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 severity of the problem, you may be able to perform DIY plumbing repair by yourself. Let’s review 13 of the most common plumbing services and what it might take to solve 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 decrease or block water flow. In some cases you’re dealing with the opposite problem, which is too much water leaking out of the faucet.
Faucet Spout Is Leaking
What creates this problem? Faucets with two handles are referred to as cartridge-style faucets. These cartridges are valves that control water flowing into the spout. When a cartridge is defective, it can lead to a leak. It might also be a corroded valve seat, which links the faucet and spot together.
How do I fix it? Finding the broken or worn-down part and exchanging it should deal with 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 about $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 strong seal, water can push through the stem and start leaking.
How do I fix it? Sometimes the problem can be fixed with a good cleaning of the seal and O-ring. If not, the component will have to be swapped out.
Estimated repair cost: A single O-ring costs around $2. It may be a good idea to choose a pack of several so that you can swiftly take care of this plumbing repair job again the next time a leak appears.
Faucet Is Leaking Below the Sink
What causes this problem? An insecure connection is the most common culprit. This may be where the sink’s pipes hook up to the main water supply as well as by the drain or P-trap connection. Particularly old faucets might be corroded to the point where they can’t sustain stable connections.
How do I fix it? Finding the source of your leak is important since this leak may not be easily visible. If securing the connections doesn’t solve things, you’ll want to inspect 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 found.
Common Toilet Problems
We count on our toilets to work 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 partial clog can slow the drainage of your toilet. For many clogs, a trustworthy plunger will be your first line of defense.
How do I fix it? Lift up the flapper valve to see 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 may be further in the pipes. At this point it may be a good idea to employ local plumbing services in Omaha.
Toilet Is Running
What causes this problem? Toilets refresh their water supply from the tank after every flush. When too much water comes from the tank, it makes your toilet run constantly. Exchanging one or several parts should take care of things.
How do I fix it? It might be the float arm, the flapper or the refill tube since a problem with any of these components can result in a running toilet. You can monitor 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 possibility the toilet is running simply because something has slipped 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 manufactured from materials like porcelain. Barring damage to the tank itself, the leak is most likely 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 of the tank, as you might be able to narrow down the leak’s location. You’ll then want to drain 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 free. Look for damaged rubber or evidence of corrosion.
Estimated repair cost: These rubber seals are typically only a few dollars. If the tank itself is cracked, however, a replacement could cost upward of $200. This may be a job for 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 damaged 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 issue is the wax seal or the flange, you’ll want to be wary not to damage the toilet bowl. Some homeowners favor having professional plumbing services in Omaha 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
Bad water pressure can make all sorts of household duties more tedious and time-consuming. It’s especially irritating when it is affecting key fixtures including 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 inside the showerhead. A dirty shower can be cleaned, but damage to the showerhead might make replacing it the most cost-effective option.
How do I fix it? Let the shower head sit in vinegar for a long time. This should clear away sediment or other clogs. Readjusting the pressure valve might also help. If the pressure is still too low, swapping to another showerhead may fix things.
Estimated repair cost: Cleaning the showerhead is free, and it’s suggested you try this first just in case. When swapping to another make and model, the cost will fluctuate depending on what you go with.
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, putting air into the water as it passes by. 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 could 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 clogged, you’ll have to clear it before you can use the sink or tub again. Since drains are only designed to carry water outside of your home, problems center around being unable to do so.
Drain Is Clogged
What causes this problem? Big objects, mineral buildup and other materials can collect 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 unblocking 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. Deep clogs might need professional help.
Estimated repair cost: The cost for these materials is fairly low, between $8 and $30. If you can’t clear the clog, local plumbing services in Omaha can help.
Drain Is Slow
What causes this problem? This is most likely a clog in progress. It hasn’t completely blocked the drain yet, but an obstruction has formed.
How do I fix it? You can likely handle this with chemicals or a snake. In some cases it may resolve itself, but you don’t want to risk it developing into a complete clog.
Estimated repair cost: Materials will likely cost between $8 and $30 based on brand choices. The particular nature of the clog could make one or the other more useful.
Common Burst Pipe Problems
A burst pipe is a serious 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 certain 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 wrench 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 result in freezing.
How do I fix it? You’ll want to wait until the pipe is thawed out before you can start repairs. The water supply will be turned off while the section of pipe is replaced. If water damage has happened, you may need extra plumbing repair.
Estimated repair cost: Costs will vary depending on the extent of the damage. Large sections of piping are more expensive, especially if they are made from a high-quality material. You may 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 hidden away behind a wall, this could be a task more appropriate for local plumbing companies in Omaha.
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 might be more appropriate for professionals. Expert plumbing repair can locate burst pipes behind walls and resolve the problem. Average costs can vary considerably, usually around $150.