Handymen say your home needs these important — but unexpected — things (& they're so cheap)

If you have stairs to your attic, you may not realize how much heat or AC is being lost because of them. That’s exactly why Miko Pasanen, owner of general contracting firm Miko LLC, recommends using a reflective cover, such as this double-layer attic insulator. “This acts like a lid on a coffee cup, keeping your expensive warm air inside the house,” he explains. “It is an ugly but highly effective way to lower your monthly utility bills.”

A faucet cover like this is an essential for preventing your outdoor faucet from freezing in icy weather. Brian White, Commercial President of Accurate Heating, Cooling & Plumbing says this works to “trap heat around the faucet while blocking cold air and wind,” which he says “[helps] prevent water from freezing inside the pipe and prevent it from bursting during cold weather.”

Easy to install and made of heavy duty foam, this cover has a 4.6-star overall rating which indicates it gets the job done.

You might not realize it, but outlet plates can be a secret source of drafts blowing into your home. These foam gaskets are a simple and inexpensive fix recommended by Miko Pasanen, owner of general contracting firm Miko LLC. Outlet plate-ready pads that help keep cold air from coming through, these come in a pack of 30 and are so easy to use. “Sealing every outlet in the house is a cheap project that makes a big difference in how cozy a room feels,” Pasanen affirms.

Brian White, commercial president of Accurate Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, tells Mic that foam pipe insulation sleeves are one of his favorite budget-friendly picks for the home. These are pre-slit so that they’re easy to slip on, can be cut to size, and come in a pack of six. White says they work to “[insulate] exposed HVAC condensate drain lines and refrigerant lines to eliminate sweating, improve efficiency, and avoid water damage.”

You can monitor conditions with precision with this digital plug controller — it’s accurate to 0.1 degree Fahrenheit. It can switch between heating and cooling modes, and is suitable for controlling and monitoring space heaters and fans, and even greenhouses and incubators.

A pick from Brian White, commercial president of Accurate Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, he recommends this to “monitor your HVAC runtime and alert you to unusual patterns” and calls it “a reliable, early warning system between your annual service visits.”

Whether due to frozen pipes, an emergency situation, or limited access to safe water when camping and beyond, water purification tablets are “that thing you never think of in normal situations but become essential,” says Glenn Gault, CEO at Gault Heating & Cooling.

Just drop a tablet into up to 2 liters of water, and it’ll work to purify and make it safe for drinking by removing 99.9999% of bacteria, 99.99% of viruses, and 99.9% of cysts — and it won’t leave behind a weird taste.

Keep this spray foam sealant in your home to effectively fill cracks and gaps in surfaces ranging from wood to brick, stone, metal, and PVC. “This stuff is magic when used carefully,” raves Andriy Boyko, owner and founder of AO Handy. “It seals gaps around windows, pipes, vents, and foundation cracks, helping with insulation, pest control, and drafts.” One can costs about as much as lunch and makes for a quick and easy way to solve so many common home issues.

This professional-level, 25-foot plumber’s snake is a valuable tool for the arsenal of any homeowner (or renter). The flexible hose is sturdy enough to power through tough clogs but still maneuverable enough to get around tight bends. It comes with a drill attachment and gloves and can be used in nearly any household drain.

“It saves a plumbing call,” says Robert Schwachenwald, owner at Bizzy Bee Plumbing Inc., who recommends keeping one on hand so you’re not scrambling when a clog hits.

Commercial president of Accurate Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, Brian White, advises using insulated covers on outdoor faucets, and these protective covers are made of insulated fabric that slides onto faucets like a sock — secure with the hook-and-loop closure. They help keep ice and cold weather away, and are a useful item to help prevent dreaded pipe bursts, as White shares.

If you live in an older home or just want added peace of mind, this outlet tester is a simple way to check what’s happening behind the wall plate. Nord Restoration co-owner Robert D’Amato recommends using this tool to detect common wiring faults before they turn into larger electrical problems. This one has a bright LED display so it’s it easy to read, and the auto-hold feature allows you to plug this into hard-to-reach spots.

Recommended by Robert Schwachenwald, owner at Bizzy Bee Plumbing Inc, this plumber’s putty is a “very inexpensive” staple used for “setting drains, faucets, and other fixtures.” Made of durable silicone, it’s designed to create a waterproof, bacteria-resistant seal — and shoppers have given it more than 6,000 five-star ratings. “Very durable plumbing putty, sealed on the first use,” one shopper wrote.

A toilet tank flapper is one of those parts most homeowners never think about, but replacing it every few years can prevent serious water waste — because deteriorating flappers “can waste hundreds of gallons of water a month,” says Brian White, commercial president of Accurate Heating, Cooling & Plumbing.

Flappers control the water flow from tank to bowl when flushing, and White recommends replacing them “every two to three years, even if they seem fine.” This durable silicone option is easy to install and designed to last.

If you have pipes that are prone to leaking or areas that are difficult to check regularly, smart water detectors can offer early warning. These devices send alerts directly to your phone when they detect moisture, so you can act before significant water damage occurs.

Nord Restoration co-owner Robert D’Amato recommends placing them under sinks or near water heaters, because this “alerts you before a small drip becomes a major flood.”

Scuffs and dings on walls, doors, and furniture can look unpleasant, but doesn’t necessarily require re-painting everything. In most instances, you can get away with a little touch up. Owner and founder of AO Handy, Andriy Boyko, shares, “Touch-up pens matched to your wall or trim color are cleaner and faster than dragging out a whole paint can,” adding, “I keep one in my toolbox and one in my junk drawer — they make a house look ‘fresh’ in five minutes.”

This touch-up paint comes in a set of three common colors — with various other options available — and have easy brush applicators that are as simple as swiping on nail polish.

A slippery shower floor can be dangerous for people of all ages, which is why adding a grippy bathtub mat is a smart preventative step. This mat has a soft yet textured top for grip, with hundreds of powerful suction cups on the bottom to help it stay securely in place. Robert D’Amato, co-owner of Nord Restoration calls it a solution that’s “simple, cheap, and effective.”

“Drafty doors and windows quietly waste money,” says Andriy Boyko, owner and founder of AO Handy, who recommends combating this with foam or rubber weatherstripping. Made of durable rubber foam, this seal is self-adhesive, so it’s a breeze to use for keeping drafts out of your home. Boyko adds, “It’s one of the cheapest ways to improve comfort without touching your heating system.”

Even small gaps around windows or roof flashing can let wind and moisture into your home over time. Mike Feazel, CEO of Roof Maxx, recommends using exterior-grade silicone caulk to seal vulnerable areas before problems develop, calling it “critical to help weatherproof your home.”

Sealing those seams is a simple preventative step, and this 100% silicone formula is waterproof, weather-resistant, and made to last.

The green and brown stains left behind from moss, mold, mildew, and algae are more than cosmetic. “Moss holds water like a sponge and will rot your shingles in just a few seasons,” warns Miko Pasanen, owner of general contracting firm Miko LLC.

He recommends keeping a bottle of moss remover on hand to get rid of stains and kill off moss and mildew in the process. There’s no scrubbing involved — just spray and let it sit. Pasanen affirms, “Spending thirty dollars on a preventative spray now keeps you from needing a ten thousand dollar roof replacement much sooner than expected.”

Instead of waiting for a clog to form, regularly using an enzyme drain cleaner can help keep drains clear. Megan Doser, owner of Doctor Fix It Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, explains, “An enzyme drain cleaner is basically an army of bacteria and enzymes that ‘eats’ all dirt accumulated inside the drains when you pour it down.”

Using this once a week helps break down grease before it can harden, helping keep pipe walls clean, which is especially ideal for preventing kitchen sink clogs.

Cleaning tile and grout doesn’t have to mean scrubbing on your hands and knees. This long-handled grout scrub brush features stiff V-shaped bristles designed to get rid of dirt, grime, and buildup in every nook and cranny while allowing you to work comfortably upright.

Seth Wuollet, owner of Midwest Flooring, describes cleaning with this kind of brush as, “Cheap, weirdly satisfying, and makes old floors look brand new.”

Made of flexible wire rod with stiff bristles, drain cleaning brushes are a “wonderful tool for weekly drain cleaning,” says Glenn Gault, CEO at Gault Heating & Cooling. He adds, “Shower and bathroom sink drains accumulate a lot of hair over time that can work as fishing nets for soap scum and other debris.”

This set offers two drain cleaning brushes of different lengths, with stiff bristles — a Gault recommendation as these work well at grabbing and holding onto hair. It also comes with a bonus crevice-cleaning brush.

Sealing pipe connections properly can help prevent small water or gas leaks from turning into bigger problems. Robert Schwachenwald, owner at Bizzy Bee Plumbing Inc., recommends plumber’s tape: “Wrap it around any plumbing connection before you tighten it,” he advises.

Each roll in this eight-pack is over 43 feet long, offering loads of length for multiple uses — it’s also designed to handle high temperatures. It’s an inexpensive addition to any toolbox that can help cut down on water or gas leaks.

It’s easy to forget about your gutters until they’re suddenly clogged and causing potentially pricey problems. Installing simple gutter strainers can help prevent that in the first place.

“These sit right in your downspout and prevent clogs from leaves and roof granules,” says Mike Feazel, CEO of Roof Maxx. These are made of durable and waterproof aluminum, and are flexible enough to bend and fit into place while still holding their shape. It’s a small addition that helps keep water flowing where it should.

If you don’t already protect your floors by covering up the legs of your furniture, these silicone covers are an easy place to start. “Super cheap, almost invisible, and a total lifesaver for hardwood or vinyl,” says Seth Wuollet, owner of Midwest Flooring.

Made from flexible silicone with a soft felt bottom, they fit most chair legs and help prevent scratches without being noticeable.

“This little metal dish doesn’t look impressive, but it saves your sanity,” affirms AO Handy owner and founder Andriy Boyko. “Toss screws, nails, drill bits, or random hardware in it and they stay put — even on ladders or sloped surfaces.”

These magnetic trays come in a set of three sizes and feature a strong magnetic base with a rubber coating to prevent scratches. They’re especially useful for keeping small hardware from disappearing mid-project.

Miko Pasanen, owner of general contracting firm Miko LLC, recommends having one of these four-way sillcock keys in your home. “This small metal tool lets you turn water on or off at valves that lack handles, which is common on commercial or sturdy residential exteriors,” he explains. “If a handle snaps off during a freeze, this tool is the only way to stop the flow quickly.” This is a set of two that’s suitable for electric, water, gas valves, and more, and has a 4.7-star overall rating.

“Got a small leak or a stubborn shingle gap? A tube of liquid rubber can fix it fast,” Seth Wuollet, owner of Midwest Flooring, tells Mic. This sealant is designed to keep water, air, and moisture out while preventing leaks and you can paint over it if needed. The clear formula can be brushed, rolled, or poured on, and is temperature- and UV-resistant, so should hold up well over time.

Wuollet adds, “[It’s] cheap and actually lasts. Way better than calling a roofer for every drip.”

Cleaning your gutters is a messy but necessary job, and using the right tool makes the job easier and more efficient. Andriy Boyko, owner and founder of AO Handy, says using a gutter trowel “fits the shape perfectly and lets you clear leaves fast without destroying the gutter or your gloves.”

This has a deep, curved scoop designed to get all the gunk in there, and make it easy to toss away. It’s also lightweight and durable. “Small tool, big difference,” Boyko affirms.

Keeping your bathroom stocked with this odor-blocking toilet spray will make both family members and guests extremely appreciative. “This [...] comes as an oil-based spray and creates a thin layer on the toilet bowl water that prevents odors from escaping,” explains owner of Doctor Fix It Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, Megan Doser.

This sea salt and eucalyptus scent is refreshing and the bottle has a surprisingly attractive design.

Open outlets are like magnets for babies and toddlers, which is why covering unused ones is a simple safety step. Robert D’Amato, co-owner of Nord Restoration, recommends outlet safety caps as an easy solution. Simply place them in unused outlets to block access — the transparent color makes them subtle and they’re inexpensive enough to keep on hand, even if you only occasionally have young children in your home.

Make the most of your heating or air conditioning by ensuring outdoor air isn’t sneaking in. Commercial president of Accurate Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, Brian White, recommends using a door draft stopper because they “seal gaps under doors to reduce heating and cooling loss.” This can help save energy and cash over time, which is always a good thing. This has a versatile fit and is gentle on your floors.

“Water does sneaky damage over time,” owner and founder of AO Handy, Andriy Boyko, tells Mic. He recommends using gutter splash guards because they “direct water away from fascia and siding” and act as “cheap insurance against rot and paint failure — especially around corners and roof valleys.”

Made of sturdy aluminum, these guards clip into place to help redirect runoff and reduce long-term wear on your home’s exterior.

Brand new garage doors are surprisingly expensive, especially if you’re replacing one mostly for looks. Instead of springing for a full upgrade, consider adding magnetic garage door accents. Designed to attach easily and remove just as simply, they offer a quick visual refresh without the cost or commitment of a full replacement.

They “snap right onto the metal without any tools or drilling,” says Miko Pasanen, owner of general contracting firm Miko LLC. “From the sidewalk, it looks like a custom wood carriage door. It is a weirdly fast way to make your home look more expensive.”

AO Handy founder and owner Andriy Boyko recommends using hair catchers over your drains, and these disposable shower drain stickers could not be a more convenient option. Made of a very fine mesh with a waterproof adhesive, they stick over the drain to capture hair or other debris before it goes down. Because these are disposable, you can just toss them once they’re covered.

Small but mighty, these adhesive bumper pads subtly muffle sound, especially useful if your cabinets “[sound] like a drum circle,” jokes Green Leaf Air home expert Walter E. Bennett. “It makes a cheap kitchen feel like a custom, high-end build instantly,” he adds.

These can be placed in strategic spots so that if someone goes to slam a cabinet door, it will soft close instead, helping prevent damage. Bennett also has an install tip: “Clean the surface with rubbing alcohol first.”

Once you use this paint can lid once, you’ll never want to go without it. Made of thick, flexible silicone, this has a spout that makes it so simple to pour out paint without making a huge mess. It’s easy to wipe clean and you can still stack other paint cans on top of it for storage.

Recommended by Walter E. Bennett of Green Leaf Air, he says, “It snaps onto the rim. When you're done, the lid seals perfectly, and your paint doesn't dry out and turn into a giant rubber puck.”

If you’ve got leaks under your sink, a faulty P-trap may be the culprit. “Swap out a leaky, misaligned P-trap under the sink with this kit that requires no soldering or glue,” instructs Robert Schwachenwald, owner at Bizzy Bee Plumbing Inc. Designed with a flexible, universal fit, this no-tools-required kit simplifies what might otherwise feel like a complicated plumbing task so that even beginners can take it on.

“A little tape saves major touch-ups,” attests Nord Restoration co-owner Robert D’Amato. So, if you’re doing any painting at all, you should be using this painter’s tape. The strong adhesive can stay on surfaces for up to 14 days without budging, but won’t leave behind sticky residue that could potentially ruin your paint job. It helps you “achieve crisp lines” and is also excellent for protecting trim, according to D’Amato.

Preventing hair and other debris from going down the drain is key to avoiding pricey clogs. These silicone hair catchers sit over flat drains to snag potential clog material before it slips into the pipes, and they’re easy to remove and clean.

Using these means “fewer chemical drain cleaners and fewer plumber calls,” affirms Andriy Boyko, AO Handy owner and founder. “Not glamorous, but incredibly effective.”

Deploying a garage door seal helps keep the elements outside, which makes things inside comfier. CEO of Roof Maxx, Mike Feazel, recommends this, telling Mic, “It keeps out water, bugs, and drafts and most importantly [...] helps regulate the inside temperatures which is especially valuable if your garage is connected to your home.”

Made of heavy-duty rubber, this can be cut to size and comes with silicone sealant for a tighter barrier.

This heavy-duty magnetic strip is simple but surprisingly handy. Use it as a way to store your most-used tools neatly and off the floor in the garage or shed — doing so “[saves] your back, your tools, and your concrete from scratches,” says Seth Wuollet, owner of Midwest Flooring. And if your tools are in good order, it works for hanging knives in the kitchen to save drawer space.

Megan Doser, owner of Doctor Fix It Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, tells Mic about a surprising use for mineral oil. She suggests keeping some on hand for rarely used bathrooms — such as in vacation homes — to prevent sink and shower drains from releasing sewer gases.

“If not used for weeks or months, water in the P-trap evaporates and sewer gases have a path inside the home,” Doser says. To seal things up, she recommends running water for 60 seconds, then pouring 3 tablespoons of mineral oil down the drain and leaving it without rinsing.

Versatile, too, you can use this same oil to revitalize wooden countertops and cutting boards.

If you’re installing tile yourself, leveling wedges can help keep everything aligned while the adhesive sets.

“They’re oddly satisfying to use and prevent lippage — which is the fancy word for tiles sticking up unevenly and looking sloppy,” explains Andriy Boyko, owner and founder of AO Handy.

This kit includes 100 reusable wedges, along with 300 tile spacer clips and a tile plier. These tools help keep tiles lying flat and even while the grout sets so they look neat and tidy when you’re finished.

If you notice your toilet wobbling or catch a whiff of sewer gas, it could be an issue with the flange (the piece between the toilet and the floor). Robert Schwachenwald, owner at Bizzy Bee Plumbing Inc, recommends checking — and repairing — the flange, which this flange repair kit makes easy. This fits any standard toilet, helps to set the wax ring on top of the flange, and has a flexible gasket that creates a more secure seal.

Walter E. Bennett, handyman with Green Leaf Air, calls this mushroom-shaped hair catcher “The Plumbing Lifesaver.” It inserts into your drain and captures hair beneath the drain so it doesn’t create an eyesore.

Bennett adds, “Chemical cleaners eat your pipes from the inside out. Instead, grab a TubShroom. [...] It’s gross to clean, but it's a hell of a lot better than paying me $200 to snake a line.”

The long, 11-inch arm on a basin wrench like this “reaches the nuts behind the sink that most of us cannot reach,” notes Bizzy Bee Plumbing Inc. owner Robert Schwachenwald.

This also features a spring-loaded jaw and a swiveling head to grip and hold nuts firmly, making it easier to work in tight spaces. It’s made of durable high-carbon steel for long-term use.

This silicone sealant tape comes in a roll that measures 26 feet long, has an easy adhesive backing, and helps seal gaps around doors and windows without being noticeable. This “[looks] like nothing is there, and stops that ‘haunted house’ whistle coming from the front door,” affirms Walter E. Bennett of Green Leaf Air. He adds, “It’ll pay for itself in heating bills in one month.”

Don’t underestimate how much proper lighting can change the feel of a space. These wireless puck lights are an easy add — just stick them underneath cabinets or in a closet and they’ll add a nice glow, plus they’re battery-powered for easy use.

“No wiring, no tools — just click and you’ve got light,” shares Andriy Boyko, owner and founder of AO Handy. “I install these all the time for homeowners who are tired of fumbling in the dark.”

“Those little dents behind door handles add up fast,” says owner and founder of AO Handy, Andriy Boyko. “A simple rubber or metal wall protector saves your drywall and paint from constant repairs.”

This door stopper is an essential. Made of stainless steel, the stopper end installs on the door using the included adhesive or screws, and you can stick the magnetized base on the wall or floor. It will help protect your drywall and paint, and Boyko calls it “one of those ‘why didn’t I do this sooner?’ items.”