The Most Common "Temporary Fixes" That Aren't Temporary in Utah Homes
We've all been there. Something breaks, you don't have time to deal with it properly, and you slap on a quick fix with the full intention of coming back to do it right. "I'll get to it this weekend," you tell yourself.
Fast forward six months, or six years, and that duct tape is still holding your pipe together. That "temporary" shim under your deck railing? It's basically load-bearing now.
We get it. Life is busy. But here's the thing: Utah's unique climate turns those band-aid solutions into ticking time bombs faster than you might think.
Let's talk about the most common "temporary" fixes that Utah homeowners make, and why they almost always lead to bigger, more expensive problems down the road.
Why Utah's Climate Is Especially Tough on Quick Fixes
Before we dive into the specific fixes, it's worth understanding why Utah is particularly unforgiving when it comes to half-measures.
As we covered in our post about why Utah homes age differently, our state throws a lot at your home. We're talking:
Extreme temperature swings , From blazing summer heat to freezing winter nights, sometimes within the same week
Low humidity , Dries out materials like wood, caulk, and sealants faster than in humid climates
High elevation , Increased UV exposure breaks down adhesives and plastics quicker
Freeze-thaw cycles , Water gets into cracks, freezes, expands, and makes small problems into big ones
That "temporary" fix that might last years in a milder climate? In Herriman or Sandy, it can fail much faster than in milder climates. And when it does, you're usually looking at way more damage than you started with.
The Duct Tape Pipe "Repair"
Ah, duct tape. The unofficial mascot of temporary repairs everywhere.
Pipes wrapped in layer upon layer of duct tape and electrical tape seem like a great way to stop pesky leaks. Sometimes there's even plastic wrap involved. It's creative, we'll give you that.
Here's the problem: duct tape adhesive breaks down when exposed to moisture. And Utah's dry air actually accelerates that process because the tape dries out, loses its grip, and eventually fails, usually at 2 AM on the coldest night of the year.
What started as a small pinhole leak becomes a burst pipe, water damage, and potentially mold remediation. What starts as an easy pipe repair can easily turn into a $5,000 headache.
The fix: If you notice a leak, shut off the water to that line and call a professional right away. A proper repair takes an hour or two. Ignoring it takes months off your home's life.
The "Quick Patch" Drywall Job
We've all seen it, maybe even done it. A hole in the drywall gets covered with a piece of cardboard, some spackle slapped on top, and a coat of paint that doesn't quite match.
"Good enough for now," right?
Here's what happens in Utah: our dry climate causes drywall and joint compound to behave differently than in humid areas. Poorly applied patches crack faster. They don’t restore the wall’s integrity, which can allow moisture or pests to continue entering.
Even worse, many of these quick patches hide underlying issues. That hole in your bathroom wall might be covering up water damage or mold. That crack in your living room could indicate foundation settling, a real concern in parts of Sandy, Herriman, and Utah Valley where soil conditions vary widely.
The fix: Proper drywall repair isn't just cosmetic. A handyman Bountiful Utah or anywhere in the valley can assess what's behind that wall before patching it correctly with the right materials and finish.
Deck Shims That Become Structural
Got a wobbly deck railing? Shove a shim in there. Post not quite level? Wedge something underneath.
We see this constantly on decks throughout the Salt Lake Valley. And look, shims have their place. But they're meant for fine adjustments during installation, not as a permanent structural solution.
Utah's freeze-thaw cycles are brutal on decks. Wood expands and contracts. Posts shift. And those shims? They work their way loose, split, or rot. Suddenly your "stable" railing isn't so stable anymore.
This is especially concerning in areas like Herriman and Riverton where many homes have elevated decks. A failing railing at height isn't just an inconvenience, it's a safety hazard.
The fix: If your deck is showing signs of instability, it's time for a proper assessment. A handyman Herriman or Salt Lake Valley handyman can evaluate whether you need minor repairs or if there are bigger structural issues at play. Check out our spring home prep checklist for deck inspection tips.
Caulk: The Universal "Solution"
Caulk is amazing. It seals gaps, prevents drafts, and keeps water out. But somewhere along the way, it became the go-to fix for problems it was never meant to solve.
Cracked tile? Caulk it. Gap in the siding? Caulk it. Window frame pulling away from the wall? You guessed it, caulk.
The issue is that caulk is a sealant, not a structural repair. In Utah's climate, caulk dries out and cracks faster due to our low humidity and UV exposure. When it fails, all those underlying problems you covered up are still there, often worse.
Some homeowners use caulk used to "fix" everything from leaky windows to foundation cracks. Spoiler alert: it doesn't work for long, and it often masks issues that need professional attention from a home remodel contractor Utah families can trust.
The fix: Use caulk for what it's meant for, sealing joints and small gaps. For anything structural or water-related, call in a pro.
Extension Cords as Permanent Wiring
This one genuinely worries us.
It starts innocently enough. You need an outlet where there isn't one, so you run an extension cord. Maybe you tuck it under a rug or along the baseboard. Temporary, right?
Except now it's been there for three years, and you've plugged a power strip into it with six devices attached.
Extension cords are designed for temporary use. They're not rated for permanent installation, especially not under rugs where they can overheat. In dry climates like Utah, the fire risk increases.
The fix: If you need more outlets, get them installed properly. A professional can often add outlets affordably, and it's infinitely safer than that daisy-chained extension cord situation you've got going.
The Real Cost of "I'll Fix It Later"
Here's what we've learned after years of home repair Salt Lake and surrounding areas: the cost of a proper repair is almost always less than the cost of fixing what happens when a temporary repair fails.
That $200 plumbing fix? It can cost up to $3,000 when the pipe bursts and floods your basement.
That $150 drywall repair? It can run up to $2,500 when you discover mold behind the patch.
That $400 deck repair? Costs might get as high as $8,000 when the whole structure needs replacing because the support posts rotted out.
We're not trying to scare you, okay, maybe a little: but we want you to understand that "temporary" fixes have a way of becoming permanent problems. And Utah's climate accelerates that timeline.
When It's Time to Call the Pros
Look, we're not saying every little thing needs a professional. But if your temporary fix involves any of the following, it's time to pick up the phone:
Water or plumbing : Leaks don't fix themselves and always get worse
Structural elements : Decks, railings, load-bearing walls, foundations
Electrical : Never worth the risk
Anything that's been "temporary" for more than a month : At that point, it's not temporary anymore
Whether you're in Sandy, Bountiful, Herriman, Magna, West Valley City, or anywhere in the Salt Lake Valley, our team at Your Handyman Pros is here to help you turn those band-aid fixes into proper repairs.
Check out our post on common home repair mistakes for more on what to avoid, or swing by our Pro Tips page for seasonal maintenance advice.
Because the best time to fix something right is before the temporary fix fails. The second best time? Today.
Your Handyman Pros serves homeowners throughout the Salt Lake Valley, including Sandy, Herriman, Bountiful, Riverton, Magna, West Valley City, and Utah Valley. Contact us for a free estimate on turning your "temporary" fixes into permanent solutions.
