Repairs

Repairs are actions taken to restore the function, safety, or appearance of an object or system after damage, wear, or failure. A repair aims to return a device to its previous condition without complete replacement of the unit. Repairs occur in many contexts, including homes, vehicles, electronics, and civil infrastructure.

Typical repair processes involve several steps: assessment and diagnosis to identify the fault; planning the remedy; acquiring replacement parts or repair materials; performing the repair through appropriate techniques; testing to verify performance; and documenting the work for records and future maintenance.

Common examples include: household repairs such as fixing plumbing leaks, repairing electrical outlets, patching walls, or servicing appliances; automotive repairs such as brake service, engine diagnostics, or transmission work; electronics repairs such as replacing faulty components or solder joints; and structural or infrastructure repairs such as crack sealing, reinforcement, or resurfacing.

In regulated domains—such as gas installations, electrical systems, medical devices, and critical infrastructure—repairs may require licensed professionals and adherence to safety codes and standards. Repairs can be cost-effective and environmentally beneficial by extending the life of products and reducing waste, but some repairs may be uneconomical or unsafe and lead to replacement instead.

Preventive maintenance, routine inspections, and proper use of documentation help extend service life and reduce the likelihood of major failures. The accessibility of professional repair services and do-it-yourself options varies by product type, cost, and local regulations.