The 10 Most Common Plumbing Issues and How To Fix Them

Is there water where it shouldn’t be? Are your pipes making strange noises? Dealing with plumbing problems is never fun, but it’s an inevitable part of home ownership. While some issues require calling in a professional, many common plumbing problems can be addressed on your own, saving you time and money.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through diagnosing and fixing the 10 most frequent plumbing dilemmas faced by homeowners. Read on to add these essential repairs to your DIY skillset. You’ll be thankful for the knowledge when faced with that next leaky pipe or clogged drain!

Introduction

Having a basic understanding of common plumbing repairs is an invaluable asset for any homeowner. Plumbing issues left unaddressed can lead to water damage, mold growth, higher utility bills, and even flooding. Being able to troubleshoot and fix minor problems independently will save you money on costly emergency plumbing call outs.

This guide will arm you with the knowledge to tackle many basic plumbing repairs yourself. We’ll walk through the ten most widespread plumbing headaches, explain their common causes, and provide actionable steps for diagnosing and addressing each problem. From dripping faucets to frozen pipes, you’ll learn how to fix some of the most vexing yet frequent plumbing issues.

With this DIY plumbing advice under your belt, you’ll be able to quickly stop leaks, get your water flowing again, and prevent small problems from turning into costly disasters. Let’s get started!

Dripping Faucets

The sound of water steadily dripping from the sink can drive homeowners crazy. Beyond the annoyance, a leak can waste hundreds of gallons of water annually. Dripping faucets are often caused by worn washers or O-rings that need replacing. Here’s how to fix them:

What You’ll Need:

• Adjustable wrench
• Replacement washers or O-rings

Step 1: Turn off the water supply valves under the sink.

Step 2: Take the faucet apart using your adjustable wrench. Place parts neatly in order.

Step 3: Locate the worn rubber washer or O-ring and remove it. Bring it to the hardware store to find an exact replacement.

Step 4: Replace the washer or O-ring with the new one. Reassemble the faucet.

Step 5: Turn the water back on and test for leaks. If it still leaks, you may need to replace more washers or tighten connections.

Stopping that water torture one drip at a time will make your home quieter and your water bill lower. Next up: tackling clogged drains.

Clogged Drains

Few things are more annoying than standing water in your shower or sinks that drain slowly. Clogged drains can occur in any area of the home, with different causes requiring different unclogging methods. Here are tips for clearing the most common clogs.

Kitchen Sink Clogs

• Try using a plunger to force the clog free. Cover overflow opening first.
• Flush with boiling water. Repeat if needed.
• Use a wire coat hanger or zip-it tool to fish out debris.
• Pour 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup vinegar down the drain, wait 10 minutes, then rinse with hot water.

Bathroom Sink Clogs

• Remove the drain stopper and clean excess hair or debris that may be trapped.
• Use a wire coat hanger or zip-it tool to loosen the clog.
• Flush with boiling water. Repeat if needed.

Shower and Tub Clogs

• Remove the drain cover and use a wire coat hanger or zip-it tool to pull up hair and soap scum.
• Pour 1/4 cup baking soda, followed by 1 cup vinegar down the drain. Wait 10-15 minutes then rinse with hot water.

Preventing Clogs

• Use drain screens to catch hair and debris in sinks and tubs.
• Pour boiling water down seldom used drains weekly to keep them clear.
• Limit grease poured down kitchen drains.

With a few simple tools and techniques, you can keep your drains free of clogs and running smoothly. Now let’s look at diagnosing and addressing constantly running toilets.

Running Toilets

Toilets that run nonstop can use hundreds of gallons of excess water per day and damage your home with leaks. There are several easy-to-fix culprits that can cause your toilet to endlessly run.

Common Causes:

• Flapper valve – If the flapper at the bottom of the tank is worn out or misaligned, it allows water to continuously flow into the bowl. Replacing a faulty flapper valve is an easy DIY fix.
• Float ball – If the float ball is set too high, the tank water level will be too high and water will spill into the overflow tube. The float ball height can be adjusted easily by bending the float rod.
• Fill valve – If the fill valve isn’t shutting off completely, water will continuously enter the tank. The valve may need cleaning or the float adjusted. If not repairable, the fill valve will need replacing.

To Stop a Running Toilet:

Step 1: Remove the tank lid and flush to observe where issues are occurring.

Step 2: If it’s the flapper, remove and replace it with a new valve.

Step 3: If it’s the float ball, gently bend the rod down to lower the water level.

Step 4: If it’s the fill valve, clean debris off it and adjust float. Replace if needed.

Step 5: Test flush several times to confirm the running sound has stopped.

By proactively addressing constant running, you can avoid considerable wasted water. Up next, we’ll review how to tackle pesky leaky pipes.

Leaky Pipes

Occasional drips from pipes can escalate into major leaks, causing water damage and mold growth if neglected. There are several temporary fixes for leaky pipes you can do until a pro can permanently repair them.

Identify the Leak Location

• Check where pipes intersect, joints, valves, and fittings for drips first.
• Next, examine areas behind dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerators, and pipes under sinks.
• Look for visible water damage on walls or ceilings indicating a hidden leak.

Temporary Fixes

• Tighten any loose pipe connections gently with an adjustable wrench.
• Clamp a piece of rubber over small leaks as a temporary seal.
• Place a bucket under leaks and mop up water until it can be repaired.
• Shut off main water valve if large leak occurs and call a plumber immediately.

Preventing Leaks

• Inspect exposed pipes several times per year for small drips starting.
• Check under sinks routinely for early signs of leaks.
• Replace old corroded pipes and connections proactively.

Don’t let small drips turn into gushers. Be proactive by routinely inspecting for plumbing leaks and addressing them promptly.

Up next, a common yet easily correctable issue: insufficient water pressure.

Low Water Pressure

Few things are as frustrating as turning on a faucet or shower and getting just a trickle of water. While there are several possible causes, low water pressure is one of the easiest home plumbing problems to troubleshoot yourself.

Common Causes

• Partially closed or rusted shut supply valves under sinks or at the main valve.
• Supply lines or aerators choked by sediment and minerals.
• Issues with your home’s main water pressure from the municipality.

Fixing Low Pressure

Step 1: Check faucet aerators for clogs and clean out sediment.

Step 2: Examine supply valves and open them fully if needed.

Step 3: Flush supply pipes by disconnecting them, placing them in a bucket and turning on to clear debris.

Step 4: If pressure is low throughout your home, call your local water department to check municipal supply pressure.

Step 5: If pressure issues persist, it may be time to replace old galvanized pipes. Consult a plumber.

Don’t tolerate weak water pressure. A few simple DIY steps can usually get your water flowing strong again.

Moving to the kitchen next, we’ll cover how to revive jammed garbage disposals.

Jammed Garbage Disposals

Is your garbage disposal humming but not actually grinding up food waste? Jams are a common garbage disposal issue that can often be fixed quickly with a few tricks.

Try the following to get your disposal working again:

• Insert an Allen wrench in the bottom of the disposal and rotate back and forth to dislodge jams.
• Pour ice into the disposal, allow to grind and flush with cold water. The ice chips can knock off debris stuck in the blades.
• Mix 1/4 cup baking soda with 1/2 cup vinegar and pour down disposal. Let sit 5-10 minutes before running cold water.

Prevent future jams by:

• Running plenty of cold water when using the disposal to flush debris through.
• Avoid putting fibrous foods like celery down the disposal to prevent clogs.
• Cleaning disposal often by grinding up ice cubes.

Taking time to unclog and maintain your garbage disposal will keep it odor and jam free for years to come.

Up next, we’ll review how to address one of the most potentially damaging plumbing issues, a leaking water heater.

Leaking Water Heater

Few plumbing problems can cause as much catastrophic damage as a leaking water heater. Being able to recognize and temporarily stop water heater leaks can help prevent flooding and water damage until repairs can be made.

Signs of a water heater leak include:

• Visible water around the base of the heater.
• A faint hissing sound coming from the unit.
• Condensation or damp drywall on surfaces near the water heater.

To temporarily stop leaks:

• Turn the water heater’s circuit breaker off immediately but leave gas/pilot valve on.
• Turn the temperature dial on the unit down to its lowest setting.
• Shut off the cold water supply valve leading to the tank.
• Open a hot water faucet to allow pressure release.
• Place a bucket or pan under the leak to catch drips until it can be repaired.

Preventing leaks:

• Drain and flush heaters annually to prevent sediment buildup inside the tank.
• Test temperature and pressure valve for proper functioning each year.
• Replace units that are over 10 years old.

While major water heater leaks need pro repair, a few strategic steps can minimize damage in the interim.

Nearing the finish line, we’ll look at how to address pesky sewer backups next.

Sewer System Backup

One of the messiest and most unpleasant plumbing issues is when the sewer line backs up, sending sewage back through pipes and drains into your home. Luckily, you can take quick action when this occurs to limit damage.

Signs of a sewer backup:

• Sewage and waste water overflowing from floor drains or toilets.
• Gurgling sounds from toilet or sink drains.
• A distinctly unpleasant sewage odor.

How to Respond:

• Discontinue all water use in your home to limit backup.
• Wear rubber gloves and boots, cover nose/mouth area when clearing overflow.
• Use a plunger to try clearing clog gently. Avoid overflowing more waste.
• Contact a 24 hour emergency plumber if you can’t clear the blockage.

Preventing Backups:

• Don’t pour grease down sinks or drains. It can coat and clog pipes.
• Install proper underground sewer line cleanouts for access if clogs occur.
• Have old sewer lines video inspected for problems and replace deteriorating pipes.

While an uncommon issue, being prepared to respond quickly to a sewer backup can help contain a messy situation.

Last but not least, it’s time to talk about preventing and thawing frozen pipes.

Frozen Pipes

As temperatures dip below freezing, the risk of frozen water pipes looms large. Thankfully, you can take proactive steps to prevent your pipes from freezing and minimize damage if they do.

Signs your pipes are frozen:

• Little or no water comes out of faucets.
• Pipes feel unusually cold to the touch.
• High pitched cracking or banging noises come from pipes.

Thaw pipes safely:

• Keep faucets at a trickle. The flowing water helps prevent re-freezing.
• Apply a heating pad, hot water bottle or hot towel over the frozen section.
• Use a hairdryer on its lowest setting pointed at the frozen area.
• Never use open flames or high heat such as a blowtorch to thaw pipes.

Freeze prevention:

• Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses. Shut off and drain pipes leading to outside faucets.
• Seal air leaks in crawl spaces or basements near plumbing.
• Maintain moderate indoor temperatures. Let warm air inside circulate around pipes.

Don’t leave your home and pipes vulnerable this winter. With proper preparation and quick response, you can avoid paying the price for frozen pipes.

Conclusion

Is your head spinning after reviewing these common plumbing pitfalls? The good news is that by understanding the causes and solutions for these frequent issues, you’re prepared to handle them confidently on your own.

Taking the initiative to undertake basic plumbing repairs translates to savings on costly emergency plumber house calls. And being able to quickly stop leaks and flooding helps minimize water damage and costly repairs. Before tackling more complex plumbing problems, consult a professional to determine if it’s DIY appropriate. But for many nuisance plumbing issues, a little knowledge can go a long way.

The next time you hear the ominous sounds of dripping water, gurgling pipes, or a toilet running amok, review this guide. Arm yourself with the right tools and knowledge, and you can skillfully take on many basic plumbing repairs yourself. Your home and wallet will thank you.

FAQs

What are signs I may have a hidden leak in my home?

Signs of a potential hidden leak include an unexplained spike in your water bill, musty odors indoors, and condensation or mold on walls or ceilings. Use a leak detector tool or call a plumber to track down the source of hidden leaks before major water damage occurs.

How can I clear a clogged tub drain without chemicals?

Try removing the drain cover and using a wire coat hanger or zip-it tool to manually pull up hair and debris clogging the drain. You can also try plunging the drain before resorting to chemical drain cleaners.

Why does my toilet make noises even after I stop flushing?

If your toilet runs intermittently after flushing, it likely has a failing flush valve, also called a tank ball. Replacing this inexpensive part should stop the noise and prevent wasted water.

What should I do if a pipe bursts in my home?

A: If you have a full blown pipe burst, immediately shut off the main water valve for your home to limit flooding. Turn off power at the circuit breaker if water is near electrical appliances. Call an emergency plumber to make repairs and use towels to soak up excess water.