When you see a quote for $10, a price point often used in misleading ads to attract attention. Also known as a bait-and-switch starter rate, it rarely covers the full cost of real plumbing or construction work. That $10 might be for a single faucet washer, a 15-minute diagnostic call, or just the first step in a job that’ll cost 10 times more. Most homeowners get fooled by these numbers—thinking they’re getting a deal—only to later find out the real price is hidden in fine print or added on after the work starts.
Real plumbing and construction jobs don’t work like that. Fixing a leaky pipe under your sink isn’t $10. Replacing a broken water line? Not even close. Even simple tasks like installing a new toilet or repairing a cracked foundation involve labor, materials, permits, and expertise. A plumbing repair, a common home maintenance task requiring trained professionals usually starts at $150–$300, depending on complexity. A foundation repair, a structural fix that prevents long-term damage to your home can easily run $5,000 or more. The $10 tag is just a hook—it’s not the price, it’s the trap.
Why do companies use $10? Because it works. People click. They call. And then the real conversation begins: "Well, we can do that part for $10, but your pipes are 30 years old, your water pressure is too high, and your slab’s shifting—here’s the real quote." That’s the game. But you don’t have to play it. Look for contractors who give clear, upfront estimates. Ask if the price includes labor, materials, disposal, and warranty. If someone says "it’s just $10," ask them to put it in writing—and mean the whole job, not just a tiny piece of it.
The posts below show what really matters when you’re spending money on your home. From foundation cracks that cost thousands to fix, to why insurance won’t cover broken pipes under your slab, to how kitchen remodels eat up budgets faster than you think—these aren’t hypotheticals. These are real problems real people face. You’ll see what $10 can’t do, and what actually works when you need to protect your home. No fluff. No gimmicks. Just what you need to know before you hand over your money.
