Plumbing emergencies can arise unexpectedly. You might find no water or only cold water when going to take a shower, or the toilet may overflow with dirty water. Leaking kitchen pipes could also cause a mess.
The good news? You can fix these minor plumbing issues.
Common Plumbing Issues
You won’t know when or how, but you can expect the following plumbing problems.
Clogged Drains
Drains often clog from accumulated hair, soap scum, or debris. Clearing them typically requires a plunger, drain snake, baking soda and vinegar treatment, or a plumber for severe clogs. Installing drain screens can help collect hair and debris before going down the drain. Routinely pouring boiling water down sinks and showers melts soap buildup.
Using a monthly drain-clearing product breaks up debris, and having drains professionally cleaned every year or two prevents clog recurrence.
Dripping Faucets
Leaking faucets waste hundreds of gallons yearly, increasing bills. Drips often occur when washers or o-rings wear out. To fix a dripping faucet, first turn off the water supply valves under the sink. Then, disassemble the faucet handle and replace old washers and gaskets. Make sure you reassemble the parts properly. If drips continue, replace the entire fixture.
Running Toilets
Constantly running toilets usually means the flapper valve isn’t sealing properly after flushing. Replacing the flapper is an easy fix.
First, try jiggling the flush lever to dislodge any debris. Make sure the chain connecting to the flapper isn’t too tight, preventing a complete seal. Then, replace the old rubber flapper valve itself and adjust it to sit properly over the flush valve opening.
Slow Drains
Partial clogs or buildup in pipes slow water drainage from sinks, showers, and tubs over time. Using a zip-it drain cleaner can hook up hair clogs for removal. Using a homemade baking soda and vinegar treatment also helps dissolve soap buildup.
For tough clogs, snaking the pipes manually scrapes the insides. Removing the p-trap under sinks gives access to clean out debris as well. Preventatively applying an enzymatic drain cleaner monthly breaks up grease before it clogs. For extreme cases, a professional drain cleaning service can hydro-jet the pipes.
Pipe Leaks
Unfixed leaks lead to excess water waste, property damage, and mold risks. Signs of a water leak include higher-than-normal water bills, newly visible water spots on structures or drywall, musty smells indicating mold, sounds of running water in walls, and low water pressure.
To fix a leaky pipe, first turn off the main water supply before attempting repairs. Then, wear protective equipment when making fixes, and replace any worn washers, bolts, or fittings causing drips. For larger pipe leaks beyond DIY capabilities, have a professional plumbing service handle the necessary repairs.
Water Heater Problems
Failing water heaters normally start wearing down after 8 to 12 years. Issues include changes in hot water temperature, higher energy bills, strange noises, or corrosion and leaks. Maintaining heaters properly keeps them lasting longer. Annually draining sediment prevents buildup inside the tank. Testing the temperature and pressure relief valve confirms it can open if overheating occurs. Keeping exhaust vents clear allows proper airflow. Replacing anode rods on schedule protects the tank lining from corrosion.
Addressing any small leaks quickly prevents further damage. Knowing when to replace the entire unit based on age or failure signs saves on repairs long-term.
DIY Attempts
Follow these tips when making plumbing repairs solo:
- Turn off the main water lines before starting. This allows for a safe fix environment.
- Have all needed tools and parts ready beforehand to avoid delays.
- Use protective goggles, gloves, and waterproof clothing for messy jobs. Quality gear prevents injury.
- Keep emergency plumbers’ contact information handy in case problems worsen beyond DIY skills. Calling the pros prevents further building issues.
See these additional resources for each of the DIY projects in this article:
See these useful tutorials on common fixes:
Should You DIY Plumbing?
In summary, DIY solutions can be cost-effective for minor plumbing issues. However, problems like considerable leaks, burst pipes, or clearing severely clogged drains require the technical expertise of professionals, specialized equipment to access problem areas, and skills to contain contamination risks.
Scheduling preventive maintenance service calls also makes regular upkeep more affordable over time compared to emergency repairs only when issues arise. Evaluate your exact plumbing situation realistically beforehand when deciding whether a DIY attempt makes sense, as certain complex jobs may require building permits and compliance with local codes, too.
FAQs About Common Plumbing Problems
Are plumbing issues seasonal or unpredictable?
Both seasonal usage patterns and outdoor temperatures contribute to clogs behind walls and pipe cracks over time. Unexpected breaks needing repairs can also happen anytime, whether due to aged fixtures reaching their lifespan or accidental property damage.
What does a typical plumber visit cost?
The average plumber charges $45 to $150 per hour, with $75 as a common nationwide rate. The exact hourly service price depends on local costs of living and the complexity of diagnostic and repair work needed during a given house call to resolve the issues at hand.
Can I become contaminated by sewer gasses during repairs?
Yes, it is possible. Methane, hydrogen sulfide, and other toxic gasses can leak from damaged plumbing into living spaces and enter the lungs. Take safety precautions by ventilating rooms while making repairs and wearing proper protective gear like respirator masks if needed. Consider hiring professional expertise instead to prevent avoidable exposure risks DIY repairs may cause when dealing with raw sewage.
Why does my water bill suddenly spike upwards?
Noticeable spikes in water usage charges on bills generally indicate an undetected leak has sprung. Sources allowing previously wasted flow without flooding visibility include leaking taps or pipes, unsealed running toilets, malfunctioning appliances like dishwasher connections, as well as irrigation system holes. Conduct thorough inspections around the house and compare longer-term water usage history on statements to help pinpoint the source.
