Common Plumbing Issues and How to Troubleshoot Them

If you are experiencing plumbing issues in your home, it is imperative to quickly locate the problem and know how to fix it. While some fixes are easy to do, it is better to call a professional plumber for more complex ones. That is why it is crucial to understand the most common plumbing issues and how to troubleshoot them.

A leaky faucet

We have all experienced a leaky faucet once. However, if you know what to do, that annoying tapping of the water droplets may quickly go away.

It is crucial to often check your plumbing and keep it in good condition. The first step is to locate the source of the leak. Commonly it can be:

• Handle
• Spout
• Pipes

Next, turn off the water supply and replace the damaged parts. Or tighten the loose connection if that is the problem.

The cost of parts for a leaky faucet can go from $5 to $20 or even above $50 if you are replacing the entire faucet.

How to troubleshoot a clogged drain?

A clogged drain is very simple to troubleshoot as it is one of the most common plumbing issues. First, you should look for a visible blockage and remove it if possible. If you cannot see anything, use a plunger or a snake to remove the blockage. If it persists, the final step before calling the plumber is to use a chemical drain cleaner.

Depending on the quality, the average price of the plunger is from $5 to $20, while a snake can cost anywhere from $20 to $50. Chemical drain cleaners range from $5 to $30.

Fix the running toilet

A running toilet may seem harmless, but it can quickly ramp up your water bill. The quickest way to locate the issue is to open the water tank and look at the flapper valve at the bottom. Check if it’s seated properly and if the chain length is not causing the issue. If necessary, you can replace the flapper valve. The average price is around $5 to $15, while higher quality, more durable valves start at $20.

Low water pressure issues

Unless you purposefully installed low-pressure taps, this issue can be really annoying. The easiest way to troubleshoot the issue is to check the aerators and ensure they are not clogged. Furthermore, check for any visible clogs in the pipe entrance, and make sure all the valves are open. If you fail to diagnose the issue, call the plumber.

Slow drain problem

This issue usually happens due to clogged pipes. The only troubleshooting you can do is remove any visible blockade or use the plunger or a chemical drain cleaner to clear the drain. If you are not able to reach the clog and the issue persists, reach out to a professional plumber.

Troubleshooting the overflowing toilet

This type of issue can become messy and even flood your bathroom in a matter of seconds. That is why it is necessary to know a good plumber and always be prepared for plumbing emergencies.

The simple fix is to turn off the water valve and try to unclog the toilet with a plunger. If you find that the toilet is still overflowing, call the plumber.

How to deal with a burst pipe?

Out of all the issues on our list, this one is probably the most dangerous one. If an overflowing toilet can flood your bathroom in seconds, a burst pipe can flood the entire apartment. The best course of action is to quickly close the water valve, drain the pipe of excess water, and pick up the rest of the water from the floor before it causes more damage. Then, immediately call the plumber to replace the pipe.

When it comes to the cost of replacing a damaged pipe, that varies depending on a couple of factors, such as:

• The type of pipes (PVC, copper, galvanized steel)
• The size of the pipes
• Location of the issue
• The extent of the damage
• The cost of the plumber

On average, a simple repair may cost a couple of hundred dollars. However, major repairs may cost a couple of thousand dollars. In case of a burst pipe, experts from Eagle Van Lines suggest renting a storage unit and storing your items safely until the issue is resolved. That is the best way to save your belongings from damage.

Leaky pipes

Just like with a leaky faucet, it is necessary to first locate the source of the problem. In this scenario, you can only turn off the water valve and call the plumber to fix the leak or replace the damaged pipe. It is not a good idea to try to fix this issue by yourself. A leaky pipe could easily burst and cause more issues.

Troubleshoot the “no hot water” issue

If you are doomed to shower with cold water only, you can only check the thermostat and ensure it is set correctly. Additionally, you may want to check the water heater’s pilot light to see if it’s on. If you cannot determine where the problem is coming from, call the plumber for further assistance.

Running sump pump problems

If you live in a house, you will probably have a sump pump in the basement or the cellar. A running sump pump may cause serious issues, so it is never good to take this lightly. Check the water level in the pump and see if the float switch is working as intended. Then, call a plumber if the issue persists. This is another problem you should never try to fix alone.

How much does the plumber cost?

On average, a plumber’s hourly rate may go anywhere from $80 to $150. However, keep in mind that simple repairs will cost less, and more serious repairs might cost a lot more. Whenever you have a plumbing problem, always troubleshoot it first, describe it to the plumber, and ask for a written price estimate.

Best advice on how to deal with common plumbing issues – made simple!

The golden rule of fixing common plumbing issues is to act fast! A small problem may quickly escalate and cause significant issues. Always try to troubleshoot the issue to the best of your abilities, and do not hesitate to call a plumber if you are not able to figure out what’s wrong.