The 5 Most Common Plumbing Problems (And Whether You Should Fix Them Yourself or Call the Pros)

As a homeowner, you give your space the love and attention it deserves so you can feel good about spending your time there. But let’s face it: at some point, plumbing problems are likely to put a damper on your homeowning bliss and make you wish you were still renting.  

Home plumbing can be complicated, especially if you’re having problems but aren’t sure why. 

In many cases, though, you’ll be able to fix minor issues yourself. This is great news, consider that a plumber can cost $45 to $200 per hour!

But not being plumbing-savvy could save you a ton of time and hassle in the long run. 

Which one should you choose? 

Take a look at some of the most common issues and which ones are DIY-worthy and when to call a plumber:

1. Leaky Faucets

A few steady drops from a faucet might not seem like much. But if you don’t fix it you could be spending $20 a year or more on water waste. 

If your faucet won’t stop dripping, you probably need to replace the washer in the faucet. It’s best to call a home plumbing repair service to ensure the best seal. 

Professionals can perform this simple swap in minutes, but without the right tools and skills, it could take you much longer.

2. Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure could indicate a leak or water running elsewhere. In addition, it could be that your main shut-off valve isn’t open all the way.

For this one, you should call in the pros. They can see if you need a new pressure regulator or pipe replacement due to corrosion, both of which can also cause low water pressure.

3. Mystery Leaks from Pipes

Leaky pipes can spell disaster for your home. If you don’t catch issues early, water damage could lead to mold growth and expensive repairs. 

Most pipe leaks occur at the joints. You can try to reseal them, but this is usually a temporary fix. 

Calling a plumber can help you explore long-term solutions to stop leaks for good.

4. Sink that Won’t Drain

If water drains slowly from your sink (or not at all), there’s a clog somewhere. 

You can handle this yourself, champ: grab a plunger and start pumping. 

This will help to dislodge the clog, but you may need a chemical drain cleaner to dissolve the mass. 

5. Running Toilet

Running toilets are more expensive than leaky faucets, so don’t let this one go ignored. 

Look inside the toilet tank to see if the flapper valve is broken or out of place. Fill valves and flush valves can also become faulty.

In any case, head to the home improvement store for a toilet repair kit and follow the directions. 

If this doesn’t solve your issues, you’ll want to call your plumber for further investigation.

Prepare Yourself from Plumbing Problems

Whether you’re in a new home or an old apartment, you’re likely going to have plumbing problems at some point. Even with good maintenance, clogged drains or leaks can happen to the best of us. 

The best defense against poor plumbing is simply to be prepared. Keep wrenches, plungers, and sealants on hand. Know the number to an excellent plumber in your area.

And stay calm—it’s just another part of adulting where you’ll come out knowing more than you did before. 

For more home insights, head back to our blog.