5 Common Plumbing Issues (and how to fix them)

August 17, 2017 19 By EngineerMommy

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are mine alone. This post is provided for informational purposes only. It is recommended that you consult a licensed plumber to handle any plumbing issues that arise in your home.

Many homeowners have experienced an occasional leaky faucet or a shower that doesn’t drain properly. Did you know that some of these problems may be easily fixed in under an hour? Learn about some of the most common plumbing problems, as well as how to repair them.

5 Common Plumbing Issues (and how to fix them)

5 Common Plumbing Issues (and how to fix them)

5 Common Plumbing Issues (and how to fix them)

1. Dripping Faucet
Ever heard the annoying drip-drip-drip sound of a leaking faucet? It’s a fairly common plumbing problem that most homeowners will face at one point or another. The slow trickle of water can actually add up to a large water bill at the end of the month. Luckily, the problem may be an easy one to fix. If your faucet washer has become stiff or torn, simply replacing it may solve the problem. If the issue is a worn valve seat or if you have a non-standard faucet installation, the repair is best left to a professional.

2. Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure is a very popular complaint of homeowners around the country. If the pressure is low, check the aerator first. It may have developed calcium deposits, which built up over time and negatively affected the pressure. Replacing the aerator is a simple fix- simply visit a home improvement store and find a new one that is a perfect match. Alternatively, you may be able to clean out any debris from the old aerator and put it right back into the faucet. Of course, if the problem goes beyond a clogged aerator, it is best to consult a licensed plumber.

5 Common Plumbing Issues (and how to fix them)

5 Common Plumbing Issues (and how to fix them)

3. Leaky Pipes
We have had our share of leaky pipes. We had a leak in the AC condensate line at our old home (the townhouse), which subsequently caused thousands of dollars of damages. In our years of homeownership, we have also experienced many leaks at various plumbing joints under the sink. We have fixed many of these leaks ourselves, by replacing the fitting and/or adding a strip of plumbing tape. However, if you are not comfortable with plumbing repairs, or if a major appliance like the water heater is leaking, it is best to consult a licensed plumber.

5 Common Plumbing Issues (and how to fix them)

5 Common Plumbing Issues (and how to fix them)


4. Clogged Drain
If your sink or shower drain is clogged, you may notice water pooling at the bottom. You can use a plunger (it takes advantage of air pressure changes to dislodge a clog) to get the drain moving more quickly again. For many homes, a commercial drain cleaner is typically safe but it still shouldn’t be used too frequently. You can also try a snake trap to pull out any hair that may be the cause of the clog. If your drain clogs don’t respond to conservative treatment, then it is best to call a pro.

5. Stuck Garbage Disposal
In our previous residence, we never had a garbage disposal. In our current house, we have one and use it often. However, we did once get it jammed pretty significantly. Fortunately, it was an easy fix. If you kept the special key that came with the disposal, then you’re ahead of the game. If you didn’t, simply use an 1/4″ Allen wrench to gently rotate the disposal and get rid of the jam – turn the wrench in both directions to loosen the jam. If this doesn’t quickly fix the problem, call in a pro.

We have done our fair share of plumbing projects like when we removed the toilet and when we removed the sink. We are pretty adventurous when it comes to DIY repairs but we certainly have a local plumber that we hire for more significant issues.

Now, I’d love to hear from you. Have you ever experienced any of these common plumbing issues? Did you call in a pro to help fix the problem?


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