13 Common Plumbing Issues To Try Fixing Before Spending Money On Repairs

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Homeownership comes with its own share of challenges, but finding a leaking pipe or a mysterious puddle of water on the floor is among the most troubling.

Problems with plumbing can take on a variety of forms, and they occur more often in the absence of regular plumbing maintenance, from relatively small and inexpensive to a potential disaster that might destroy or severely damage property.

How to Fix Common Plumbing Problems

The majority of plumbing issues are quick fixes, provided that you have some basic tools and skills. Still, others may require a higher level of expertise and the services of a professional plumber.

Let’s go over common plumbing issues and how to fix them.

1. Dripping Faucets

Dripping faucets may be the most common plumbing problem but also the most ignored because they seem harmless. Still, a faucet that drips nonstop is a huge waste of water.

Fortunately, dripping faucets are easy to mend. The issue is often caused by a damaged washer, which means the dripping should stop after a new washer is installed. This is a relatively simple DIY that you can pull off on your own with a few basic tools and some knowledge of home repairs.

2. Clogged Drains

Another top contender, as far as common plumbing issues are concerned, is clogged drains. Everybody has experienced the inconvenience caused by a clogged drain at least once. Clogs are almost inevitable in sinks and shower drains due to the amount of dirt, fat, food, hair, and other foreign objects that pass through them daily. These things can accumulate and build up in the pipes, eventually making it nearly impossible for water to move through.

If the clogging isn’t that bad, though, all it should take is some hot water with vinegar and baking soda to unblock it. Deeper and more obstinate clogs, however, may necessitate the use of a plumber’s snake or, better yet, call in a professional plumber.

3. Leaky Pipes

Have you been noticing a puddle of water under your pipes? It’s one of the most glaring signs of leakage. Pipes leak for a number of reasons, including worn-out fittings, rusting, or erosion at the joints.

If the leak is minor, applying plumbers’ putty or fiberglass repair tape to the section should do the trick. If your pipes show evident indications of wear and tear, your best course of action is to contact your local plumbing company for professional advice and repair.

4. Faucet Leaks At Base When Turned On

When you turn on a faucet, you expect water to come out, but what if water comes from the faucet’s base? Not only is a leaky faucet annoying, but it also wastes water (and money) and makes a mess. Here’s how to troubleshoot.

5. Clogged Toilets

Is your toilet taking a lot longer to flush? Slow-flushing toilets are a typical sign of clogging, but don’t worry—you’ll usually be able to clear the obstruction using a plunger. If that does not work, try a toilet auger that grabs hold of the obstruction and pulls it back up into the toilet bowl.

6. The Toilet Tank Is Not Filling

If your toilet tank isn’t filling, it could be an issue with the fill valve or poor floater placement. These are simple to adjust to try and solve the problem. Adjusting the float should solve the problem. However, if the cause seems to be a malfunctioning component like a faulty water inlet valve or pressure switch, it’s best to call a professional plumber or appliance repair technician for diagnosis and repair.

7. Low Water Pressure

You turn on the faucet or the shower and there’s barely any water coming out. What could be the problem here? Water pressure, most probably.

There are several things that could affect the water pressure in your home. One of the most common is calcium or silt build-up in your shower head and faucet aerator. To remove deposits in your shower heads and aerators, soak them in vinegar overnight.

If this solution does nothing to improve the water pressure, contact your plumber because the problem must be with your pipes or the main water supply.

8. Malfunctioning Water Heater

Has your supposedly hot shower turned freezing cold? Something must be wrong with your water heater – anything from a silt build-up to a broken thermostat.

In some instances, flushing your water heater tank gets it to work properly again. If you don’t know the first thing about flushing a water heater or are unsure how to do it, it’s wise to leave the job to a plumbing professional to avoid causing further damage.

9. Main Water Line Break and Leaks

Breaks in the water main can happen in two ways: either the public distribution line itself fails or the delivery line that connects your home to the public main breaks. If it’s the former, you can do nothing but wait for your provider to fix it. As for the latter, the best thing you can do is enlist a trusted plumbing service.

Water main leaks, on the other hand, are less serious. However, you must address the issue immediately, or you might encounter a water main break in the future.

10. Sewer System Backup

Sewer system backups are probably the worst plumbing issue you’ll ever encounter. They usually happen due to a large clog or blockage, but they can also be caused by sewer line damage caused by tree roots and other underground hazards you’re not aware of.

If most of your drains are clogged and there’s a foul odor permeating your property, you may have a sewer problem to address.

There is no quick or temporary fix for a sewer backup. You must call a plumber immediately to assess the problem and perform the necessary repairs.

11. Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are a plumbing nightmare that can cause burst pipes and expensive water damage. They typically occur during cold spells when the water inside the pipe freezes and expands, putting immense pressure on the pipe itself.

The first step is to locate the frozen section. Usually, the culprit will be a pipe in an unheated or poorly insulated area, like an exterior wall, crawl space, or attic. If you suspect a frozen pipe, turn on the faucet nearest to the suspected frozen area. Even a trickle of water can help prevent the pipe from bursting.

Next, apply heat to thaw the ice blockage. Safe methods include using a hair dryer on a low heat setting, directing a space heater at the frozen pipe (keeping it a safe distance away), or wrapping the pipe with hot towels. Never use an open flame, as this can melt the pipe or start a fire. Once the blockage thaws, keep the faucet open to allow melted ice to flow freely.

If your pipe has already burst, you’ll need to immediately shut off the main water supply to your home to minimize flooding and water damage. Then, call a professional plumber to assess the damage and make repairs. By following these steps and taking preventative measures like insulating exposed pipes, you can avoid the headaches and costs associated with frozen pipes.

12. Washing Machine Overflow

A faulty washing machine hose or a clogged drain can cause the machine to overflow, leading to water damage. Signs of an overflow include a large puddle of water around the machine, a musty odor, and mold growth.

Disconnect the drain hose from the washing machine and the wall outlet. Check for any blockages like lint, debris, or foreign objects. You can use a long, thin object or a plumbing snake to clear the clog. Reconnect the hose, and check that the washing machine is properly leveled and the drain hose is securely fastened to prevent leaks.

13. Water Won’t Come Out Of Shower Head

When you’re expecting a relaxing hot shower, nothing’s worse than water barely coming out of the shower head. Whether you’re getting a slow trickle, an unevenly dispersed spray, or no water at all, it’s undoubtedly frustrating. If you’re dealing with a faulty shower head, your best first step is to make sure it’s clean. After a good cleaning, if it still gives you problems, you can move on to other troubleshooting steps. But first, here is an overview of the possible reasons water isn’t coming out of your shower head.