When it comes to plumbing, there’s not much that is straightforward or easy to fix. Even a small problem with your plumbing can quickly escalate into a major repair project. It’s important to know the ins and outs of common plumbing repair issues, so you can recognize when something doesn’t quite add up. If you notice any of these signs, don’t hesitate to contact a plumber or contractor immediately. There could be a serious problem that needs immediate attention; otherwise, you risk further damage and much more expense further down the road.

Clogged Drains

One of the most common plumbing repair complaints is clogged drains. This can happen for a variety of reasons, but there are a few things you can do to prevent it. The first thing to try is boiling water. This can help dissolve some types of food-based clogs, like pasta or grease. Keep in mind that this will only work with certain types of clogs. If you have a more stubborn clog, you may want to call in a plumber. If you have a septic tank, you’ll also want to contact a contractor to come out and take a look.

Running Toilets

Another common plumbing repair complaint is running toilets. This can be caused by a variety of issues, including debris build-up, a broken toilet float, or even an issue with the sewer line. If you’ve tried cleaning the toilet and flushing away the problem, you may want to call in a plumber. If it’s a broken float, you can try replacing it yourself, but make sure to get the right size. If you have an issue with the sewer line, a plumber can come out and repair the problem.

Leaking Pipes

If you’ve noticed a steady drip coming from a pipe and you’re sure it’s not coming from a faucet, you may have a leaking pipe. While this might not be as common as other plumbing repair complaints, it’s still important to know how to handle it. You can try coating the area with a product like tar or roofing cement to try to plug up the leak. If that doesn’t work, you may want to call a plumber. They can come out and repair the pipes without causing any more damage.

Busted Toilet Seals

Another common plumbing repair complaint is a busted toilet seal. This can be caused by a variety of issues, including improper installation, an earthquake, or even just the passage of time. If you’ve tried to fix the issue by adjusting the toilet seat and lid, you may want to call a plumber. You can also try coating the area with a product like roofing cement to try to plug up the leak. If that doesn’t work, you may want to call a plumber. They can come out and repair the pipes without causing any more damage.

Showerhead Problems

If you’ve noticed that your showerhead isn’t producing the same amount of pressure, there could be a few different issues. The first thing to do is to check the pressure regulator. If the regulator is still intact, you may want to call in a plumber. If it’s broken, you can try replacing it yourself, but make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter.

Conclusion

Plumbing repair can be a tricky business, but with the right tools and knowledge, you can fix most issues. As you can see from the examples above, there are a variety of different problems that can occur with your plumbing. It’s important to know how to handle these issues and keep your home’s plumbing in good shape.

Frequently Asked Question

When researching plumbing companies, use the word reviews or customer comments to find their review profile. Google reviews are found in the maps profile of each company. In there you can easily see what customers think of the service they got from each contractor.

Typical hourly rates for plumbers cost between $45 and $200. A journeyperson charges about $70 to $120 per hour, but they are only licensed to handle the most common household repairs. Complex problems or installations will require the help of a master plumber.
Most plumbers charge an average of $70 to $120 per hour before trip fees and materials. Rates can range as high as $200 or as low as $45.
Open ALL hot water sink fixtures, hot water bathtub or shower fixtures. Next, open all other hot water fixtures, such as in the kitchens, wet bars, etc. Run all of these hot water fixtures for 15 minutes, then shut the water off. This is also a good time to flush the hot water tank to remove sediment.
If your drain is clogged with ice cubes — then yes, boiling water can unclog a drain. But if your drain is clogged with the things that normally clog drains — grease, oil, dirt, hair, etc. — then no, boiling water isn't likely to help.
A smelly sink is usually caused by bacteria build up from grease, fat and food which have been flushed down the drain. These will then get stuck in the pipes causing the familiar rotten egg smell.
Cross-linked polyethylene, or PEX, is the new standard when it comes to repiping your house. Since it is made of plastic it is a more cost-effective alternative to copper. Pex is easier to install and lighter in weight, reducing shipping costs too.
A complete repipe can take anywhere from a few days up to a week. Smaller homes can be repiped in as little as two days, while large homes with multiple bathrooms can take much longer. However, it's important to note that you won't necessarily be unable to use your plumbing during that entire time.
If just a pipe or a section of your copper plumbing is leaking, you could just replace it with PEX piping. But if you have an old copper plumbing system that leaks frequently in different areas of your home, you may want to consider a whole-house repipe
Turn off the water supply to the leaking pipes and clean the area around the hole to be patched. Use a metal file to smooth any sharp edges that might cut through the patch. Apply the patch and repair clamp so it evenly overlaps the damaged section of pipe. Tighten the clamps to seal the leak.