Top 5 Common Plumbing Issues and How to Fix Them: A DIY Guide for Homeowners and Property Managers
- Ray Fernandez
- Jul 1, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 19, 2024
Plumbing issues can cause significant inconvenience and damage to your property if left unaddressed. Leaking faucets, clogged drains, and frozen pipes are just a few of the problems homeowners and property managers frequently encounter. While some plumbing issues require professional intervention, many can be handled with basic DIY solutions and the right tools.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top five common plumbing problems and offer practical, easy-to-follow tips for fixing them. Whether you're a homeowner looking to save on repair costs or a property manager needing to quickly address tenant concerns, this guide will help you tackle common plumbing issues with confidence.
Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing problems, often occurring in kitchen sinks, bathroom tubs, and shower drains. These clogs can be caused by a buildup of grease, hair, soap scum, food scraps, or other debris that prevents water from draining properly. While clogged drains are annoying, they’re usually easy to fix with a few basic tools.
How to fix a clogged drain:
Use a plunger: For minor clogs, a plunger can work wonders. Place the plunger over the drain and push down firmly, then pull up quickly. Repeat this several times to loosen the clog.
Try a drain snake: If the plunger doesn’t do the job, a drain snake (or auger) can help. Insert the snake into the drain and twist it to break through the clog. Once you feel resistance, continue turning to hook the debris and pull it out.
Avoid chemical drain cleaners: While chemical drain cleaners may seem like a quick fix, they can damage your pipes over time. Instead, use natural remedies like a baking soda and vinegar solution, or opt for a manual drain snake for a safer option.
Why this is important:Â Unclogging drains prevents water from backing up and causing water damage to your property. It also helps avoid unpleasant odors and keeps your plumbing system working properly.
Leaky Faucets
A leaky faucet may seem like a minor annoyance, but over time, it can waste a significant amount of water and increase your utility bills. Leaky faucets are often caused by worn-out washers, seals, or O-rings. Fortunately, fixing a leaky faucet is a relatively simple DIY repair.
How to fix a leaky faucet:
Turn off the water supply: Before you begin, turn off the water supply to the faucet. This can usually be done by locating the shutoff valves under the sink.
Disassemble the faucet: Remove the handle and other parts to access the internal components of the faucet. Depending on the type of faucet, you may need a wrench or screwdriver.
Replace washers or seals: Inspect the washers and seals inside the faucet. If they are worn out or damaged, replace them with new parts. These components are typically inexpensive and can be found at your local hardware store.
Reassemble the faucet: Once the new washers or seals are in place, reassemble the faucet and turn the water supply back on. Test the faucet to ensure the leak is gone.
Why this is important:Â Fixing a leaky faucet saves water, lowers your utility bills, and prevents long-term damage to your plumbing system. Plus, it keeps your home free from the annoying sound of dripping water.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure can make daily tasks like showering or washing dishes frustrating. There are several potential causes for low water pressure, including clogged pipes, sediment buildup, or issues with the water supply. The good news is that many low-pressure issues can be fixed without the need for professional assistance.
How to fix low water pressure:
Clean aerators and showerheads: Mineral buildup from hard water can clog the small holes in your faucet aerators and showerheads, reducing water flow. Unscrew the aerators and showerheads, soak them in vinegar to dissolve the mineral buildup, and scrub with a brush.
Check for pipe clogs: If cleaning aerators doesn’t solve the problem, check for clogs in the pipes. Mineral buildup, especially in older homes, can narrow the pipes and restrict water flow. If you suspect a clog, consider using a pipe snake or contacting a professional plumber for help.
Inspect the pressure regulator: In some cases, a malfunctioning pressure regulator may be causing the low water pressure. If the pressure regulator is faulty, it may need to be replaced by a plumber.
Why this is important:Â Restoring proper water pressure improves the functionality of your plumbing system and makes daily tasks more convenient. Low water pressure can also be a sign of a more serious issue, like a leak or pipe corrosion, so addressing it promptly is essential.
Running Toilets
A running toilet is one of the most wasteful plumbing issues and can increase your water bills significantly. If your toilet continues to run after flushing, the flapper valve may not be sealing properly, or the float and fill valve could be malfunctioning.
How to fix a running toilet:
Check the flapper valve: The flapper is the rubber valve that controls the flow of water from the tank to the bowl. If it’s damaged or worn out, it may not seal properly, causing the toilet to run. Replace the flapper if needed.
Inspect the float: The float controls the water level in the tank. If it’s set too high, the toilet will continue to run. Adjust the float to the correct level, ensuring that the water stops once the tank is full.
Check the fill valve: If the float and flapper are functioning properly but the toilet is still running, the fill valve may be malfunctioning. Consider replacing the fill valve to stop the continuous flow of water.
Why this is important:Â A running toilet wastes hundreds of gallons of water every day, driving up your utility bills and contributing to unnecessary water consumption. Fixing the issue promptly helps save water and reduce costs.
Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes are a serious concern in colder climates, as they can burst and cause extensive water damage to your home. When water freezes in the pipes, it expands, putting pressure on the pipes and causing them to crack or burst. Fortunately, you can take steps to prevent pipes from freezing and quickly address the issue if it occurs.
How to prevent frozen pipes:
Insulate exposed pipes: Insulate pipes in unheated areas such as attics, basements, and crawl spaces to protect them from freezing. Use foam pipe insulation or heat tape to cover vulnerable pipes.
Seal gaps and drafts: Seal any gaps around windows, doors, and walls to prevent cold air from reaching the pipes.
Let faucets drip: During extremely cold weather, let faucets drip slightly to keep water moving through the pipes, preventing it from freezing.
How to fix frozen pipes:
Turn on the faucet: If you suspect a pipe is frozen, turn on the faucet to allow water to flow as the ice begins to melt.
Apply heat: Use a hairdryer, space heater, or heating pad to gently warm the frozen pipe. Never use an open flame, as this can cause the pipe to burst.
Call a plumber: If the pipe doesn’t thaw, or if you suspect a burst pipe, call a professional plumber for assistance.
Why this is important:Â Preventing and addressing frozen pipes helps avoid costly water damage and ensures that your plumbing system remains intact during the winter months.
Conclusion:
Many common plumbing problems can be fixed with a few simple DIY steps, saving you money and preventing larger issues down the road. From clearing clogged drains to fixing running toilets and preventing frozen pipes, a little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your plumbing system in good working order.
However, for more complicated issues or if you're unsure about tackling a repair, don’t hesitate to contact a professional plumber. At DEZ Home Services, we offer expert plumbing services for homeowners and property managers, helping you maintain a functional and efficient plumbing system. Contact us today to schedule an inspection or get help with any plumbing issues you may have!