Repair

Repair is the process of fixing a nonfunctional or degraded object to restore its intended function and safety. It differs from maintenance, which aims to prevent failure through routine care, and from replacement, which substitutes the whole item when repair is not feasible or economical.

Repairs occur in many domains, including households, industry, and infrastructure. Types include mechanical repairs (such as fixing engines, machinery, or plumbing), electrical or electronic repairs (diagnosing faults, replacing components, or repairing circuits and wiring), and software or firmware repairs (updating or correcting code to restore functionality). In buildings and infrastructure, repairs address structural defects, leaks, or damage to systems like HVAC and water supply. Textile and paper conservations repair fabrics or documents, while preservation and restoration cover cultural objects and artworks, often with specialized standards.

The repair process typically involves diagnosing the cause of failure, disassembly or access to the faulty area, replacement or restoration of defective parts, reassembly, and testing to verify performance and safety. Access to correct parts, tools, documentation, and adherence to safety or industry standards influences outcomes. Some repairs require licensed professionals or certified technicians, especially in critical systems.

Repair has economic and environmental implications. It can extend product lifespans, reduce resource use, and lessen waste. Movements promoting the right to repair seek to ensure access to manuals, tools, and spare parts for consumers and independent technicians, influencing design practices and regulatory frameworks. Challenges include compatibility of components, safety concerns, and the availability of affordable, reliable parts.