Handymen share the most common home problems people don't realize they have & need to fix

“The top eyesore homeowners tend to miss mainly has to do with interior paint,” says Carr Lanphier, CEO of Improovy. That said, rather than lugging a heavy paint can out of storage every time you notice a blemish, you can touch up scuffs, cracks, and marks with a touch-up pen. They’re easy to refill with your most-used colors, which stay wet in the interior chamber, and the precision brush heads make for quick, mess-free application.

• Available sizes: 2 Count — 5 Count

“I would definitely recommend touching up trim around your home every few years, even more frequently than you’re doing fresh interior paint, just because I’ve found bad, faded, or scuffed trim can be even more noticeable,” says Lanphier. This Rust-Oleum trim and door paint comes pre-mixed in six colors with a chip-resistant satin finish that’s designed to dry to the touch in just 45 minutes. You can use it indoors or out on metal, wood, or fiberglass.

• Available styles: 6

“When it comes to light, I just recommend paying attention to the undertones of whatever wall color you’re using (along with general color themes in your decor),” Lanphier says. These Edison bulbs make a statement in lamps and fixtures with their retro globes and industrial-style visible filaments. Still, they let off a soothing 2200-Kelvin warm white light that you can dim for an even softer ambiance.

No dimmers? No problem. This plug-in dimmer works with most floor and table lamps so you can soften the brightness as needed. It’s compatible with LEDs, incandescent bulbs, and holiday lights, plus it has a 6-foot cord and an easy-to-use slider with rubber grips on the back, so it stays put on desks and side tables. No wonder it’s a bestseller with an average 4.4-star rating from almost 6,000 reviewers.

• Available sizes: 1 Pack — 2 Pack
• Available styles: 2

Prevent harsh glare with this tripod table lamp has a wooden, midcentury-modern-inspired base that makes it look a lot more expensive than it is. Choose between eight different lamp shades in various colors and materials, so you can further diffuse the bulb (sold separately) to complement the undertones of your space. It also has a convenient switch on the clear 5.5-foot cord.

• Available styles: 8

According to Lanphier, “If you’re going for a cozy vibe, using bright white focused overhead lights can really wash out warm colors and create a clash that can definitely become an eyesore." Under-cabinet lights maximize functionality without ruining the mood, and these battery-powered LEDs don’t require any wiring. They stick on with screws or adhesive tape (both included) and come with remote controls so you can adjust the brightness and set timers.

• Available sizes: 1-Pack — 6-Pack
• Available styles: 2

I use smart bulbs all throughout my house so I can adjust the brightness as needed — and so I can turn my lights on and off using my voice. This Amazon Basics warm white smart bulb is brightness-adjustable, compatible with Alexa, and doesn’t require a hub. You can control it from anywhere using the Alexa app, so it looks like you’re home even when you’re on vacation. The brand also makes a color-changing option.

• Available sizes: 1 Pack — 4 Pack
• Available styles: 2

Candles are the warmest, most soothing light source there is, but they’re definitely not the safest. These flameless LED candles are made from real wax with a warm glow and a flickering effect, so even though they’re battery-operated and burn-free, reviewers still said they “look so real.” The set of three includes a remote control so you can turn them on and off, set automatic timers, adjust the brightness, and change the mode.

• Available styles: 4

Homeowners should always use sink strainers to prevent clogged pipes, says Matt Kunz, president of Mr. Rooter Plumbing. These get the job done with their simple stainless steel design that resists rust, fits most drains, and has both flat and angled holes that stop food particles while allowing for drainage — plus they come in a pack of two for a super low price.

• Available styles: 7

If your sink fills up while you’re washing the dishes, the SinkShroom sink strainer is designed to promote better drainage without letting food slip down the pipes. In addition to holes on the bottom and sides, it also has a hollow mushroom-shaped cylinder in the middle, which prevents water backup while keeping your pipes clog-free. It’s also made from rust-resistant stainless steel that’s durable and easy to clean.

• Available sizes: 1-Pack — 2-Pack

“Avoid flushing non-degradable items and grease down drains to help prevent clogs,” says Kunz. This grease container is way more attractive than an old coffee can — plus it comes with a fine-mesh filter for straining out residue, so you can reuse bacon grease or animal fats for cooking. It’s made from heat-resistant, dishwasher-safe steel with a 40-ounce capacity, a lid, and a curved handle.

If you don’t want to save and reuse your grease, try this FryAway cooking oil solidifier. Its 100% plant-based formula dissolves into hot oil, so as it cools, it magically transforms into solid organic waste that you can toss in the garbage for mess-free cleanup. Since it breaks down in as little as 30 days, it’s better for both your pipes and the environment.

Last but not least, you can use grease bags to properly dispose of cooking oils without damaging your plumbing or creating messes in your garbage bin. These are foil-lined to accommodate liquids up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. They also have fold-over seals that minimize leaks and prevent odors in your trash, and each one holds up to 22 ounces of drippings, fat, oil, or grease.

“Cracked or discolored caulk around bathtubs, showers, and sinks can detract from a home's aesthetics and allow moisture to seep in, causing potential damage,” says Al Fagundes, founder and CEO at A. Fagundes Plumbing & Heating. This three-in-one caulk tool has a stainless steel blade to remove old caulk, a plastic scraper to keep surfaces clean, and a rotating silicone spreader to smooth new applications. Its soft-grip handle also allows for comfort and control.

With over 1,000 five-star ratings, Flex Seal weatherproof caulk is a reviewer-favorite option for sealing sinks, tubs, toilets, trim, backsplashes, doors, windows, light fixtures, and more — especially because its trigger-flow nozzle doesn’t require a caulk gun. Made from hybrid polymers that resist shrinking, cracking, and discoloration, the formula adheres to almost any surface, wet or dry, to create a secure seal that locks out moisture and air.

• Available styles: 8

According to Fagundes, homeowners can tackle “simple plumbing tasks like replacing a faucet” with just a little bit of research. Made from lead-free stainless steel with a brushed gold finish (or four other color options), this bathroom sink faucet has earned an average 4.6-star rating from over 5,100 reviewers. It has two lever handles and a swivel spout, and it takes about 15 minutes to install with its included supply lines and matching pop-up drain.

• Available styles: 11

“When replacing plumbing fixtures or appliances, opt for durable and reliable options to minimize the risk of future repairs,” Fagundes says. With an average 4.6-star rating from over 54,000 reviewers, this rain showerhead is a bestseller on Amazon because it’s easy to install without tools and is surprisingly well-made for the price. It also aims to boost water pressure and create a spa-like experience with its 8-inch design.

• Available sizes: 6-inch — 8-inch
• Available styles: 27

Fagundes recommends that everyone has a plunger on hand — “a basic but essential tool for unclogging drains.” Thanks to its accordion-like bellows structure, this highly reviewed option is designed to remove stubborn blockages with less effort. Its lip-free design aims to minimize splashing while its 11-inch handle comes off for compact storage, and in addition to toilets, you can also use it on sinks.

• Available styles: 6

Alternatively, this heavy-duty plunger is built with commercial-grade rubber, and its extendable cup works on both toilets and drains. The set also includes a storage stand with a lid that opens automatically as you grab the plunger and a ventilated design that encourages moisture to evaporate quickly, minimizing the growth of germs and mildew.

• Available styles: 3

“An adjustable wrench is useful for tightening loose nuts and bolts on various plumbing fixtures,” says Fagundes. This one is available in five sizes with a heat-treated steel construction for durability, a tension-spring mechanism for easy adjusting, and wide-capacity jaws that aim to tighten a range of fasteners. It also has thousands of five-star reviews.

• Available sizes: 6 inch — 12 inch

“I also like to keep a set of flathead and Phillips screwdrivers for various repairs,” Fagundes says, and this Craftsman screwdriver set has an average 4.8-star rating. It comes with eight tools, four of which are slotted and four of which are Phillips, and two are especially compact for travel or tight jobs. They’re all made from metal with grippy handles and black oxide tips for durability.

If you’re low on storage space, a multi-screwdriver is a great tool to have in a pinch. Its magnetic tip allows you to swap out the bit as needed for various jobs, while the integrated organizer holds the 12 other included bits inside the cushion-grip handle. It also has an adjustable-length blade, which you can shorten or extend depending on the scope of the job. Get it in red or blue.

• Available styles: 2

According to Fagundes, a bright flashlight is “essential for inspecting dark areas behind appliances or under sinks” — plus it’s a good thing to have in case of emergencies. This two-pack of tactical flashlights has racked up over 6,900 five-star ratings because of their ultra-bright 500-lumen beams. They’re battery-operated with three adjustable brightness settings, a durable aluminum design, and zoomable beams to concentrate the light.

For quick spot checks wherever you go, this Streamlight pocket mate flashlight attaches to your keychain with its spring-loaded carabiner — or it has a clip on the back so you can slide it onto the bill of your hat. While it’s compact and lightweight with a recessed button to avoid accidentally turning it on, this thing still packs a punch with its 325-lumen beam that reaches up to 76 meters away. Its rechargeable battery also lasts for up to an hour on its lowest setting.

• Available styles: 4

"Winters can be brutal in many regions throughout the country, and freezing temperatures pose a significant risk to plumbing systems,” says Fagundes. “To prevent exposed pipes from freezing, homeowners should wrap their pipes with insulation.” With strong adhesive on one side and thick insulation on the other, this bestselling freeze-protection tape wraps around pipes to trap the heat in. It comes in various sizes and designs to suit a range of environments and plumbing configurations.

• Available sizes: 2 in x 14 ft — 10 in x 14 ft
• Available styles: 6

You can also use heat tape to prevent pipes from freezing, according to Fagundes. This self-regulating heat tape plugs into a nearby outlet and uses a built-in thermostat to automatically adjust its output to suit the ambient temperature, which prevents freezing and overheating. Available in tons of sizes, it’s also ETL-certified.

• Available sizes: 3 Feet — 160 Feet
• Available styles: 2

“If your pipes freeze, NEVER use a torch or open flame to thaw pipes,” which increases the risk of fire, says Fagundes. Instead, “apply heat gradually by using a hairdryer or warm towels to slowly thaw the frozen section. If the problem persists, contact a qualified plumber immediately." These microfiber towels are ideal for messy jobs due to their lint-free material that you can wash hundreds of times — and they’re great for cleaning, too.

• Available sizes: 8 — 150
• Available styles: 10

“One common home problem that I have encountered is very old wiring that may become a source of fire,” says Adam Bushell, director and electrician of AB Electrical & Communications in Sydney. “One of the easiest solutions is to fit circuit breakers with [GFCI] protection, [which] can switch off the power supply in the blink of an eye if they sense a fault to avoid mishaps and loss.” While Bushell says that only professionals should complete installations, you can purchase these GFCI circuit breakers on Amazon.

• Available sizes: 15 Amp — 30 Amp
• Available styles: 2

“Another danger is overloaded extension sockets which are quite common in households which consume a lot of power,” says Bushell, who recommends replacing “the existing boards with surge-protected boards or provide additional circuits to avoid heating and possible fire." Plug this power strip into an open outlet to gain six new AC outlets, which rotate so you can use all of them simultaneously despite bulky adapters. It’s also fireproof and grounded with built-in surge protection for safety.

Cluttered charging areas aren’t just an eyesore; they can also pose a risk to kids and pets. This power strip is designed to streamline your charging area into a neat, safe desktop station with its 10 outlets and four USB ports. It also has a 6-foot cord with insulated copper wire, plus it’s surge-protected with an overload protection switch.

• Available sizes: 6 Ft — 15 Ft

“Investing in smart energy monitors is honestly a great idea to avoid costly and additional repairs in the near future,” says Bushell. “These monitors assist in detecting which appliances or circuits take too much power so that one can prevent wastage, damage, or excessive electric bills.” This option installs in most circuit panels using clamp-on sensors and lets you check your electricity usage in real time from an app on your phone.

• Available styles: 3

To track energy usage from individual electronics like lamps, fans, humidifiers, countertop appliances, holiday lights, and hair tools, place these smart plugs between the cord and the outlet. They also let you set automatic timers, turn them on and off from anywhere using an app on your phone, or control them with your voice alongside Alexa and Google Home systems.

• Available sizes: 1 Pack — 4 Pack
• Available styles: 3

In case of emergencies, Bushell always carries certain items in a toolkit, and that includes a “voltage tester to ensure the circuits are off.” This battery-powered option has a non-contact inductive probe that senses both standard- and low-voltage power near strips, outlets, and supply cords. It both beeps and lights up, plus it has a built-in flashlight for dim environments.

• Available styles: 3

Bushell also always comes prepared with a “good-quality insulated screwdriver,” which is flame-resistant to protect the user from electricty. This insulated screwdriver set includes three tools (a Phillips, a flathead, and a square tip) for a variety of jobs, but they’re all rated for 1,000 volts with cushion-grip handles and bright orange designs for quick identification.

• Available styles: 4

"It's never too late to start preventing damage in your homes,” says Bushell, who recommends “a set of good quality wire strippers,” which “come in handy for multiple home repairs and small projects.” Made from high-carbon steel with a padded, slip-resistant rubber handle, these cut, strip, bend, and clamp a huge range of wire sizes, plus they’re capable of cutting screws, too.

"Installing a battery backup for the garage door opener is an effective way to safeguard against unexpected power outages and reduce the risk of incidents when manually operating the door,” says Michael Brickner, president of Precision Garage Door Service.” This Chamberlain opener system connects to an app on your phone via Bluetooth so you can control and monitor your garage door from anywhere, and its battery backup means it works even when the power is out. If you’re concerned about compatibility with older units, Brickner recommends that you “consult a reputable garage door professional in your area."

• Available styles: 2

According to Kunz, buckets are a must-have cleanup essential for any homeowner. This O-Cedar EasyWring system has an average 4.6-star rating from a whopping 265,000-plus reviewers on Amazon. It comes with a triangular-shaped mop with an extendable handle, a foot-operated spin bucket for hands-free wringing, and an absorbent, removable microfiber mophead that you can wash in the machine.

• Available styles: 4

Kunz also recommends rags, which are an affordable solution for sustainable cleaning. Like paper towels, these microfiber cloths come in a convenient tearaway roll, but unlike paper towels, they’re made from 175 gsm material that’s washable and reusable up to 50 times each. Since they’re super absorbent, lint-resistant, and streak-free, they’re great for wiping up spills, polishing glass, and cleaning a huge range of different surfaces.

• Available sizes: 75 pack — 150 pack
• Available styles: 14

Joel Worthington (president of Mr. Electric) recommends GFCI outlets, which interrupt power in case of a ground fault to prevent electric shock. “These outlets should be installed in kitchens, bathrooms, and outside areas of the home,” says Worthington. This tamper-resistant option comes in six color options and a range of designs. It has an average 4.7-star rating from over 16,000 reviewers who say it’s reliable and easy to install.

• Available styles: 6

“Some good items to have on hand are voltage testers or multimeters,” says Worthington. The AstroAI digital multimeter tester helps you detect electrical issues before they become a problem. By measuring voltage, current, and resistance with its dual prongs, it lets you test batteries and troubleshoot outlets, fuses, and circuit breakers. It also has built-in overload protection and a large digital display.

• Available styles: 2