Plumbing emergencies can arise when you least expect them. You might go to take a shower and find no water, or just cold water. Or the toilet may overflow with dirty water. Leaking kitchen pipes could cause a mess.

The good news? You can fix these minor plumbing issues!

Common Plumbing Issues

You won’t know when, and you won’t know how, but you can expect these plumbing issues at some point:

1. Clogged drains: The drains for showers and bathroom sinks may often clog due to hair or soap buildup. Clearing the clog may require the use of a plunger or other professional instruments. Read: How to Unclog a Tub Drain

2. Dripping faucets: A leaking faucet can raise your water bill fast — all those drips add up! Read: How to Repair a Leaky Faucet

3. Constantly Running Toilet: Your toilet should flush when you press the handle, but what if the water keeps running long after that? Well, you have a constantly running toilet. Fortunately, there’s an easy way to fix it! Read: How to Fix a Running Toilet

4. Slow-draining sink: A blockage restricts the smooth flow of water through your kitchen sink. But you may not have to call a plumber to fix it. Read: How to Unclog a Sink Drain Fast

5. Pipe leaks: Left ignored for too long, leaking pipes can cause the loss of lots of water and cause major spikes in your water bills. Read: How to Repair a Leaking Buried Pipe

6. Water heater problems: Have you noticed your water becomes too hot or not hot enough? Are there weird banging and gurgling noises inside the water heater? First, identify the source of the trouble. Read: How to Maintain a Water Heater

When Doing It Yourself…

Follow these tips when you plan to do plumbing work by yourself:

1. Before you attempt a plumbing repair, turn off the main water supply.

2. Make sure that you have everything you need for the procedure before you start repairs.

3. Dress accordingly. Plumbing is messy; you will get dirty and wet in the process. Wear personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, gloves, and a mask, as needed.

4. Keep the phone number of an emergency plumber service handy in case anything goes wrong or you can’t fix the issue.

Read more: Top 5 DIY Plumbing Fixes Every Homeowner Should Know

Editorial Contributors
Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

Learn More