Top 10 Common Plumbing Problems and How to Fix Them

Learn to identify and fix common plumbing issues before they get worse

Homeowners encounter plumbing emergencies through unanticipated water noises at night and drain blockages during the day. Plumbing problems generate various levels of frustration by creating inconvenience and occasionally turning into messy situations. You can solve various common plumbing issues through do-it-yourself repair efforts and fundamental tools, needing only a small amount of time and patience.

We will present the ten most encountered plumbing problems in American dwellings, followed by their repair guidance, including when you should consider professional plumbing assistance.

The Never-Ending Drip: Fixing a Leaky Faucet

The metronomic sound of dripping water both causes your annoyance and increases your expenses. Just one minor leak near your water meter will produce more than 3,000 gallons of wasted water during a year, while straining your wallet and the environment.

• Worn-out washers or O-rings



• Corroded valve seat



• Loose parts or deteriorated seals

• As a first step for maintenance, you need to turn off the water supply found below the sink area.



• The faucet handle should be removed with either an Allen key or a screwdriver.



• Check the cartridge together with the washer and O-ring for signs of damage and excessive wear.



• You can buy replacement parts for the faucet at any hardware store to correct defective components.



• Testing occurs by putting the faucet back in place while turning on the water flow.

A wall-mounted or complicated faucet requires expert assistance because it does not stop leaking after component replacement. Some designer and imported fixtures might need unique specialty tools, together with particular replacement parts.

Slow or Clogged Drains: Why the Water Won’t Go Down

Slow sink or tub draining signals the formation of a clog, which frequently results from collective material buildup, including hairs, kitchen waste, oils, soap residues, or washroom waste.

• Water boiling proves to be a safe solution that effectively breaks down grease accumulations.



• A plunger is great for bathroom sinks and tubs.



• For clogs deep inside pipes, homeowners should use a plumbing snake device.



• You can use a natural mixture of baking soda and vinegar by adding half a cup of each substance to the drain, followed by a fifteen-minute wait before releasing hot water through it.

To avoid drain clogs in the future, install a mesh drain catcher that needs regular cleaning and maintenance. Place kitchen foods and grease in the trash instead of the drain pipes.

Several drains stop working, or gurgling sounds combined with backup water require expert assistance to solve a main sewer line blockage.

Toilet That Won’t Stop Running: Water Wasted by the Gallon

A running toilet is more than a nuisance—it can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day. The problem is typically found in the tank and is often an easy fix.

• Faulty or worn-out flapper



• Improperly set or misaligned float



• Refill the tube by siphoning water into the overflow

• Remove the tank lid and observe the internal parts.



• Push down on the flapper—if the toilet stops running, it’s likely the cause.



• Replace the flapper or adjust the chain length.



• Ensure the float is set at the right level—not too high, not too low.



• Avoid placing the refill tube deeper than needed into the overflow pipe.

Low Water Pressure: When the Flow Slows to a Trickle

Your plumbing system may hold a larger problem when you notice that your water stream from your showerheads or faucets is barely noticeable.

• Sediment buildup in faucet aerators or showerheads



• Partially closed shut-off valves



• Pipe corrosion or leaks



• Malfunctioning pressure regulator

• Vacuum aerators and showerheads, and then submerge them in vinegar for an overnight solution of mineral deposits.



• You should purchase a home pressure gauge worth under $15 to check your water pressure levels. A suitable psi range is between 60 and 70.



• Openness must be confirmed for all shut-off valves.



• A concealed leak could be the reason for sudden pressure reduction, so inspect for any visible signs.

Reduced pressure affecting all areas of the home signals either a major leak, a damaged main line, or inadequate pressure regulator control.

Leaky Pipes: The Silent Structural Destroyer

A small leaking pipe that is left unaddressed will transform into notable mold growth and damage the drywall and create significant structural decay, particularly if located behind walls or underneath flooring.

• Indications of water damage include both water stains that appear on ceilings and drywall surfaces.



• Musty smells in cabinets or rooms



• There is water accumulating at the base of sinks and appliances.



• An unexpected spike in your water bill

• When facing small pipe leaks, wrap the area with plumber’s tape and rubber patches tightened by hose clamps.



• Epoxy putty serves as an effective solution for fixing small-sized holes and cracks that appear on accessible pipes.



• The leaking water can be gathered by placing a bucket directly beneath the area to stop damage while waiting for repair work.

Replacing specific pipe sections becomes necessary for dealing with persistent or widespread leakages. Properties with outdated plumbing systems that belong to older homes may demand complete or partial replacement of their entire piping network.

Clogged Toilet: When the Plunger Becomes Your Best Friend

A toilet's state of overfilling causes immediate panic for many people. The toilet pipes get easily obstructed because individuals flush way too much toilet paper, along with objects that should never fit inside the pipes.

• Excessive toilet paper



• Non-flushable items like wipes, feminine products, or paper towels



• Small random items that were accidentally disposed of into the bowl

• A flange plunger is necessary instead of a standard flat-bottom sink model. The flange creates a stronger sanitary seal because of its design for curved toilet drains.



• Use continuous force when plunging the drain for a duration of 15–30 seconds in order to break the clog loose.



• A toilet auger (also known as a closet auger) stands as a second option when the initial method fails. Insert the tool gently and apply the handle to break apart or remove the clogged material.

• You should exclusively use toilet paper and trash as flushing material.



• Do not put “flushable” wipes into the toilet since they do not break down similarly to regular toilet paper



• Non-toxic waste items should be placed in a nearby wastebasket for proper disposal.

You experience flush and clog problems that happen constantly across multiple toilets. A clog beyond your home sewer line may exist when you encounter these conditions.

Water Heater Woes: Cold Showers and Strange Noises

You should look into the issue if your shower water becomes cold while strange noises persist inside your water heater closet. Water heaters normally reach the end of their lifespan between eight and twelve years, yet may start showing problems beforehand.

• Sediment build-up in the tank



• Faulty thermostat



• The standard water heater problems stem from either a defect in the electric heating elements or gas ignition problems.

• Every year, you should drain and flush your water tank to eliminate sediment buildup. A garden hose attached to the drain valve enables you to flush out the water until it stays clear.



• West Estates recommends viewing the thermostat display for its proper operating temperature, which usually reaches 120°F.



• To use gas models safely, you should follow the manufacturer's instructions for relighting the pilot light.

• Your machine must function properly because it leaks water, along with rust development



• As soon as you detect natural gas odors, exit the area immediately while calling your gas utility.



• Having a heater that is beyond 10 years old and works inefficiently

Buy a tankless water heater to receive nonstop hot water while saving energy expenses through the heater's lifespan.

Garbage Disposal Not Working: The Kitchen’s Silent Stall

Your garbage disposal disappears in the middle of use or fails to switch on, which creates a complete kitchen work stoppage. Several problems can be solved through the execution of basic solutions.

• The disposal blades become trapped due to food debris or items.



• Hot conditions inside the motor trigger the reset mechanism to automatically shut down



• Burned-out motor

• Power off the disposal unit either through its breaker or by unplugging it from the circuit.



• The hex key that comes with the device should fit into the bottom hole and manually operate the blades.



• Find and click the reset button, which you will discover under the unit.

• Since the disposal is running with cold water, insert lemon pieces combined with baking soda before pushing the start button.



• Using rough chemical cleansers on the system will damage the internal parts.

• Grease and oil



• Eggshells



• The food processor must avoid processing celery stalks and corn hulls, or banana skins because these are made of tough fibers.



• Bones or fruit pits

When the disposal operates, it only produces sounds from its motor base while the blades remain stationary and avoids recurring reset requirements. Such symptoms indicate that the disposal needs maintenance or has a serious installation problem.

Sump Pump Failure: The Flood You Didn’t See Coming

A sump pump in your basement serves as your main flood-prevention device during intense rainfall. Water accumulation due to the failed operation of the system leads to fast water accumulation that results in significant damage.

• Strange noises or grinding sounds



• The pump keeps running without interruption, yet it also fails to initiate operations intermittently.



• Stale smells and wet areas are discoverable inside the basement

• You should verify that the pump functions by pouring water into the pit every few months.



• You should remove all debris from the pit while checking the float switch operation.



• Check to ensure that the discharge line does not contain any clogging or frozen substances.

• The pump fails to activate even when you carry out testing.



• The pump operates without success to stop water from overflowing.



• The regular flooding continues without an alternative pumping system available in your area.

Every storm-prone area should benefit from using a battery backup sump pump, which functions as a power backup during electrical failures.

Sewer System Backup: A Stinky, Serious Situation

A sewer system backup, which poses serious health and safety risks, becomes evident when various drainages get clogged while unpleasant scents permeate your living space.

• Tree root intrusion



• Collapsed or broken sewer lines



• Debris, together with grease, will block the main drain.



• Heavy rain overwhelms your system

• All water fixtures must remain inactive since flushing and washing, along with draining, should be avoided.



• All substances that are liquid or chemical should never be flushed down your drain system.



• Hire a licensed plumber to use a camera to investigate your sewer line condition.

• Hydro jetting eliminates grease and debris through high-strength water pressure.



• Pipe lining techniques allow professionals to fix damaged pipelines without performing any excavation work.



• The decision to replace sewer lines becomes necessary for tubes that have collapsed or when pipes exhibit severe forms of corrosion.

Every few years, homeowners should schedule a routine camera check of their sewer line, especially when trees surround the drainage pipes or the home is older than 1980, to minimize unexpected trouble.

Conclusion

Plumbing issues should not develop into situations beyond your control. Adopting proactive measures along with basic knowledge lets people stop plumbing problems from developing into bigger issues. Regular checks for early warning signals should be accompanied by scheduled maintenance techniques, and you must never be hesitant to perform casual repairs.