10 Surprising Plumbing Fixes You Can Do At Home

Finding yourself unable to flush your toilet or wondering why your garbage disposal won’t turn on can be stressful. 

If you’re not sure what’s going on, it’s best to call a plumber, but if you have some basic plumbing knowledge and take some steps first, you can save yourself a ton of money by fixing the problem yourself and even learn something new.

Takeaways
1. With the right knowledge and tools, you can tackle common plumbing issues at home.
2. Solving plumbing problems yourself can save you money on professional repairs.
3. Quick and easy fixes like unclogging drains or fixing leaky faucets can be done without expert assistance.
4. Regular maintenance and prevention measures can help avoid major plumbing issues.
5. However, it’s important to know your limits and call a professional plumber for complex or extensive repairs.

1. Clogged Toilet

Use a plunger. Plungers are the obvious go-to for toilet clogs, and they work best on slow-moving clogs that have been sitting there for a while. If your toilet hasn’t been flushing well all week, try this fix before you call in an expert. 

Plunging is simple: Position yourself over or beside the bowl and push down forcefully on the plunger several times to create suction in its rubber cup. 

After each plunge, check to see if water is still pooling at the bottom of your toilet (if it’s gone down at all). If so, keep plunging until it goes down completely (you can help by using hot water from your sink)

Building a strong foundation in plumbing knowledge is essential for handling various plumbing problems at home. Check out our comprehensive guide on solving any plumbing problem to gain the expertise you need.

2. Clogged Garbage Disposal

Clogged garbage disposal: If your sink disposal is clogged, first use a plumber’s snake to clear the drain line. 

The chain-link-like device should be available at any hardware store and will fit into the gap between your sink stopper and disposal blades. If it doesn’t work, you may need to replace the rubber seal on top of the unit (use a screwdriver or wrench if you’ve got one).

If that doesn’t work either, it could be because there’s something stuck inside that can’t be easily removed with a plumber’s snake or other tool—such as small items like coins or rings. In this situation, you’ll need to turn off power before trying to remove whatever might be causing trouble (or call in an electrician). 

Then use tongs or gloves (and don’t touch anything else) when removing what you can see from above; if it looks like everything else has been cleared out but there’s still something blocking its path down below—try using cold water instead of hot water when running a load through next time around!

Cause	Possible Solution
Food debris buildup	Run cold water and turn on the disposal to break down and flush out the debris.
Grease or oil accumulation	Avoid disposing of greasy or oily substances. Pour a mixture of hot water and dish soap down the disposal to break down the grease.
Fibrous or stringy materials	Avoid putting fibrous or stringy materials (e.g., celery, banana peels) into the disposal. Cut them into small pieces before disposing.
Foreign objects	Use pliers or tongs to remove any foreign objects stuck in the disposal.
Dull blades	Sharpen or replace the blades if they are dull or damaged.

3. Frozen Pipes

If you discover frozen pipes, don’t panic. First, turn off the water supply to that pipe and let it thaw out. 

If the pipe doesn’t thaw after a few hours, call a plumber and they’ll be able to determine whether or not there are any additional problems with your plumbing system that need attention.

If your frozen pipes are in an area where there is no water access, such as in an attic or basement, try running hot water through another faucet and into a bucket or sink so it can circulate around the pipe sections until they defrost. 

This can take several hours or even days depending on how long they’ve been frozen solid!

Dealing with common plumbing issues can be frustrating, but with the right knowledge, you can resolve them effectively. Learn about the top 15 most common plumbing issues and discover practical solutions to keep your plumbing system in top shape.

4. Leaky Pipes

If your pipes are leaking, there are a few simple steps you can take to remedy the problem. Here’s how:

• If you know where the leak is coming from, shut off the water at the valve (usually located near where your water supply enters your home).

• Look for any signs of corrosion or wear on your pipes and fittings. Repair any damage using pipe dope or Teflon tape if possible. If there is excessive corrosion, repair it with a new piece of pipe.

• Use pipe sealant if you have multiple leaks that aren’t easily identified as coming from one particular spot in your plumbing system. This will plug them all up at once without having to fix each one individually!

Cause	Possible Solution
Loose or damaged pipe connections	Tighten or replace fittings and connections.
Corrosion in pipes	Replace the corroded section of the pipe.
High water pressure	Install a pressure-reducing valve to regulate water pressure.
Frozen pipes	Thaw the pipes slowly using a hairdryer or hot towels.
Pipe deterioration	Replace deteriorated pipes with new ones.

These solutions are general steps that can help address leaky pipe issues. The specific causes and solutions may vary depending on the plumbing system and the brand of pipes involved. It is advisable to consult a professional plumber for accurate diagnosis and brand-specific solutions, especially when dealing with complex pipe systems or specific brands.

5. Water Heater Problems

If your water heater is having problems, the first thing to do is check the pilot light. If it’s not lit, you may need to relight it with a match or lighter. 

Test the thermostat by turning it up and down, and make sure that when you turn it off, the pilot light goes out. Next, check for leaks around your water heater this can be done by simply running some cold water from your faucet until you notice warm water coming out of another faucet in another room. 

In addition to checking for leaks around your existing tank, consider replacing an old tank with a high-efficiency model (the EPA estimates that these new tanks save homeowners about $100 per year).

Next up: sediment buildup in older tanks. Sediment can block incoming air flow which prevents heating elements from working properly; this causes temperature fluctuations and even complete shutoffs of heating elements altogether! 

You can clean sediment buildup using a garden hose or just disconnecting power before attempting this procedure yourself but be careful not

to damage any components inside due to electrical shock hazards!

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6. Dripping Faucets

• Remove the faucet from the sink.
• Use a wrench to remove the faucet stem.
• Clean the faucet stem, replace any worn or damaged washers, and tighten it back into place using your wrench.

7. Running Toilets

Fixing a running toilet can be a bit tricky, but it’s not impossible. Here are some things to look out for:

Check the flapper. If your flapper is not closing properly, then water will run continuously into the bowl and out of your toilet through its overflow tube into the floor drain (or sewer system).

Check for leaks around the base of your tank or around the bolts that hold it to your floor. This may indicate that there is an obstruction somewhere in these areas that needs to be removed before we can fix it altogether.

 If you have any questions about this process or need assistance with any other plumbing issue.

Not everyone is an expert in plumbing, but there are simple fixes you can handle without professional assistance. Explore our collection of 15 quick and easy plumbing fixes designed for non-experts, and gain confidence in handling minor plumbing issues at home.

8. Poor Water Pressure

One of the most common causes of low water pressure is a leak. If you’ve noticed your faucets taking longer and longer to fill, or if you hear a constant dripping coming from one of them, run some dye through the pipes.

If the color shows up in any other room except the bathroom or kitchen sink where it belongs, this is a sign that there’s an unseen leak somewhere in your house.

To test for leaks, simply turn off all water fixtures and appliances (including your washing machine), then go around shutting off all faucets as well. 

If there are no leaks when everything is turned off and still no signs of leaking when turned back on again within about fifteen minutes, it’s likely that whatever was causing low pressure has been resolved—but it may be best to call an expert anyway just in case!

Cause	Possible Solution
Mineral buildup in pipes	Flush the pipes or consider descaling using a suitable cleaner (e.g., vinegar) as recommended by the manufacturer.
Clogged aerator or showerhead	Remove the aerator or showerhead and clean any debris or mineral deposits. If necessary, replace with a new one.
Partially closed water supply valves	Check all water supply valves and ensure they are fully open.
Pressure regulator issues	Inspect the pressure regulator and consider adjusting or replacing it if necessary.
Plumbing leaks	Inspect for any visible leaks in the plumbing system and repair as needed.

9. No Hot Water (Or Not Enough)

If you’re having trouble with cold water, it’s always wise to check the temperature and pressure of the water coming into your home. 

The same goes for hot water, but in reverse: if the hot water is running cold, then you may want to check that first! If everything checks out, it might be time to call a plumber or heating contractor.

If there’s no apparent problems with either incoming or outgoing pressure at your plumbing fixtures (or if turning up your faucet makes no difference), then something might be wrong with how much time it takes for heat transfer from one side of a pipe wall to another—in other words, there could be something obstructing hot/cold pipes near where they meet each other.

Dealing with clogged drains can be a hassle, but there are effective methods you can try before calling a plumber. Check out our 15 simple tips for fixing clogged drains and learn how to prevent and clear drain blockages with ease.

10. Refrigerator Ice Maker Problem

Sometimes, the ice maker (which is a separate unit from the refrigerator) isn’t functioning properly. If you’re not sure how to use your ice maker, check with someone who does and ask them what to look for if it’s broken.

The first thing you want to do is make sure that it has power by plugging in another appliance like a lamp or radio and seeing if those work as well. Then, check for any obvious problems such as clogs or broken wires.

If the problem persists even when these things have been checked out, consider calling an appliance repairman.

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Ice maker not producing ice	Water supply issue	Check water line and valve for clogs or leaks. Ensure water supply is connected and turned on.
Ice cubes are small or misshapen	Incorrect water fill level	Adjust the water fill level using the ice maker’s control panel or consult the refrigerator’s manual.
Ice maker leaks water	Defective water inlet valve	Inspect the water inlet valve for leaks or damage. Replace if necessary.
Ice maker freezes up	Faulty ice maker assembly	Check for obstructions or clogs in the ice maker assembly. If necessary, replace the assembly or consult a professional technician.
Ice dispenser not working	Jammed or faulty dispenser motor	Clear any obstructions in the dispenser chute. If the motor is faulty, consider replacing it or seeking professional assistance.

These solutions are general troubleshooting steps that may apply to various refrigerator brands and models. However, it’s always advisable to refer to the specific refrigerator’s manual or contact the manufacturer for brand-specific instructions and support.

Conclusion

To sum it up, plumbing problems can be expensive and cause a lot of stress. But with a little bit of elbow grease and some knowledge about how your plumbing system works, you can save yourself thousands by fixing these issues yourself. 

You don’t need to call in an expensive plumber or handyman when there are simple solutions right at home!

Further Reading

Here are some additional resources that provide further information on plumbing fixes:

The Top 10 Plumbing Fixes: Discover the top ten common plumbing issues and learn how to fix them effectively with this comprehensive guide.

Common Plumbing Problems: How to Avoid Them: Learn about the most common plumbing problems and find valuable tips on how to prevent them from occurring in your home.

DIY Plumbing Fixes Every Homeowner Should Know: Gain valuable insights into DIY plumbing fixes that every homeowner should be aware of. This resource offers practical advice and step-by-step instructions.

FAQs

How do I fix a leaky faucet?

To fix a leaky faucet, you can start by shutting off the water supply, disassembling the faucet, replacing the faulty parts, and then reassembling everything. Make sure to use the appropriate tools and follow the manufacturer’s instructions or consult a plumbing professional if needed.

What can I do to prevent clogged drains?

To prevent clogged drains, you can install drain screens or catchers to prevent hair, food particles, and other debris from going down the drain. Regularly clean the drains using a mixture of hot water and vinegar or use enzymatic drain cleaners to break down organic materials.

How can I fix a running toilet?

A running toilet is often caused by a faulty flapper valve or a problem with the fill valve. You can try adjusting the chain length, cleaning or replacing the flapper, or adjusting the fill valve to resolve the issue. If the problem persists, it’s recommended to consult a plumber for further assistance.

What should I do if my pipes are frozen?

If your pipes are frozen, you should first locate the section that is frozen. Open the affected faucet to relieve pressure and use a hairdryer or hot towels to thaw the frozen pipe slowly. Avoid using open flames or excessive heat sources, as they can damage the pipes. If you’re unsure or unable to thaw the pipe, it’s best to call a professional plumber.

How often should I flush my water heater?

It is generally recommended to flush your water heater at least once a year to remove sediment buildup. Flushing helps improve its efficiency and prolong its lifespan. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions or consult a professional plumber for guidance on flushing your specific type of water heater.