Five Common Plumbing Problems and How To Fix Them Yourself

Dealing with plumbing issues is a reality of homeownership. While some plumbing problems require the expertise of a professional, there are many common issues you can tackle on your own.

Here’s a look at five typical plumbing problems, tips for DIY solutions, and insights into when you may want to seek professional help—especially for more extensive plumbing and repipe services.

1. Leaky Faucets

One of the most common household plumbing problems is a leaky faucet. While it may seem minor, a dripping faucet wastes a significant amount of water over time and can lead to increased water bills.

Beyond the waste, the constant dripping can become an annoying soundtrack in your home.

Cause and DIY Solution: Leaky faucets are typically caused by a worn-out washer or O-ring, both of which are easy to replace. Begin by shutting off the water supply to the faucet.

This can usually be done by turning the valve under the sink. Then, use a wrench to take apart the faucet. Examine the washer and O-ring, which are usually located at the base of the faucet handle.

If they look worn or cracked, they need to be replaced. Most hardware stores carry these parts, making this a quick and affordable DIY fix.

When to Call a Professional: If you have attempted to replace the washers and O-rings but the faucet still leaks, there could be an issue deeper in the plumbing.

In such cases, contacting a professional plumber will help you avoid unnecessary water waste and potentially costly water damage.

2. Clogged Drains

Another common plumbing problem in most households is a clogged drain.

This issue is especially frequent in kitchen sinks due to food particles, grease, and soap scum that can accumulate over time, as well as in bathroom sinks and shower drains due to hair and soap residue.

Clogged drains lead to slow drainage, unpleasant odors, and even water backups.

Cause and DIY Solution: If you have a clogged drain, you can often fix it with a few basic household supplies. A mixture of baking soda and vinegar is an effective solution for minor clogs.

Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of vinegar. Let the solution fizz and sit for about 15 minutes, then flush it with hot water.

If this doesn’t do the trick, a plunger or a drain snake can also help break up the blockage.

For tougher clogs, consider using a plunger on sinks and drains to remove trapped debris. For shower drains, you may need to remove the drain cover and use a snake to reach deeper blockages.

When to Call a Professional: If you’ve tried these methods and still experience slow drainage, you may have a more serious blockage further down the pipe.

A professional plumber has the tools and expertise to remove tough clogs, clean the pipes effectively, and even check for potential damage that could require repiping.

3. Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure is a frustrating issue, often caused by mineral build-up in faucet aerators and showerheads.

However, low pressure throughout the house could indicate a larger problem, such as pipe corrosion, hidden leaks, or issues with the municipal water supply.

Cause and DIY Solution: Start by checking the water pressure in multiple fixtures around the home. If it’s only one or two fixtures with low pressure, the problem is likely localized.

Unscrew the faucet aerator or showerhead and soak it in a vinegar solution to dissolve any mineral deposits. Rinse it thoroughly before reattaching.

When to Call a Professional: If the water pressure is consistently low throughout the home, it could be a sign of corroded pipes or leaks in your plumbing system.

In cases like this, professional inspection and plumbing and repipe services are often required.

A plumber can assess the condition of your pipes and recommend either repairs or a whole-home repiping if the system is severely corroded or damaged.

4. Running Toilets

A running toilet is a common issue that can waste a significant amount of water if left unchecked.

If you hear the toilet constantly running or refilling, it’s a sign that one of the internal components may need attention.

Cause and DIY Solution: The most common cause of a running toilet is a faulty flapper valve that no longer seals properly.

The flapper sits at the bottom of the toilet tank and lifts when you flush, allowing water to enter the bowl.

If the flapper is worn out, water can leak from the tank to the bowl, causing the toilet to run continuously.

Replacing a flapper is relatively simple and inexpensive; most home improvement stores carry universal flapper replacements that fit most toilet models.

If replacing the flapper doesn’t stop the running, check the fill valve and float. Adjusting the float to the correct level can help regulate the water in the tank.

When to Call a Professional: If the problem persists after replacing the flapper and adjusting the float, it’s time to call a plumber.

The issue may be with the fill valve or other internal components that require more advanced repairs. Professional plumbers can diagnose the problem and prevent potential water waste.

5. Burst Pipes

Burst pipes are a serious issue that can lead to substantial water damage. Pipes typically burst due to freezing temperatures, but aging pipes or increased water pressure can also lead to breakage.

Cause and DIY Solution: If a pipe bursts, the first thing you should do is shut off the water supply at the main valve to prevent further flooding.

While a burst pipe is usually a job for professionals, you can make a temporary patch using materials like epoxy putty or a pipe repair clamp.

These materials can temporarily stop the leak while you wait for professional help.

To prevent burst pipes, insulate pipes in colder parts of the house, such as basements, crawl spaces, and attics. During extreme cold, allowing faucets to drip can help relieve pressure and prevent freezing.

When to Call a Professional: If you experience frequent issues with burst pipes, it may be time for a full repiping solution.

Super Brothers’ plumbing and repipe services offer durable, modern materials like PEX or copper piping to replace aging systems, reducing the risk of burst pipes and improving water flow.

When DIY Isn’t Enough

While many plumbing issues are manageable with basic DIY skills, there are situations where it’s best to call in the pros.

If you encounter repeated issues, multiple clogs, widespread low water pressure, or constant leaks, these may be signs of deeper problems in your home’s plumbing infrastructure.

Professional plumbing and repipe services provide a comprehensive solution to major plumbing issues, offering improved reliability and longevity.

Super Brothers specializes in whole-home repiping, helping homeowners address longstanding issues and providing efficient, modern plumbing solutions.

Final Thoughts

Owning a home means taking on the responsibility of maintenance, including addressing common plumbing problems.

Knowing how to tackle minor issues can save you time and money, but being aware of when to call a professional is equally important.

By staying proactive with small repairs and knowing when to rely on plumbing and repipe services, you can maintain a safe and functional plumbing system in your home.

For major issues and reliable expertise, Super Brothers is ready to provide the support you need for plumbing services, leak repair, and repiping assistance.