10 Common Plumbing Issues and How to Fix Them

Few things disrupt your day faster than a dripping faucet, a backed-up drain, or—worst of all—a flooded basement. If you’re a homeowner in the U.S., you’re not alone: 90% of plumbing emergencies could’ve been avoided with timely maintenance, according to the American Society of Home Inspectors. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the 10 common plumbing issues and how to fix them, offering practical, step-by-step solutions you can try yourself—before calling a pro.

1. Dripping Faucet: Annoying and Wasteful

Why does my faucet keep dripping?
A dripping faucet isn’t just irritating—it can waste over 3,000 gallons of water per year, per the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

How to fix it:
Most drips stem from a worn-out washer or O-ring. Here’s how to repair it:

1. Turn off the water supply under the sink.
2. Plug the drain to avoid losing small parts.
3. Remove the faucet handle using a screwdriver.
4. Unscrew the valve stem and inspect the washer/O-ring.
5. Replace with an exact-match part from a hardware store.
6. Reassemble and turn the water back on.

💡 Pro tip: Use plumber’s grease on new O-rings to extend their life.

2. Clogged Drains: Slow Flow or Total Blockage?

Why do drains keep clogging?
Kitchen sinks clog from grease and food; bathroom drains from hair and soap scum. Over time, buildup restricts flow.

DIY solutions:

• For minor clogs: Pour ½ cup baking soda + ½ cup vinegar, wait 15 minutes, then flush with 2 liters of hot (not boiling) water at 50–60°C.
• For stubborn clogs: Use a plunger or a drain snake (available for under $20).
• Avoid chemical drain cleaners—they corrode pipes and are unsafe for septic systems.

⚠️ If water backs up in multiple fixtures, you may have a main sewer line clog—call a plumber immediately.

3. Running Toilet: Silent Water Waster

Why won’t my toilet stop running?
A running toilet can waste 200+ gallons per day. Common culprits: faulty flapper, float misalignment, or fill valve issues.

Fix in 5 minutes:

1. Lift the tank lid and flush to observe.
2. Check the flapper: If it doesn’t seal, replace it ($5 at any hardware store).
3. Adjust the float: Water should stop 1 inch below the overflow tube.
4. Test: Add food coloring to the tank. If color appears in the bowl after 10 minutes, you have a leak.

Bonus: Modern dual-flush toilets can reduce water use by 67%—learn more about water-efficient fixtures on Wikipedia .

4. Low Water Pressure: Weak Flow from Taps or Shower

What causes low water pressure?
Often due to mineral buildup in aerators, partially closed shutoff valves, or pipe corrosion—especially in homes built before 1980.

Quick fixes:

• Clean aerators: Unscrew faucet tips, soak in vinegar for 1 hour, scrub with an old toothbrush.
• Check main shutoff valve: Ensure it’s fully open.
• Inspect for leaks: Look under sinks and near the water heater.

If all fixtures are affected, your pressure regulator may be failing—time to call a licensed plumber.

5. Leaky Pipes: Small Drips, Big Damage

Where do pipes usually leak?
Under sinks, near joints, or at the water heater. Even a pinhole leak can cause mold, rot, or structural damage over time.

Temporary fix (until pro arrives):

1. Turn off main water supply.
2. Dry the pipe thoroughly.
3. Wrap with pipe repair tape or apply epoxy putty (e.g., JB Weld).
4. Monitor closely—this is not a permanent solution.

📊 Fact: The Insurance Information Institute reports that water damage claims average $11,000 per incident—fix leaks early!

6. Water Heater Problems: Cold Showers or Rusty Water

Why is my water heater failing?
Sediment buildup, a faulty thermostat, or a corroded tank.

Maintenance tips:

• Flush your tank annually: Drain 3–4 gallons to remove sediment.
• Set temperature to 120°F (49°C)—saves energy and prevents scalding.
• Check for rust or leaks: Rusty water = tank corrosion. Replace if over 10 years old.

7. Sewer Odors in the House

Why does my bathroom smell like sewage?
Usually due to a dry P-trap—the U-shaped pipe under sinks that holds water to block gases.

Solution:
Run water in unused drains (guest bathrooms, basements) once a week. If the smell persists, check for cracked vent pipes or sewer line issues.

8. Burst Pipes: Winter’s Worst Nightmare

How to prevent frozen/burst pipes:
When temps drop below 20°F (-6°C), pipes in unheated areas (garages, attics) can freeze and burst.

Prevention:

• Insulate exposed pipes with foam sleeves.
• Let faucets drip slightly during deep freezes.
• Keep thermostat ≥55°F if away in winter.

If a pipe bursts: shut off main water, call plumber, and document damage for insurance.

9. Garbage Disposal Jams

Why won’t my disposal turn on?
Food debris, fibrous veggies (celery, potato peels), or foreign objects cause jams.

Safe reset:

1. Turn off power at the breaker.
2. Use an Allen wrench in the bottom socket to manually rotate blades.
3. Press the red reset button on the unit.
4. Run cold water, then power on.

❌ Never put hands inside—even when off!

10. Sump Pump Failure: Flood Risk in Basements

Why do sump pumps fail?
Clogged intakes, power outages, or worn impellers.

Maintenance checklist:

• Test monthly: Pour 5 gallons of water into pit—pump should activate and eject water.
• Clean intake screen every 3 months.
• Install a battery backup—40% of failures occur during storms when power is out.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I fix a leaky pipe with tape?
A: Pipe repair tape or epoxy putty works as a temporary fix (24–72 hours max). For a lasting solution, replace the damaged section or hire a plumber.

Q2: How often should I clean my drains?
A: Pour boiling water + baking soda monthly for maintenance. Avoid grease, coffee grounds, and hair down drains.

Q3: Is a dripping faucet really that serious?
A: Yes. A single drip per second wastes 3,000+ gallons yearly—that’s $100+ in water bills and potential water damage.

Q4: When should I call a professional plumber?
A: Call a pro if you face:

• Sewer backups
• Recurring clogs
• Visible pipe corrosion
• No hot water (if you’ve ruled out simple fixes)
• Any gas line concerns (smell of rotten eggs)

Q5: How can I prevent plumbing issues long-term?
A: Schedule annual plumbing inspections, insulate pipes, install water softeners (in hard water areas), and never ignore small leaks.

Q6: Are chemical drain cleaners safe?
A: No. They generate heat that damages PVC pipes and are toxic to pets/children. Use natural methods or mechanical tools instead.

Conclusion

Dealing with plumbing problems doesn’t have to mean panic or expensive service calls. With this guide to the 10 common plumbing issues and how to fix them, you’re equipped to handle minor emergencies and prevent major disasters. Remember: early action saves money, water, and stress.

Found this helpful? Share it with a friend or on social media—they’ll thank you the next time their sink starts gurgling! 💧🔧

Stay dry, stay smart, and keep those pipes flowing.