workers where it fights infestations at the source. Putting them around high-traffic areas will help protect your pantry, and will give you some extra peace of mind. Twelve bait stations arrive per pack.

These LED candles look shockingly close to the real deal with real wax set in tinted glass jars. They’ll help you get the ambiance of candlelight without the associated fire hazard, especially if there are pets or little ones in the house that may get too close. Their LED flames are set on top of a wick and emit a subtle glow you can set to a timer with the included remote control.

You won’t regret having this WD-40 lubricant two-pack on hand — at least, not if that nearly-perfect 4.8 star rating is any indication. This duo contains the original formula, as well as a silicone version, to help free sticky mechanisms in appliances and create less tension on locks and sliding doors. The triple-action formula works on a variety of surfaces to provide much-needed slip without greasy residue, with a double-duty nozzle that can be toggled with or without the straw to create a stream or spray.

Pests can be attracted to kitchen essentials like flour, grains, and pet food, which is why these traps are so essential. The nontoxic formula relies on potent pheromones and industrial-strength glue to snare critters, and each pack in the set of six works for a full month to give your pantry long-term protection for up to six months.

Whether you’ve got rambunctious little ones who might hurt themselves on sharp edges or want to protect your furniture during a move, these corner guards are both an ounce of prevention and a pound of cure. The three-sided bubble-like guards adhere to the corners of sharp wood, glass, and metal with a clear finish to help them literally blend into the woodwork. Application is easy, and their adhesion is strong.

From damaged rugs to torn seat cushions, this fabric repair kit can help patch signs of wear, including burns and holes. Damaged areas are covered with backing fabric, which is then filled in with adhesive and covered with tinted fibers for a nearly invisible fabric restoration without any sewing required. It’s great to have on hand to fix issues before they become a bigger problem.

Built for heavy artillery like refrigerators and dishwashers, this surge protector serves as a shield between up to two appliances and potentially damaging voltage fluctuations. A color-coded light display shows you the current voltage status at a glance, and automatic shutoff with a three-minute delay helps reduce power strain.

Repair ripped window screens without having to replace the entire frame with a bit of this mesh tape. Its triple-layer adhesive forms a secure, weatherproof bond over ragged edges to patch up holes in screens, allowing fresh air to get in while pests stay out. Available in three sizes and two colors, it’s a great temporary fix.

Plenty of studies reveal that a sharper knife is a safer knife for your fingers, and this kitchen knife sharpener from OTOTO makes the routine task feel downright playful. (Not to mention, your knives will last so much longer.) It’s got a 4.7-star rating from fans for its ability to sharpen a blade with a whimsically shaped base that’s stable on countertops and small enough to toss in a drawer between uses.

You can remove everything from persistent price tags to glue and paint damage-free with this scraper. Its plastic build is sturdy enough to create the resistance you need to chip away at stubborn materials, but won’t scratch delicate surfaces. You get 10 plastic blades to cover multiple cleaning rounds on your next project.

Even full-grain upholstery has its limits, but this leather repair tape helps patch scrapes to give your pricey cushions another chance. The finish is soft and flexible with a waterproof adhesive — you might even like it better than whatever you’re repairing. The tape comes in more than 20 colors to match the most common leather treatments, at a price that makes it easy to consider keeping a few on hand.

From creating permanent repairs to adding nonslip grips, cord protection, or even hanging items up to four pounds, there’s seemingly nothing this moldable glue can’t fix or create. Its advanced silicone formula starts out as a flexible putty that can be shaped at will, curing into a waterproof bond on most surfaces. (With an electrically-insulated finish no less.) With an impressive overall score of 4.5 stars, it’s worth keeping in your home for quick repairs.

These stainless steel screw extractors promise to remove stripped hardware in a single step using your electric drill. You get 20 extractors total — two different styles in 10 sizes — along with a socket adapter and an extension bit holder. Have these on hand for your next DIY project; you’ll wonder how you ever did without them when the time comes.

No need to hire a pro to repair a damaged popcorn treatment: This water-based aerosol spray steps in to patch scuffed ceilings. One 14-ounce can will cover approximately four feet, which is more than enough for most small repairs. It’s probably worth keeping a can in the garage or under the kitchen sink just in case.