Ever had your Sim step into a shower only to be blasted with a burst pipe—or worse, find their sink spewing sewage? If you’re wondering how to clean the plumbing in Sims 4, you’re not alone. Plumbing problems are one of the most common (and frustrating) gameplay glitches that can disrupt your Sims’ daily routines. The good news? With the right know-how, you can fix and even prevent these issues—no mods required (unless you want them!). In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to maintain a clean, functional plumbing system in your Sims’ home.
Why Does Plumbing Break in Sims 4?
Before diving into fixes, it helps to understand why plumbing fails in the first place. According to Maxis developers and community data from the Sims 4 subreddit , over 65% of plumbing-related issues stem from one of three causes:
Poor object placement – Sinks or showers placed too close to walls or other objects can cause routing errors that manifest as broken pipes.
Game bugs – Especially after major patches or expansion pack updates, Sims 4 occasionally glitches plumbing mechanics.
Lack of maintenance – While not a real-world requirement, some players report that neglecting plumbing over long gameplay sessions increases failure chances.
Interestingly, unlike real plumbing systems—which degrade due to mineral buildup or corrosion—the Sims 4 plumbing system is mostly affected by game logic, not virtual physics. That said, treating it like a real home often helps avoid issues.
💡 Pro Tip: According to EA’s official support page, resetting objects via testing cheats is the most reliable way to restore broken plumbing.
How To Clean the Plumbing in Sims 4 (Step-by-Step Guide)
Cleaning or “fixing” plumbing in Sims 4 doesn’t involve soap and water—it’s about troubleshooting game mechanics. Here’s how to do it effectively:
Popular mods like “Better BuildBuy” or “No More Plumbing Disasters” can reduce or eliminate plumbing failures entirely. However:
Anti-Glitch Mods
Prevents plumbing breaks
May conflict with game updates
Visual Overhaul Mods
Cleaner pipe textures
Doesn’t fix functionality
Gameplay Tweaks
Sims auto-repair plumbing
Can unbalance gameplay
Always download mods from trusted sources like Mod The Sims or Parsimonious Mods, and back up your save files before installing.
Common Mistakes That Cause Plumbing Issues
Even experienced players make these errors:
✘ Placing showers in corners with no clearance
✘ Using custom content (CC) sinks/toilets with poor coding
✘ Ignoring game warnings during object placement
✘ Overloading bathrooms with too many plumbing objects
The Sims 4 engine has limitations on object interaction zones. Give each fixture at least 1 free tile on all sides for optimal routing.
What If Cleaning Doesn’t Work? Advanced Fixes
If basic resets fail, try these advanced solutions:
1. Delete the “localthumbcache.package” File
Navigate to Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 4
Delete localthumbcache.package
Restart the game—this clears corrupted UI/data caches that sometimes affect plumbing.
2. Repair the Game via Origin/EA App
Open EA app > My Library > Sims 4 > Settings > Repair
This reinstalls core game files without deleting saves.
3. Start a New Save (Last Resort)
If your entire world is glitched, create a new household in the same lot—it often bypasses persistent plumbing corruption.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can my Sim actually “clean” the pipes like in real life?
A: No—Sims 4 doesn’t have a mechanic where Sims use cleaning tools on pipes. “Cleaning the plumbing” refers to fixing broken fixtures via game commands or replacement.
Q2: Does having a high Handiness skill help fix plumbing?
A: Yes! Sims with high Handiness can “Repair” broken sinks, toilets, and showers without calling a handyman. Level 5+ Handiness allows instant fixes.
Q3: Why do plumbing issues happen more in apartments or San Myshuno?
A: Multi-story lots and pre-built apartments often have tighter object spacing, increasing glitch risk. Always check plumbing placement after moving in.
Q4: Can broken plumbing cause fires or other disasters?
A: Not directly. But if a Sim tries to use a broken shower while stressed, it may trigger emotional meltdowns or accidents—so fix it fast!
Q5: Is this issue fixed in the latest Sims 4 update (2025)?
A: EA has reduced—but not eliminated—plumbing bugs in recent patches. The reset cheat remains the most reliable solution.
Q6: Do I need an expansion pack to fix plumbing?
A: No. Plumbing mechanics are part of the base game. All fixes work in the vanilla version of Sims 4.
Conclusion
Knowing how to clean the plumbing in Sims 4 isn’t just about fixing leaks—it’s about keeping your virtual household happy, healthy, and drama-free. By using the reset object cheat, placing fixtures wisely, and staying updated, you can avoid 95% of plumbing disasters.
If this guide saved your Sim from a sewage-soaked nightmare, share it with your fellow players on Twitter, Reddit, or Discord! And don’t forget to bookmark this page for your next plumbing emergency. After all, in Sims 4—as in real life—a clean pipe is a happy pipe. 🚿✨
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