Want to Save Hundreds of Dollars on Plumbing Repairs?
Let’s face it, at some point every homeowner will deal with some sort of plumbing problem. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 10% of homes in the United States are leaking 90 gallons of water every single day, just from their pipes.
Here’s the thing…
While most common plumbing problems can be handled on your own, you need to know what you are doing (and know when to quit) before you make the situation worse.
In this ultimate guide on how to fix common plumbing problems at home, I’m going to take you through the do’s and don’ts of DIY plumbing.
What you’ll discover:
- Understanding Your Home Plumbing System
- When Does DIY Plumbing Work (And When Doesn’t It?)
- The Essential Plumbing Toolkit
- Fixing the Most Common Plumbing Problems
- Prevention: The Best Form of Plumbing Repair
- When to Stop DIY-ing and Call for Help
- Plumbing Help in the Digital Age
Understanding Your Home Plumbing System
Knowledge is half the battle when it comes to DIY plumbing repairs.
Know your shutoff valves:
- Main water shutoff (usually near the street)
- Individual fixture shutoffs (under sinks, behind toilets)
- Hot water heater shutoff
Know your pipes:
- Newer homes use PVC drain pipes, PEX or copper supply lines. Older homes often have galvanized steel, cast iron, and even lead pipes.
- Repairing different types of pipes requires different methods. Never assume all pipes are the same.
When Does DIY Plumbing Work (And When Doesn’t It?)
Before you go rummaging through your toolbox, let’s be clear about something.
Not all home repairs are created equal. A recent study by Roto-Rooter found 60% of homeowners have successfully completed a home repair or renovation themselves. But here’s the kicker – 19% of these homeowners attempted repairs unsuccessfully and had to call a professional after all.
That means almost 1 in 5 homeowners ended up making their problems worse by attempting to fix them on their own.
When does DIY work?
- Unclogging drains
- Replacing toilet flappers
- Fixing running toilets
- Installing new showerheads
- Replacing sink aerators
When should you call a professional plumber?
- Gas line issues
- Sewer line problems
- Water heater repairs
- Pipe replacements
- Electrical connections
The Essential Plumbing Toolkit
You can’t fix a thing without the proper tools.
Most household plumbing repairs require just a few basic tools that cost less than a single service call. Here’s what you need to round out your toolkit:
Must-have tools:
- Adjustable wrenches (8-inch and 12-inch sizes)
- Plunger (flange-style is best)
- Drain snake or auger
- Pipe wrench
- Teflon tape
- Plumber’s putty
Don’t skimp on tools, cheap versions break and wear out more quickly. Invest in quality tools that will last.
Fixing the Most Common Plumbing Problems
Alright, let’s dive into the actual repairs that you are going to be facing on a regular basis:
Clogged Drains
Drip, drip, drip. Grrrrr, gross!
Clogged drains are by far the most common plumbing issue that homeowners run into.
Sink clogs:
- Remove the strainer or stopper
- Use needle nose pliers to pull out visible debris
- Try a plunger (add petroleum jelly around the rim for a better seal)
- If that doesn’t work, use a drain snake to break up the blockage
Shower drains: Hair is almost always the issue when it comes to shower clogs. Remove the drain cover and pull out the hair ball by hand. Use a drain snake if the clog is deeper.
Never use chemical drain cleaners when a drain is completely blocked. Chemicals can damage pipes and create toxic fumes.
Running Toilets
Ah, the bane of every homeowner’s existence.
Checking these components in order will usually fix a running toilet:
- Flapper – Make sure it seals completely against the valve seat
- Chain – Should have a slight amount of slack, not too tight or loose
- Float – Adjust the water level by bending the float arm
- Fill valve – Replace the fill valve if water continues to run
Toilet repairs take less than 30 minutes and cost less than $20 in parts.
Leaky Faucets
That pesky drip, drip, drip…
While not a major repair issue, leaky faucets waste a lot of water and are very annoying.
Compression faucets:
- Shut off the water supply under the sink
- Remove the handle and packing nut
- Replace O-ring and seat washer
- Reassemble in reverse order
Cartridge faucets: Remove the decorative cap and handle screw, then lift out the cartridge. Replace with new cartridge, then reassemble.
The steps to repair faucets are different for different faucet types. Take a photo before disassembly so you know how to put everything back correctly.
Low Water Pressure
After you have ruled out a major pipe or fixture problem, try these simple fixes first:
Clean the aerator – Unscrew it from the tip of the faucet, rinse it out, and soak in vinegar if it is really clogged.
Remove the showerhead – If mineral deposits are visible, try soaking it in vinegar and see if that helps.
Check for leaks – Often low pressure indicates there is a leak somewhere in the system.
If these simple solutions do not solve the problem, it may be a more serious issue with your pipes.
Prevention: The Best Form of Plumbing Repair
Smart homeowners take care of their plumbing before problems arise.
Monthly maintenance:
- Run water in unused drains to keep them clear
- Inspect under sinks for leaks
- Test toilet flapper seals
Never flush these items:
- Baby wipes (even the “flushable” ones)
- Cat litter
- Cooking grease
- Feminine hygiene products
Prevention is cheap compared to emergency repairs.
When to Stop DIY-ing and Call for Help
This is where many homeowners go from helpful to harmful…
They try and try again when it’s time to throw in the towel. If any of these situations apply to your plumbing repair, stop and call a professional:
- Gas smells – This is not a DIY emergency
- Sewage backing up – Health hazard, call for immediate service
- No water throughout house – Could be main line issue
- Electrical connections near water – Safety hazard, must be licensed work
The plumbing industry employs over 500,000 plumbers and pipefitters for a reason. There are some jobs only trained, licensed professionals can do.
The Real Cost of DIY Plumbing vs Professionals
OK, time for the bottom line…
The savings on DIY are real:
- Basic drain cleaning: $5 for materials vs $150 service call
- Toilet flapper: $3 part vs $75
- Faucet aerator cleaning: Free vs $50
Mistakes can be costly:
- Connecting the wrong pipes can cause flooding
- Improper installation voids warranties
- Emergency services cost 2-3x normal rates
My rule of thumb? If cutting pipes, dealing with electrical, or handling gas lines, call a professional.
Plumbing Help in the Digital Age
Modern technology makes it easier than ever to repair common plumbing issues.
YouTube is your friend – Visual learners will benefit from step-by-step videos. Search for your specific make and model.
Manufacturer websites – Many will have repair instructions and part diagrams.
Don’t be afraid to ask – Hardware store staff can also offer advice on basic repairs.
Wrapping Things Up
Repairing common plumbing problems at home is not rocket science, but it does take the right approach.
Start with simple issues like clogged drains and running toilets, then work your way up as your skills and tool collection grow. Know when to call for help with more complex issues.
Remember that prevention is the best way to avoid repairs. Simple regular maintenance will keep small problems from turning into expensive emergencies.
The key to successful DIY plumbing is knowing your knowledge limits. There is no shame in calling for help if needed. Smart homeowners know how to do what they can to save money, but also when to bring in the professionals.
There are always 44,000 new plumbing jobs being created each year, so there are plenty of qualified professionals when you need them.
