Keeping an eye on your utilities is a good way to minimize the impact of potential problems. Your plumbing system is no different, and it helps to be aware of the most common problems. Depending on the seriousness of the problem, you may be able to perform DIY plumbing repair by yourself. Let’s examine 13 of the most common plumbing services and what it might take to resolve them.
Common Faucet Problems
Your home has various faucets in rooms like the bathroom and kitchen. Because faucets draw water from your plumbing, common problems can restrict or block water flow. In some cases you’re dealing with the opposite problem, which is too much water leaking out from the faucet.
Faucet Spout Is Leaking
What causes this problem? Faucets with two handles are known as cartridge-style faucets. These cartridges are valves that regulate water running into the spout. When a cartridge is broken, it can result in a leak. It may also be a deteriorated valve seat, which links the faucet and spot together.
How do I fix it? Locating the broken or worn-down part and exchanging it should resolve the leak. If it doesn’t, more than one component could be damaged.
Estimated repair cost: Replacement parts for the cartridges or valve seat can run between just a few dollars to around $80 depending on the make and model.
Faucet Base Is Leaking
What causes this problem? Most of the time, a leak near the base is because the seal or O-ring has worn down. Without a secure seal, water can push through the stem and start leaking.
How do I fix it? Sometimes the leak can be fixed with a thorough cleaning of the seal and O-ring. If not, the component will have to be swapped out.
Estimated repair cost: An individual O-ring costs around $2. It could be a good idea to choose a pack of several so that you can quickly handle this plumbing repair job again the next time a leak shows up.
Faucet Is Leaking Underneath the Sink
What causes this problem? A loose connection is the most common culprit. This could be where the sink’s pipes connect to the main water supply as well as by the drain or P-trap connection. Extremely old faucets can be corroded to the point where they can’t keep secure connections.
How do I fix it? Discovering the source of your leak is needed since this leak might not be easily visible. If tightening the connections doesn’t fix things, you’ll want to examine the faucet itself.
Estimated repair cost: The cost to resolve things can differ depending on where the leak is coming from, especially if water damage is discovered.
Common Toilet Problems
We rely on our toilets to function cleanly and efficiently. If your toilet is experiencing a problem, you’ll want to check out these places first.
Toilet Is Clogged
What causes this problem? Even a limited clog can impede the drainage of your toilet. For most clogs, a trusty plunger will be your first line of defense.
How do I fix it? Lift up the flapper valve to observe how the toilet is draining. Slow or no drainage is a good sign there’s a clog. You should use a plunger to try to clear the clog, or a toilet snake if that doesn’t work.
Estimated repair cost: In many cases, clearing away a clog from your toilet won’t cost you a thing. When the plunger doesn’t work, the clog might be deeper in the pipes. At this point it may be a good idea to hire local plumbing services in the Bay Area.
Toilet Is Running
What causes this problem? Toilets refresh their water supply from the tank after every flush. When surplus water comes from the tank, it makes your toilet run constantly. Replacing one or several parts should resolve things.
How do I fix it? It could be the float arm, the flapper or the refill tube since a problem with any of these parts can result in a running toilet. You can observe the flushing/refilling cycle to pinpoint where the issue is.
Estimated repair cost: These components vary in cost between $13 and $70. There’s a chance the toilet is running simply because something has fallen out of place. In this case, it might be free to take care of your problem!
Toilet Is Leaking from the Tank
What causes this problem? Toilet tanks are made from materials such as porcelain. Barring damage to the tank itself, the leak is probably coming from a worn-down rubber seal mounted to places like the bolts, the spud washer or the refill valve.
How do I fix it? Test the water level inside the tank, as you might be able to narrow down the leak’s location. You’ll then want to empty the tank and detach it from the toilet bowl. You will remove the fill valve and the connection bolts first, inspecting the spud washer when the tank is detached. Look for defective rubber or signs of corrosion.
Estimated repair cost: These rubber seals are usually only a few dollars. If the tank itself is cracked, however, a replacement can cost more than $200. This may be best left to professional plumbing companies who handle the process quickly and efficiently.
Toilet Is Loose
What causes this problem? If your toilet appears wobbly or loose, it could be a worn out bolt or the wax seal ring running around the base. It may also be the toilet flange, which links the bowl to your home’s drainage system.
How do I fix it? Securing the bolts is simple, as is replacing them. If the problem is the wax seal or the flange, you’ll want to be careful not to break the toilet bowl. Some homeowners prefer having professional plumbing services in the Bay Area when the toilet has to be disconnected.
Estimated repair cost: Replacement bolts are inexpensive, with replacement flanges averaging $20 or so.
Common Low Water Pressure Problems
Inferior water pressure can make all sorts of household chores more challenging and time-consuming. It’s especially irritating when it is affecting key fixtures like the showerhead or the kitchen sink.
Low Water Pressure in the Shower
What causes this problem? If your shower’s water pressure is too low, it could be a problem with a valve or mineral buildup within the showerhead. A dirty shower can be cleaned, but damage to the showerhead may make replacing it the most cost-effective solution.
How do I fix it? Let the shower head soak in vinegar for a long time. This should remove sediment or other clogs. Adjusting the pressure valve may also help. If the pressure is still too low, swapping to another showerhead might fix things.
Estimated repair cost: Cleaning the showerhead is free, and it’s recommended you attempt this first just in case. When swapping to another make and model, the cost will vary depending on what you decide on.
Low Water Pressure in the Kitchen Sink
What causes this problem? Two common causes of bad water pressure in your kitchen faucet are a clogged aerator or a clogged cartridge. The aerator is right up against the spout, depositing air into the water as it passes through. Cartridges manage the flow of hot vs. cold water.
How do I fix it? Cleaning the aerator may solve your water pressure problem. Exchanging the faucet’s cartridges may also handle things.
Estimated repair cost: Replacing the aerator could cost between $5 and $25 depending on which model you get. Cartridges often average $45 to $60.
Common Drain Problems
A problem with your drain can slow cooking and cleaning down. And if it’s completely backed up, you’ll have to clear it before you can use the sink or tub again. Since drains are only configured to carry water out of your home, problems revolve around being unable to do so.
Drain Is Clogged
What causes this problem? Large objects, mineral buildup and other materials can accumulate in the drain, stopping it up. This can happen gradually or all at once depending on the nature of the clog.
How do I fix it? There are many options for clearing out drain clogs. Some chemicals can help push clogs into the rest of the plumbing while a drain snake reaches in and pulls solid material out. Deeper clogs might need professional help.
Estimated repair cost: The cost for these materials is fairly low, between $8 and $30. If you can’t remove the clog, local plumbing services in the Bay Area can help.
Drain Is Slow
What causes this problem? This is most likely a clog in progress. It hasn’t entirely blocked the drain yet, but an obstruction has formed.
How do I fix it? You can likely take care of this with chemicals or a snake. In certain cases it may resolve itself, but you don’t want to risk it turning into a complete clog.
Estimated repair cost: Materials will likely cost between $8 and $30 depending on brand choices. The specific nature of the clog could make one or the other more useful.
Common Burst Pipe Problems
A burst pipe is a severe issue that can affect not just your plumbing but areas of your home around it. Ultimately any burst pipe problem will be traced back to the damaged piping. In some cases other issues like water damage or low water pressure will present themselves first.
Burst Pipe That’s Frozen
What causes this problem? Expanding ice or trying to twist a frozen pipe free can result in this problem. Most homes are warm enough to prevent the pipes from freezing, but severe cold and low use can lead to freezing.
How do I fix it? You’ll want to wait until the pipe is thawed out before you can initiate repairs. The water supply will be turned off while the section of pipe is replaced. If water damage has occurred, you might need further plumbing repair.
Estimated repair cost: Costs will vary depending on the extent of the damage. Larger sections of piping are more expensive, especially if they are made from a high-quality material. You might pay anywhere from $30 to more than $150
Burst Pipe That’s Behind a Wall
What causes this problem? Damage, corrosion and even pests can lead to a broken pipe in your home. With the added challenge of the piping being tucked away behind a wall, this may be a task more suitable for local plumbing companies in the Bay Area.
How do I fix it? Fixing a broken pipe requires getting to the piping itself. This can be more problematic when the pipe is behind a wall. You might have to clear a large enough piece away where work can be managed comfortably.
Estimated repair cost: This problem might need specialized tools and experience thanks to cramped working conditions and corroded piping. If you don’t have this equipment on hand, the job may be more appropriate for professionals. Expert plumbing repair can find burst pipes behind walls and resolve the problem. Average costs can vary considerably, usually around $150.