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 degree of the problem, you might be able to perform DIY plumbing repair by 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 draw water from your plumbing, common problems can restrict 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 flowing into the spout. When a cartridge is broken, it can cause a leak. It could also be a corroded valve seat, which joins the faucet and spot together.
How do I fix it? Locating the broken or worn-down part and exchanging 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 down. Without a firm seal, water can squeeze through the stem and start leaking.
How do I fix it? Sometimes the issue can be resolved with a good cleaning of the seal and O-ring. If not, the component will have to be changed out.
Estimated repair cost: A single O-ring costs around $2. It could be a good idea to choose a pack of several so that you can quickly manage this plumbing repair job again the next time a leak is found.
Faucet Is Leaking Underneath the Sink
What causes this problem? An insecure connection is the most probable 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. Especially old faucets can be corroded to the point where they can’t keep firm connections.
How do I fix it? Discovering 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 check the faucet itself.
Estimated repair cost: The cost to resolve things can fluctuate depending on where the leak is coming from, especially if water damage is found.
Common Toilet Problems
We rely on our toilets to function cleanly and efficiently. If your toilet is experiencing 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 most 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 good 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, eliminating a clog from your toilet won’t cost you a thing. When the plunger doesn’t work, the clog might be further in the pipes. At this point it may be a good idea to contact local plumbing services in New Castle.
Toilet Is Running
What causes this problem? Toilets replenish their water supply from the tank after every flush. When extra 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 parts can result in a running toilet. You can monitor the flushing/refilling cycle to narrow down where the issue is.
Estimated repair cost: These components range 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 made from materials such as porcelain. With the exception of damage to the tank itself, the leak is most likely coming from a worn-down rubber seal fixed to places like the bolts, the spud washer or the refill valve.
How do I fix it? Test the water level within the tank, as you might be able to narrow down the leak’s location. You’ll then want to drain the tank and disconnect it from the toilet bowl. You will remove the fill valve and the connection bolts first, examining the spud washer when the tank is free. Look for damaged rubber or signs of corrosion.
Estimated repair cost: These rubber seals are typically only a few dollars. If the tank itself is broken, however, a replacement might 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 appears wobbly or loose, it could be a worn out bolt or the wax seal ring running around the base. It may also be the toilet flange, which joins the bowl to your home’s drainage system.
How do I fix it? Tightening the bolts is simple, as is replacing them. If the issue is the wax seal or the flange, you’ll want to be mindful not to break the toilet bowl. Some homeowners prefer having professional plumbing services in New Castle 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 particularly aggravating when it affects 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 may 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 solution.
How do I fix it? Let the shower head sit in vinegar for a long time. This should remove sediment or other clogs. Adjusting the pressure valve might also help. If the pressure is still too low, swapping to another showerhead might fix things.
Estimated repair cost: Cleaning the showerhead is free, and it’s suggested you try this first just in case. When swapping to a different make and model, the cost will fluctuate depending on what you decide on.
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, adding 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 address your water pressure problem. Replacing the faucet’s cartridges may also handle things.
Estimated repair cost: Replacing the aerator could cost between $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 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 steadily or all at once depending on the nature of the clog.
How do I fix it? There are lots of options for clearing out 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. Deeper clogs may need special attention.
Estimated repair cost: The cost for these materials is comparatively low, between $8 and $30. If you can’t remove the clog, local plumbing services in New Castle 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 a few cases it may fix 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 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 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 appear 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 keep 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 initiate repairs. The water supply will be turned off while the section of pipe is replaced. If water damage has occurred, 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 might 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 burst pipe in your home. With the added challenge of the piping being tucked away behind a wall, this may be a task more appropriate for local plumbing companies in New Castle.
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 specialized 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 suitable for professionals. Expert plumbing repair can locate burst pipes behind walls and resolve the problem. Average costs can vary significantly, usually around $150.