8 Common Plumbing Problems Homeowners Should Watch Out For

If you've lived in your home for more than a couple of months, you've probably dealt with at least a minor plumbing issue. Clogged drains or toilets or dripping faucets are examples of plumbing problems most people have experienced.

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Dripping Faucet

Dripping faucets allow water through even when you've turned them off. A slow dripping faucet can be annoying and, over time, increases how much water you use.

Common Signs of a Plumbing Issue With a Dripping Faucet

• Consistent, slow drops of water from the faucet even if you turn it off all the way

• Pooling water below the faucet

• Mineral deposits around the faucet

• Dripping sounds from the bathroom or kitchen

How to Fix a Dripping Faucet

Worn O-rings and washers can cause this plumbing problem, as can loose or worn faucets. To fix the issue, turn the water off to the area in question. Replace the entire faucet or worn parts.

Clogged Toilets

Clogged toilets are one of the most common plumbing issues. They occur when waste builds up or gets stuck in drain lines or the trap.

Common Signs of a Clogged Toilet

• The toilet overflows

• The water and waste don't clear the toilet when you flush

• Water rises to an above-normal level after flushing

How to Fix a Clogged Toilet

Most toilet clogs are minor plumbing issues you can easily resolve with basic DIY measures like using a plunger. You may be able to clear more stubborn clogs with a toilet auger, which can reach down into the trap to break up debris. More serious clogs or recurrent clogs may require professional plumbing resolutions.

Low Water Pressure

When water flows from your faucets with less force than you're used to, it makes for a less-than-satisfying shower. Low water pressure can also reduce the effectiveness of cleaning and appliances.

Troubleshooting Low Water Pressure

• Weak or slow flow from any faucet or showerhead, even when you turn it on all the way

• It takes longer than normal to fill a sink, tub or pot with water

• Water pressure goes up and down, especially when other taps are open

How to Fix This Low Water Pressure

If water pressure is a problem at a single location, check that the faucet or showerhead isn't clogged or dirty. Swap out the aerator or washers if needed. If you have low flow through your entire home, consider getting a plumber to assess your system to make recommendations.

Leaking Pipes

Your sink pipe leaking or a leaking toilet pipe means water is flowing out of your system at an inappropriate location. Leaks can range from a slow seep to a major burst, but in all cases, they can cause water damage and mold in your home.

Common Signs of Leaky Pipes

• Water stains on ceilings, floors or walls, especially when they appear suddenly or get bigger

• Mold, mildew or smells of either

• Persistent moisture around pipes

• An unexplained spike in your water bill

How to Fix a Leaking Pipe

If you find a leak in an exposed pipe, consider where the damage is and how extensive it is. Many homeowners can make basic pipe repairs, such as replacing a joint or section of pipe, on their own. For more extensive issues or when leaks are behind walls, consider calling professional plumbers.

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains occur when debris within the drain pipes slow or completely impede the flow of water out of sinks or tubs.

Common Signs of a Clogged Drain

• Water drains slower than normal

• You hear gurgling sounds from the drain

• Water backs up into a nearby fixture, such as a dishwasher

• You smell unpleasant odors near the drain

How to Fix a Clogged Drain

Drain snakes can help you clear bathroom drains, where hair and soap buildup can create blockages. Pouring boiling water down drains may also help reduce grease or soap buildup. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners often, as they can damage your plumbing system. For stubborn drain clogs, call in a professional for help.

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Running Toilets

A running toilet occurs when water continues to run into the bowl after the flush cycle should be complete. When water is constantly running through a toilet, it can create a lot of waste and lead to a much higher water bill.

Common Signs of a Running Toilet

• The sounds of water trickling in your bathroom

• Phantom flushing, which occurs when your toilet seems to flush on its own

• An unexpectedly high water bill

How to Fix a Running Toilet

Check to see if your flapper needs to be replaced. Place a few drops of food coloring in the tank; don't flush the toilet and wait around 15-20 minutes. If food coloring leaks into the bowl, it's a good sign you need to replace the flapper. Next, check whether your fill valve is working. These are both fairly easy to replace, and if neither is the culprit, it may be time to call a plumber.

Not Enough Hot Water

If you don't have enough hot water for your household's demands, it could be a plumber problem or a logistics issue.

Common Signs of Water Heater Issues

• Hot water runs out faster than it used to

• Water doesn't get hot enough, even when you run only hot water

• You have to wait a long time for hot water between uses

• Water temperature is inconsistent when you take a shower

How You Can Fix a Lack of Hot Water

First, check whether the temperature on your water heater is 120 degrees F. If that's not the issue, consider getting a professional to inspect your water heater to identify issues that need repair.

Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes happen in the winter when pipes are exposed to extremely low temperatures. At best, this issue can reduce water flow into your home. At worst, it can lead to pipe bursts that create leaks or floods when the freeze melts.

Common Signs of Frozen Pipes

• You experience low water pressure or no water during cold weather

• Frost is visible on pipes

• You notice that pipes are bulging or cracking

How to Fix Frozen Pipes

Open a faucet and apply gentle heat to the area of the pipe you think is frozen. Use a towel soaked in warm water or the low setting on a hair dryer, for example. Beyond minor freezes, you may want to call in a professional.