Keeping an eye on your utilities is a good 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 extent of the problem, you may be able to perform DIY plumbing repair on your own. Let’s go over 13 of the most common plumbing services and what it might take to address them.
Common Faucet Problems
Your home has various faucets in rooms like the bathroom and kitchen. Because faucets draw water from your plumbing, common problems can decrease or cut off water flow. In some cases you’re dealing with the opposite problem, which is too much water dripping out from the faucet.
Faucet Spout Is Leaking
What creates this problem? Faucets with two handles are known as cartridge-style faucets. These cartridges are valves that regulate water running into the spout. When a cartridge is broken, it can result in a leak. It might also be a corroded valve seat, which connects the faucet and spot together.
How do I fix it? Locating the damaged or worn-down part and exchanging it should resolve the leak. If it doesn’t, more than one component could 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 near the base is because the seal or O-ring has worn out. Without a firm seal, water can squeeze through the stem and start leaking.
How do I fix it? Sometimes the problem can be fixed with a good cleaning of the seal and O-ring. If not, the component will have to be changed out.
Estimated repair cost: An individual O-ring costs about $2. It could be a good idea to choose a pack of several so that you can quickly take care of 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 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 could be corroded to the point where they can’t keep secure connections.
How do I fix it? Discovering the source of your leak is needed since this leak may not be instantly noticeable. If securing the connections doesn’t solve things, you’ll want to inspect the faucet itself.
Estimated repair cost: The cost to resolve things can fluctuate depending on where the leak is coming from, particularly if water damage is found.
Common Toilet Problems
We rely on our toilets to operate 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 impede 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 see 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 clear 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 may be deeper in the pipes. At this point it may be a good idea to employ local plumbing services in Pella.
Toilet Is Running
What causes this problem? Toilets replenish their water supply from the tank after each flush. When extra water comes from the tank, it makes your toilet run constantly. Replacing one or several parts should resolve things.
How do I fix it? It could be the float arm, the flapper or the refill tube since a problem with any of these components can result in a running toilet. You can watch the flushing/refilling cycle to pinpoint 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 fallen 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 secured to places like the bolts, the spud washer or the refill valve.
How do I fix it? Test the water level inside the tank, as you might be able to narrow down the leak’s location. You’ll then want to drain the tank and separate 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 damaged rubber or signs of corrosion.
Estimated repair cost: These rubber seals are usually only a few dollars. If the tank itself is broken, however, a replacement might cost more than $200. This may be a job for 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 may also be the toilet flange, which connects the bowl to your home’s drainage system.
How do I fix it? Tightening the bolts is easy, as is replacing them. If the problem is the wax seal or the flange, you’ll want to be careful not to damage the toilet bowl. Some homeowners prefer having professional plumbing services in Pella 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
Weak water pressure can make all sorts of household tasks more challenging and time-consuming. It’s particularly discouraging when it affects key fixtures such as 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 within 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 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 try this first just in case. When swapping to a different make and model, the cost will vary depending on what you choose.
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 solve your water pressure problem. Replacing the faucet’s cartridges may also handle things.
Estimated repair cost: Replacing the aerator can cost between $5 and $25 depending on which model you get. 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 backed up, 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 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 drags solid material out. Deeper clogs might need professional help.
Estimated repair cost: The cost for these materials is fairly low, between $8 and $30. If you can’t remove the clog, local plumbing services in Pella 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 take care of this with chemicals or a snake. In some cases it may solve itself, but you don’t want to risk it turning into a complete clog.
Estimated repair cost: Materials will probably cost between $8 and $30 depending on brand choices. The particular nature of the clog might 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 areas of your home around it. Ultimately any burst pipe problem will be traced back to the damaged piping. In certain cases other problems like water damage or low water pressure will present themselves first.
Burst Pipe That’s Frozen
What causes this problem? Expanding ice or trying to twist a frozen pipe free can result in this problem. Most homes are warm enough to prevent 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 begin repairs. The water supply will be shut off while the section of pipe is replaced. If water damage has occurred, you may need additional plumbing repair.
Estimated repair cost: Costs will vary depending on the extent of the damage. Large sections of piping are more expensive, especially 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 broken pipe in your home. With the added difficulty of the piping being tucked away behind a wall, this could be a task more appropriate for local plumbing companies in Pella.
How do I fix it? Fixing a broken pipe requires getting to the piping itself. This can be more problematic when the pipe is behind a wall. You might 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 cramped working conditions and corroded piping. If you don’t have this equipment already, the job might be more suitable for professionals. Expert plumbing repair can locate burst pipes behind walls and resolve the problem. Average costs can vary considerably, usually around $150.