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Plumbing Problems

From leaky faucets to clogged drains, plumbing problems are some of the most common (and most frustrating) issues homeowners face.

It's 2 AM. You're standing in a puddle of water that wasn't there when you went to bed. The sound of dripping is coming from somewhere under the sink, or maybe behind the wall, or possibly from the ceiling—that drip, drip, drip that makes your stomach drop.

Plumbing problems have a way of announcing themselves at the worst possible moment. A toilet that won't stop running. A drain that gurgles like it's possessed. Water pressure so low your shower feels like a leaky faucet.

This section helps you figure out what's actually wrong, whether you can fix it yourself with a trip to the hardware store, or when it's time to swallow your pride and call someone who does this for a living. We'll walk through the most common household plumbing headaches—the ones that show up in millions of homes every year—and give you straight answers without the plumbing jargon.

DIY Repairs

You can probably handle this yourself:

Unclogging a drain — A plunger, a drain snake, or even a mix of baking soda and vinegar can clear most slow drains. If water's still moving (just slowly), you're in DIY territory.
Fixing a running toilet — Usually it's the flapper, the fill valve, or the chain. Parts cost under $20, and YouTube will walk you through it in 10 minutes.
Replacing a showerhead or faucet aerator — Thread tape and a wrench. That's it.
Tightening a leaky compression fitting — If it's just weeping a bit, a quarter-turn with a wrench often solves it.
Clearing the P-trap — That U-shaped pipe under your sink catches hair, gunk, and occasionally your wedding ring. Unscrew it, clean it out, screw it back on.

When to Call a Pro

Call a licensed plumber:

Anything involving the main sewer line — If every drain in your house is backing up, the problem is underground. You need a pro with a camera and possibly an excavator.
Water heater issues — Gas water heaters especially. One wrong move and you've got a carbon monoxide problem or an explosion risk.
Repiping or major pipe repair — If you're cutting into walls or soldering copper, permits and inspections may be required.
Low water pressure throughout the house — Could be a leak in your main line. Could be a pressure regulator failing. Either way, it's not a YouTube fix.
Anything that requires a permit — Most municipalities require permits for significant plumbing work. Doing it without one can void your insurance and tank your home's resale value.

What to Expect

Cost Ranges

Unclogging a drain: $100–$300 (pro) / $5–$30 (DIY)
Fixing a running toilet: $75–$200 (pro) / $10–$25 (DIY)
Water heater repair: $200–$600
Replacing a section of pipe: $150–$500
Main sewer line repair: $1,000–$4,000+

Timeframes

Simple repairs (drains, toilets, faucets): 30 minutes to 2 hours
Pipe repairs behind walls: Half day to full day
Major jobs (sewer line, repiping): 1–3 days

Questions to Ask a Plumber

"Can you give me a written estimate before you start?"
"Is this repair or full replacement? What's the difference in cost?"
"Do you pull the permits, or is that on me?"
"What's the warranty on parts and labor?"
"If you find more damage behind the wall, how do we handle pricing changes?"

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my toilet keep running after I flush?

Usually it's the flapper—the rubber seal at the bottom of the tank. It gets brittle over time and lets water leak into the bowl. Replace it for about $5.

Why does my drain gurgle when I flush the toilet?

You've got a venting issue or a partial blockage. The gurgle is air trying to escape. If it's just one drain, snake it. If it's multiple drains, call a pro.

Should I worry about a small drip under my sink?

Yes. Small drips become big leaks. They rot cabinets, grow mold, and attract pests. Fix it now while it's a $10 repair instead of a $500 one.

Why is my water pressure suddenly low?

Could be a leak, a failing pressure regulator, or mineral buildup in your pipes. If it's just one fixture, clean the aerator. If it's the whole house, investigate further.

Can I use Drano on a clogged drain?

You can, but it's harsh stuff that eats pipes over time. A drain snake is cheaper in the long run and won't destroy your plumbing.

How often should I replace my water heater?

Most last 10–15 years. If yours is approaching that age and showing signs (rusty water, rumbling, leaks), start planning a replacement before it fails catastrophically.

Why does my hot water smell like rotten eggs?

Bacteria in your water heater reacting with the anode rod. It's not dangerous, but it's unpleasant. A plumber can replace the rod and flush the tank.