Keeping an eye on your utilities is a great 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 yourself. Let’s go over 13 of the most common plumbing services and what it might take to resolve them.
Common Faucet Problems
Your home has many faucets in rooms including the bathroom and kitchen. Because faucets bring water from your plumbing, common problems can reduce or block water flow. In some cases you’re dealing with the opposite problem, which is too much water dripping out of the faucet.
Faucet Spout Is Leaking
What causes this problem? Faucets with two handles are known as cartridge-style faucets. These cartridges are valves that control water running into the spout. When a cartridge is broken, it can result in a leak. It could also be a deteriorated valve seat, which joins the faucet and spot together.
How do I fix it? Locating the damaged or worn-down part and replacing it should resolve the leak. If it doesn’t, more than one component might be damaged.
Estimated repair cost: Replacement parts for the cartridges or valve seat can run around 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 at the base is because the seal or O-ring has worn out. Without a secure seal, water can squeeze through the stem and start leaking.
How do I fix it? Sometimes the problem can be fixed with a thorough cleaning of the seal and O-ring. If not, the component will have to be swapped out.
Estimated repair cost: An individual O-ring costs around $2. It may be a good idea to buy a pack of several so that you can quickly handle this plumbing repair job again the next time a leak is found.
Faucet Is Leaking Under the Sink
What causes this problem? An insecure connection is the most probable culprit. This could be where the sink’s pipes hook up to the main water supply as well as by the drain or P-trap connection. Especially old faucets may be corroded to the point where they can’t keep firm connections.
How do I fix it? Finding the source of your leak is important since this leak may not be instantly visible. If tightening the connections doesn’t solve things, you’ll want to inspect the faucet itself.
Estimated repair cost: The cost to resolve things can vary depending on where the leak is coming from, especially if water damage is uncovered.
Common Toilet Problems
We depend on our toilets to operate cleanly and efficiently. If your toilet is dealing with a problem, you’ll want to check 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 the flapper valve to observe how the toilet is draining. Slow or no drainage is a common sign there’s a clog. You should use a plunger to try to remove 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 might be deeper in the pipes. At this point it may be a good idea to hire local plumbing services in Kutztown and Breinigsville.
Toilet Is Running
What causes this problem? Toilets replenish their water supply from the tank after each flush. When too much water comes from the tank, it makes your toilet run constantly. Replacing one or several parts should take care of things.
How do I fix it? It may be the float arm, the flapper or the refill tube as a problem with any of these components can lead to 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 may be free to take care of your problem!
Toilet Is Leaking from the Tank
What causes this problem? Toilet tanks are made from materials like porcelain. Barring damage to the tank itself, the leak is probably coming from a worn-down rubber seal attached to places like the bolts, the spud washer or the refill valve.
How do I fix it? Check the water level within the tank, as you may be able to narrow down the leak’s location. You’ll then want to empty the tank and disconnect 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 defective rubber or evidence of corrosion.
Estimated repair cost: These rubber seals are typically only a few dollars. If the tank itself is broken, however, a replacement could cost upward of $200. This may be best left to professional plumbing companies who handle the process quickly and efficiently.
Toilet Is Loose
What causes this problem? If your toilet seems wobbly or loose, it may be a damaged bolt or the wax seal ring running around the base. It could also be the toilet flange, which connects the bowl to your home’s drainage system.
How do I fix it? Securing the bolts is easy, as is replacing them. If the problem is the wax seal or the flange, you’ll want to be mindful not to damage the toilet bowl. Some homeowners favor having professional plumbing services in Kutztown and Breinigsville 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
Inferior water pressure can make all kinds of household chores more challenging and time-consuming. It’s especially irritating when it affects key fixtures like 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 may make replacing it the most cost-effective option.
How do I fix it? Let the shower head soak in vinegar for a long time. This should clear away sediment or other clogs. Readjusting the pressure valve may also help. If the pressure is still too low, swapping to another showerhead may resolve things.
Estimated repair cost: Cleaning the showerhead is free, and it’s recommended you attempt 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 near the spout, depositing air into the water as it passes by. Cartridges regulate the flow of hot vs. cold water.
How do I fix it? Cleaning the aerator may resolve your water pressure problem. Replacing the faucet’s cartridges could also handle things.
Estimated repair cost: Replacing the aerator could cost around $5 and $25 depending on which model you prefer. 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 configured to carry water outside of your home, problems revolve around being unable to do so.
Drain Is Clogged
What causes this problem? Big objects, mineral buildup and other materials can accumulate in the drain, stopping it up. This can happen slowly or all at once depending on the nature of the clog.
How do I fix it? There are lots of options for unblocking drain clogs. Some chemicals can help push clogs into the rest of the plumbing while a drain snake reaches in and drags solid material out. Deep clogs might need special attention.
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 Kutztown and Breinigsville can help.
Drain Is Slow
What causes this problem? This is most likely a clog in progress. It hasn’t entirely 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 a few cases it may solve itself, but you don’t want to risk it developing into a complete clog.
Estimated repair cost: Materials will probably cost between $8 and $30 depending on brand choices. The unique nature of the clog could make one or the other more useful.
Common Burst Pipe Problems
A burst pipe is a severe issue that can harm not just your plumbing but parts of your home around it. Ultimately any burst pipe problem will be traced back to the damaged piping. In some cases other issues like water damage or low water pressure will appear first.
Burst Pipe That’s Frozen
What causes this problem? Expanding ice or trying to twist a frozen pipe free can cause this problem. Most homes are warm enough to prevent the pipes from freezing, but severe cold and low use can lead to 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 shut off while the section of pipe is replaced. If water damage has happened, you might need additional plumbing repair.
Estimated repair cost: Costs will vary depending on the extent of the damage. Large sections of piping are more expensive, particularly 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 tucked away behind a wall, this could be a task more appropriate for local plumbing companies in Kutztown and Breinigsville.
How do I fix it? Fixing a broken pipe requires getting to the piping itself. This can be more challenging when the pipe is behind a wall. You may have to clear a large enough piece away where work can be managed comfortably.
Estimated repair cost: This problem might need special tools and experience thanks to confined working conditions and corroded piping. If you don’t have this equipment on hand, the job may be more appropriate for professionals. Expert plumbing repair can find burst pipes behind walls and resolve the problem. Average costs can vary significantly, usually around $150.