Common Plumbing Problems & Solutions

Clogs are the most common plumbing problem. Bathroom clogs usually involve hair and soap buildup—try a drain snake or enzymatic cleaner before chemical drain cleaners (which can damage pipes). Kitchen clogs often involve grease—pour boiling water mixed with dish soap to help dissolve. Plungers work well for toilet clogs. If clogs recur frequently or won't clear, call a plumber for professional drain cleaning.

A running toilet wastes up to 200 gallons daily and is usually an easy fix. The most common cause is a worn flapper—the rubber seal at the tank bottom. Other causes include a faulty fill valve, improper float adjustment, or a leaky flush valve. Replacement parts cost $10-30 at hardware stores. If DIY replacement doesn't solve it, call a plumber to diagnose less common issues.

A dripping faucet wastes thousands of gallons annually. Most leaks are caused by worn washers, O-rings, or cartridges inside the faucet. Replacement parts are inexpensive, and online tutorials cover most faucet types. Turn off water supply valves before disassembly. If you're uncomfortable with the repair or have an expensive or unusual faucet, a plumber can fix it quickly.

If pressure is low at one fixture, the aerator may be clogged—unscrew it and clean or replace it. Low pressure throughout the home may indicate: partially closed shut-off valve (check water meter and main valve), corroded pipes restricting flow, municipal supply issues, or a leak in your system. Widespread pressure problems warrant professional diagnosis.

No hot water from an electric heater may be a tripped breaker or failed heating element. Gas water heaters may have pilot light issues or thermocouple failures. Rumbling noises indicate sediment buildup—flush the tank annually. Rusty water suggests internal corrosion. Leaks from the tank usually mean replacement is needed. Many water heater issues require professional repair due to safety concerns.

A humming but non-spinning disposal is usually jammed. Turn it off, use an Allen wrench in the bottom to manually rotate the blades, and remove the obstruction with tongs (never your hand). A disposal that won't turn on may need its reset button pressed or a tripped breaker reset. Grinding sounds indicate hard objects inside. Persistent problems or leaks usually need professional attention.

DIY is appropriate for simple, accessible issues you feel comfortable tackling. Call a professional for: anything involving gas lines, problems you can't clearly diagnose, issues behind walls or under floors, work requiring permits, persistent problems that keep returning, and any situation where you're unsure. The cost of professional service is almost always less than the cost of water damage from a failed DIY repair.