10 Most Common Plumbing Problems and Fixes

ByLexi Fogle

 

The most common plumbing problems can come about at any point in time. Sometimes there’s more to a plumbing issue than just an easy fix. Don’t worry, there are several plumbing problems that don’t require much to make the fix that’s needed. Common plumbing issues can come in all shapes and sizes.

One problem could turn out to be fairly inexpensive and an easy fix. Another problem could be much harder to fix and intensely more expensive. Unfortunately, if it costs structural damage to your home as well, the cost of the situation will quickly add up. 

Here’s 10 of the most common plumbing problems:

Dripping Faucets

Dripping faucets are one of the most common issues in household plumbing. The biggest inconvenience is that it can cause your water bill to rise. One faucet alone can drip away hundreds of gallons of water over the course of a year. 

In order to fix this issue, a DIY fix will work just fine. You switch the faucet water off, disassemble the faucet, replace the faulty washer, and then reassemble the faucet. 

A dripping faucet can cause you a lot of money if you don't handle it as soon as you catch it. Make sure you are on the lookout so you can get that taken care of!
A dripping faucet can cause you a lot of money if you don’t handle it as soon as you catch it. Make sure you are on the lookout so you can get that taken care of!

Slow Draining Sink

This problem is usually caused by a blockage in the sink drain that is restricting water flow. In a kitchen sink, the common culprit is usually food. In your bathroom sink, it is usually things like hair and soap. 

There are a few methods for a clogged sink. You can use a plunger, pour baking soda and vinegar down the drain, or use a plumber’s snake. If this common plumbing issue keeps occurring, there might be a bigger problem at hand.

Clogged Bath or Shower Drain

These generally get backed up by clogs of hair and soap. The same solutions to a slow draining sink might also work for fixing a clogged shower drain. It’s worth a shot before you give your plumber a call for a common plumbing problem like this one!

It would be worth your while to buy a drain guard to catch the hair. This will help your shower from not becoming clogged. You will be able to clean out the drain guard with ease when needed. 

Using a plunger to unclog your drain is known to be one of the best, and easiest ways to do so.
Using a plunger to unclog your drain is known to be one of the best, and easiest ways to do so.

Clogged Toilet 

Most blockages in toilets are caused by paper and human waste. You can normally fix clogs in your toilet with a plunger. Other times, you might need a sewer snake or auger to try and loosen up the clog for you. This plumbing problem is very common, and I think everyone can agree.

Running Toilet

Up to 200 gallons of water a day can be lost if you have an issue with your toilet constantly running. This can also end up being very costly if you don’t address the issue right away. The common problem is a flapper valve that no longer works properly. This is what controls the water that passes from the tank to the bowl. 

This fix is pretty straightforward and can be done easily with a toilet repair kit from your local hardware store. 

Broken Water Heater

If the water suddenly goes cold while showering, it is likely you have a problem with your water heater. Don’t freight, these too are common. Some of the issues that can cause a water heater to fail includes:

  • Pilot light goes out 
  • Build-up of sediment in the tank 
  • The thermostat

For issues other than relighting the pilot light, you should get in touch with a professional to come and assess the situation. They can provide you with the right answers about your water heater. 

This illustration shows you the direct parts that are on a water heater. common plumbing problems
This illustration shows you the direct parts that are on a water heater.

Low Water Pressure

If you feel like your water pressure is not up to par, you have a low water pressure issue. More often than not, older homes tend to have this issue. One of the main issues that could cause low water pressure is leaking pipes that have become broken, worn, or corroded over time. 

If you find that your low water pressure is in the shower, then it is most likely because of build-up sediment and mineral deposits on aerators. All you have to do to take care of this is soak the aerator in vinegar. If it is the shower head, then soak the shower head in vinegar or just replace it with a new one. 

Low water pressure can be caused by several different aspects, but they are common in many households, especially older ones and can be usually be fixed easily.
Low water pressure can be caused by several different aspects, but they are common in many households, especially older ones and can be usually be fixed easily.

Jammed Garbage Disposal 

Common plumbing problems that tend to happen with garbage disposals is if you run them without water, dispose of certain foods that should not be going down into the disposal, or allowing silverware to get down into the disposal causing damage. 

Note that if your garbage disposal is jammed you should always try hitting the reset button first. If that does not work, you might have to open it up and take out the motor. 

Your garbage disposal jamming is a. very common plumbing issue for a lot of people. This shows where you can typically find a reset button on a garbage disposal.
Your garbage disposal jamming is a. very common plumbing issue for a lot of people. This shows where you can typically find a reset button on a garbage disposal.

Leaky Pipes

Leaky pipes almost always happen at the pipe joints, so if you think you have a leak it might be ideal to start looking at the pipe joints to see if you can find a leak. 

The most simple fixes can be using tape, compounds, or fillers but those are most likely only going to be a temporary fix. In order for a permanent fix, you would have to replace the pipe or the related fittings. If that is the case, this may require a professional plumber to fix this common plumbing issue. 

Leaks are most common in the winter because pipes are known to freeze or burst. 

Sewer System Backup 

Sewer system backups can be very expensive and inconvenient to fix. Depending on where the location of the blockage is in the pipes will determine who needs to take care of it. If it is on your property, it will be your responsibility to fix, but if it is out on the street the city should be the ones taking care of the issue. 

The downside of this issue is that you will probably have to contact a plumber just to locate where the blockage is in the line, but if you think it’s the city’s problem, you might want to contact them first. Some of the most common causes are clogged pipes, tree roots, or a collapsed sewer line. 

Final Thoughts 

These are some of the most common plumbing problems you can have in your home. While most of them can be fixed without a plumber’s help, some of them require a plumber in order for them to be taken care of the correct way. It also depends on the severity of the situation at hand as well. Determine what would be best to get it fixed, whether it be a simple fix you could handle, or calling a plumber to handle it. 

Call 1-Tom-Plumber 


Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need any plumbing, drain cleaning, or excavation service. 1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage problem. We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.

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