Household leaks waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water nationwide each year, according to waynedalenews.com. This guide outlines four common residential plumbing problems you can often resolve yourself, saving time and money, and provides clear indicators for when to call a professional to prevent small issues from becoming major ones.
The common plumbing issues presented were selected for their DIY repair suitability, accessible parts and tools, and distinct warning signs indicating when professional help is required.
1. The Constantly Running Toilet
A worn flapper causing a running toilet can waste thousands of gallons of water per day, according to waynedalenews.com. This frequent source of wasted water is often due to a simple, inexpensive tank part, making it one of the easiest plumbing repairs for beginners.
Materials and Tools
- Replacement toilet flapper
- Sponge and bucket
- Rag or old towel
- Rubber gloves
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Turn Off the Water. Locate the water supply valve on the wall behind the toilet. Turn it clockwise until it stops. This will shut off the water flow to the tank.
- Empty the Tank. Lift the tank lid and set it aside carefully. Flush the toilet to drain the water from the tank. Use a sponge to soak up any remaining water at the bottom.
- Remove the Old Flapper. The flapper is the rubber plug at the bottom of the tank that lifts when you flush. Unhook the flapper's chain from the flush lever arm. Then, gently pull the flapper's "ears" off the pegs of the overflow tube.
- Install the New Flapper. Place the new flapper onto the overflow tube pegs. Attach the new chain to the flush lever arm. Make sure to leave a small amount of slack in the chain—about half an inch. Too much or too little slack will prevent the flapper from sealing properly.
- Restore Water and Test. Turn the water supply valve back on by turning it counter-clockwise. Allow the tank to fill completely. Listen carefully. If you no longer hear water running, the new flapper has created a good seal. Flush the toilet to ensure it operates correctly.
Troubleshooting
If the toilet continues to run after replacing the flapper, check the chain length again. If it is too tight, it will hold the flapper open. If it is too loose, it can get caught underneath the flapper. If the chain is correct, the fill valve may be the issue, which is a more complex repair.
When to Call a Pro
If replacing the flapper fails or water pools around the toilet's base, call a professional; persistent issues signal a more complex problem. For example, Newsweek reported a woman filed 11 maintenance requests for the same toilet, indicating an underlying issue beyond simple fixes.
2. The Dripping Faucet
A steady drip from a faucet is not just annoying; it is also wasteful. Ten percent of homes in the United States have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day, as noted by waynedalenews.com. Most drips are caused by a worn-out rubber washer or O-ring inside the faucet handle, which you can replace with basic tools.
Materials and Tools
- Flat-head and Phillips-head screwdrivers
- Adjustable wrench
- Replacement washers and O-rings (available in kits)
- Rag
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Shut Off the Water. Find the shutoff valves under the sink and turn them clockwise to stop the water flow to the faucet. Turn the faucet on to release any remaining water pressure.
- Cover the Drain. Place a rag or drain cover over the sink drain to prevent small screws or parts from falling in.
- Disassemble the Handle. Pry off the decorative cap on the faucet handle with a flat-head screwdriver. Unscrew the handle screw and lift the handle off.
- Access the Washer. Use your adjustable wrench to loosen and remove the packing nut. Below this, you will find the stem. Unscrew the stem to reveal the O-ring and, at the bottom, the washer held in by a brass screw.
- Replace Worn Parts. Unscrew the brass screw and replace the old washer with a new one of an identical size. Check the O-ring on the stem for wear and replace it if necessary.
- Reassemble and Test. Reassemble the faucet in the reverse order you took it apart. Turn the water supply back on slowly and check for drips.
Troubleshooting
If the faucet still drips after you have replaced the washer and O-ring, the valve seat may be corroded. This requires a special seat-grinding tool to fix. At this point, it is often best to consult a professional.
3. Minor Sink and Shower Clogs
Slow-draining sinks and showers are typically caused by a buildup of hair, soap scum, and other debris. According to clearwaterplumber.com, minor drain and toilet clogs can often be handled by DIYers.
Materials and Tools
- Gloves
- Small plastic drain snake or a bent wire hanger
- Plunger
- Bucket and towels
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Clear the Drain Opening. Remove the drain stopper or screen. For many pop-up stoppers, you may need to go under the sink and disconnect the pivot rod to remove it completely.
- Use a Drain Snake. Insert a small plastic drain snake into the drain. The barbs on the snake are designed to catch and pull out hair and gunk. Twist and pull it out several times.
- Plunge the Drain. If the clog persists, use a plunger. For sinks, block the overflow opening with a wet rag to create a better seal. Add enough water to the sink or tub to cover the plunger's cup. Plunge up and down vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
- Flush with Hot Water. Once the drain is clear, pour a kettle of hot (not boiling) water down the drain to help dissolve any remaining residue.
When to Call a Pro
If the drain remains slow or clogged after these steps, the blockage may be deeper in your plumbing system. Clearwaterplumber.com states that persistent slow drains can indicate a bigger problem like tree root penetration or pipe damage. If multiple drains in your home are clogged simultaneously, this is a strong sign of a main sewer line issue that requires immediate professional attention.
4. Fixing a Clogged Toilet
A clogged toilet is a common problem that can usually be fixed with a plunger. The key is using the right tool and technique.
Materials and Tools
- Flange plunger (also called a toilet plunger)
- Rubber gloves
- Bucket and towels (in case of overflow)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Area. Place towels around the base of the toilet to catch any splashes. Do not flush the toilet again if the bowl is full, as it will likely overflow.
- Use the Right Plunger. A flange plunger has a bell-shaped cup with a soft rubber flap that extends down. This design creates a much better seal for a toilet drain than a standard cup plunger.
- Plunge Correctly. Insert the plunger into the bowl and ensure the flange is inside the drain opening, creating a tight seal. The plunger should be submerged in water to work effectively. Push down gently for the first plunge to release air, then plunge vigorously up and down 15-20 times, maintaining the seal.
- Check the Drain. After plunging, the water level in the bowl should drop. If it does, the clog is likely cleared. Flush the toilet to confirm.
When to Call a Pro
If repeated plunging does not clear the clog, or if flushing the toilet causes water to back up in a nearby shower or sink, stop immediately. These are signs of a main drain line clog. A report from The Economic Times notes that quick home repairs often fail to address underlying issues, which can lead to larger problems later.
5. When to Call a Professional Plumber: Clear Indicators
Attempting certain plumbing repairs without proper training and tools can lead to property damage or injury, making some jobs best left to licensed professionals. The video library from Tennessee Standard Plumbing helps viewers distinguish between DIY tasks and those requiring professional help, according to a report from the Register-Guard.
Call a plumber if you encounter:
- Major Leaks or Pipe Damage. Any leak inside a wall, from a ceiling, or from a main water line is an emergency. Clearwaterplumber.com confirms that pipe leaks require special tools to locate and repair without causing excessive property damage and that water line damage is too serious for a DIY fix.
- Water Heater Issues. Do not attempt to repair or install a water heater yourself. According to clearwaterplumber.com, these repairs are dangerous and can lead to injury, property damage, or a leaking tank.
- Low Water Pressure Throughout the House. If all your fixtures have low pressure, it could signal a problem with your municipal supply or a major leak in your main line.
- Foul Odors from Drains. A persistent smell of rotten eggs or sewage could be a sewer gas leak from a cracked or dry drain pipe, which is a health hazard. Newsweek reports this is the most common cause of such odors.
| Plumbing Problem | Best For | Estimated Time | Key Challenge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Running Toilet (Flapper) | Beginners | 15-30 minutes | Ensuring the new flapper creates a perfect seal. |
| Dripping Faucet | Beginners | 30-60 minutes | Identifying the correct replacement washer or O-ring. |
| Minor Sink/Shower Clog | Beginners | 20-45 minutes | Removing stubborn hair without pushing the clog deeper. |
| Minor Toilet Clog | Beginners | 5-15 minutes | Getting a proper seal with the plunger for effective pressure. |
The Bottom Line
For issues like a running toilet, a dripping faucet, or a minor clog, handling small plumbing repairs can be a rewarding and cost-effective skill. However, knowing your limits is crucial; recognizing signs of a more serious problem and calling a professional promptly prevents a small inconvenience from turning into a costly disaster.
