Hey there, fellow homeowners! 👋🏠 Today’s blog post is all about common plumbing problems and how to fix them. Plumbing can be a bit of a mystery, but with a little bit of know-how, some handy tools, and a willingness to get your hands dirty, you can tackle some of the most common plumbing problems around your house. So, let’s dive in!

1. Dripping Faucets

Drip…Drip…Drip…It’s time to fix that annoying dripping faucet. A dripping faucet can waste gallons of water per year, increasing your utility bill and wasting natural resources. The cause of a dripping faucet is usually a worn-out washer or O-ring. Luckily, replacing these parts is a straightforward fix. Turn off the water supply to the faucet, disassemble the faucet handle, and replace the washer or O-ring with a new one. 🚰💦

A close-up of a faucet

2. Leaky Pipes

Leaky pipes can cause water damage to your home and lead to mold growth. The first step to fixing a leaky pipe is to locate the source of the leak. Check for water stains on the ceiling or walls, wet spots on the floor, or a decrease in water pressure. Once you’ve identified the problem area, turn off the water supply to the affected pipe. You can fix small leaks with epoxy putty or a pipe clamp, but larger leaks will need a full pipe replacement.🚰💧

A plumber fixing a leaky pipe

3. Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are a common plumbing issue that can be caused by a variety of factors such as hair, soap, food particles, and mineral buildup. The first step to fix a clogged drain is to remove visible debris. Use a plunger or a plumbing snake to remove any obstructions from the drain. You can also use baking soda and vinegar to break up tough blockages. If none of these methods work, it might be time to call in a professional plumber.🚰🚿

A clogged drain with a plunger next to it

4. Running Toilets

A running toilet can waste a significant amount of water and lead to higher utility bills. The most common cause of a running toilet is a faulty flapper, which is a rubber seal at the bottom of the tank. To fix a running toilet, replace the flapper with a new one. You can also check the water level in the tank to make sure it’s not too high.🚽💦

A toilet with the tank lid removed

5. Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure can be frustrating, especially in the shower or when washing dishes. The cause of low water pressure can be a clog in the aerator of the faucet, a broken pressure regulator, or a leak in the pipes. Start by removing the aerator from the faucet and cleaning it with vinegar to remove any mineral buildup. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace the pressure regulator or call in a plumber to identify and fix the cause of low water pressure.🚰🚿

A close-up of a faucet aerator

6. Water Heater Issues

A malfunctioning water heater can cause cold showers, water leaks, and other issues. The first step to fixing a water heater is to identify the problem. Check the heating element, thermostat, and pressure relief valve for any malfunctions. You can also flush the tank to remove sediment buildup. If you’re not sure what’s causing the problem, it’s best to call in a professional plumber to diagnose and fix the issue.🚰🔥

A water heater with a wrench next to it

7. Sewer Line Backup

A sewer line backup is a messy and unpleasant situation that can result in sewage backing up into your home. Signs of a sewer line backup include multiple clogged drains, gurgling sounds coming from the toilet, and sewage odors inside and outside your home. If you suspect a sewer line backup, turn off the water supply to your home and call in a professional plumber immediately.🚰💩

A man using a plumbing snake in a sewer line

8. Sump Pump Failure

A sump pump is a device used to prevent flooding in your home by pumping water out of the basement or crawl space. If your sump pump fails, it can lead to water damage and mold growth. Signs of a failing sump pump include strange noises, a buildup of water in the sump pit, and a foul odor. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to call in a professional plumber to fix or replace your sump pump.🚰⛈️

A sump pump in a basement

9. Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes can burst and cause significant water damage to your home. Prevent frozen pipes by insulating pipes and allowing a small stream of water to drip from faucets during freezing temperatures. If a pipe does freeze, turn off the water supply and use a hairdryer or space heater to thaw the pipe. Never use an open flame to thaw a frozen pipe.🚰❄️

A close-up of an insulated pipe

10. Noisy Pipes

Noisy pipes can be annoying and disruptive to your daily life. The most common cause of noisy pipes is water hammer, which is caused by the sudden change in water flow when a faucet is turned on or off. To fix noisy pipes, install water hammer arresters or replace any old or worn-out pipes.🚰🔇

A plumber installing a water hammer arrester

That’s it for our list of 10 common plumbing problems and how to fix them. Remember, if you’re not comfortable fixing any of these issues yourself, always call in a professional plumber.💧👨‍🔧