From dripping faucets to running toilets -- learn about the most frequent plumbing issues homeowners face and when to call a pro.
Plumbing problems are among the most common issues homeowners face, and they can range from minor annoyances to major emergencies that cause significant water damage. Understanding the most frequent plumbing problems, their causes, and potential solutions can help you address small issues before they become expensive disasters. While some problems can be handled with basic DIY skills, others require the expertise of a licensed professional plumber.
At HomeComfort Experts, our licensed plumbers have seen it all. Here are the 10 most common plumbing problems we encounter in homes throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area, along with practical advice on how to address each one.
A dripping faucet is more than just an annoyance -- it is a genuine waste of water and money. A single faucet dripping at one drop per second wastes more than 3,000 gallons of water per year. That is enough to fill a large swimming pool. The most common cause of a dripping faucet is a worn-out washer or O-ring. In compression faucets, the rubber washer that seals against the valve seat deteriorates over time from constant use and water exposure. In ball, cartridge, or ceramic disc faucets, the internal components can wear out or become corroded.
For a compression faucet, replacing the washer is a straightforward DIY repair that requires turning off the water supply, disassembling the handle, and replacing the worn washer. For other faucet types, replacement cartridges or repair kits are available at most hardware stores. If the faucet continues to drip after replacing internal components, the valve seat may be corroded and may need professional resurfacing or replacement.
A running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day, making it one of the most costly plumbing problems to ignore. The most common cause is a faulty flapper valve at the bottom of the tank. Over time, the flapper deteriorates and no longer creates a tight seal, allowing water to continuously flow from the tank into the bowl. Other causes include an improperly adjusted float, a faulty fill valve, or a corroded overflow tube.
To diagnose a running toilet, add a few drops of food coloring to the tank water. If the color appears in the bowl without flushing, the flapper is leaking. Flapper replacement is an inexpensive and simple repair. If replacing the flapper does not solve the problem, the fill valve may need adjustment or replacement. Toilet repair kits that include a new flapper, fill valve, and hardware are available for under $20 and can resolve most running toilet issues.
Slow-draining sinks, showers, and tubs are usually caused by a buildup of hair, soap scum, grease, food particles, or other debris in the drain pipe. Kitchen drains commonly clog from grease and food waste, while bathroom drains typically clog from hair and soap residue. A single slow drain usually indicates a localized clog, while multiple slow drains throughout the house may signal a main sewer line problem.
For minor clogs, a plunger is often the first and best tool. For sink drains, a drain snake or zip-it tool can pull out hair and debris from the first few inches of the pipe. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners, as they can corrode pipes and are harmful to the environment. For stubborn or recurring clogs, a professional plumber can use a motorized drain auger or hydro-jetting equipment to thoroughly clear the line and identify any underlying issues such as pipe damage or tree root intrusion.
Leaky pipes can cause significant water damage to your home's structure, flooring, and belongings if not addressed promptly. Common causes include corrosion, high water pressure, temperature changes that cause pipes to expand and contract, damaged pipe joints, and general aging. Leaks often develop at pipe joints, which are the weakest points in a plumbing system.
As a temporary measure, you can use pipe clamps, epoxy putty, or pipe repair tape to stop a leak until a permanent repair can be made. However, these are not long-term solutions. A permanent fix typically involves replacing the damaged section of pipe or re-soldering a leaking joint. For copper pipes, this requires soldering skills and equipment. For PVC pipes, replacement sections can be glued in place. If you have galvanized steel pipes and are experiencing multiple leaks, it may be time to consider a whole-house repiping with modern copper or PEX piping.
Low water pressure makes showering, washing dishes, and other daily tasks frustrating and time-consuming. If the problem is limited to one faucet, the aerator may be clogged with mineral deposits. Remove the aerator, soak it in vinegar overnight, and reinstall it. If low pressure affects your entire house, the causes could include a partially closed main shutoff valve, a failing pressure regulator, corroded pipes that have narrowed internally, or a municipal water supply issue.
Check your main shutoff valve and your water meter valve to ensure both are fully open. If your home has a pressure regulator, it may need adjustment or replacement. For homes with older galvanized pipes, mineral buildup inside the pipes gradually restricts water flow and may require professional pipe replacement. If the problem seems to be on the municipal side, contact your water utility company.
Water heater problems range from no hot water at all to strange noises, leaks, and discolored water. If you have no hot water, check the pilot light on a gas water heater or the circuit breaker for an electric unit. Insufficient hot water may mean your water heater is too small for your household's demand, or sediment buildup has reduced the tank's effective capacity. Strange rumbling or popping noises usually indicate sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank, which can be resolved by draining and flushing the tank.
Rusty or discolored water may indicate a corroding anode rod, which is a sacrificial component designed to attract corrosive elements and protect the tank. Replacing the anode rod every three to five years can significantly extend your water heater's lifespan. Leaks from the tank itself usually mean the tank has corroded through and the water heater needs replacement. A standard tank water heater typically lasts 8 to 12 years, while tankless models can last 20 years or more with proper maintenance.
Garbage disposals are workhorses that can develop problems from improper use. The most common issue is a jammed disposal, usually caused by hard items like bones, fruit pits, or silverware falling in. Never put fibrous foods like celery, corn husks, or artichokes in the disposal, as they can wrap around the blades. Grease should never be poured down a disposal, as it solidifies and causes clogs.
If your disposal is humming but not spinning, it is likely jammed. Turn off the power, then use an Allen wrench in the hex socket on the bottom of the unit to manually rotate the blades and free the jam. If the disposal does not make any sound at all, press the reset button on the bottom of the unit. If that does not work, check the circuit breaker. If the disposal leaks, the mounting hardware or internal seals may need replacement. A disposal that requires frequent repairs is usually better off being replaced entirely.
Sewer line problems are among the most serious and costly plumbing issues a homeowner can face. Warning signs include multiple drain backups throughout the house, gurgling sounds from drains, sewage odors, and soggy patches in the yard. Common causes include tree root intrusion, pipe deterioration from age, ground shifting, and accumulation of grease, paper products, or other debris.
Sewer line diagnosis requires a professional plumber with a video inspection camera that can be inserted into the line to visually identify the location and nature of the problem. Repair options range from mechanical clearing and hydro-jetting for minor blockages to trenchless pipe lining or traditional excavation and replacement for severely damaged pipes. Preventive measures include avoiding flushing anything other than toilet paper, keeping grease out of drains, and scheduling periodic sewer line inspections.
While Fort Worth does not experience extreme cold as frequently as northern states, winter freezes do occur and can cause pipes to freeze and burst. Pipes most vulnerable to freezing include those in unheated areas such as garages, crawl spaces, attics, and exterior walls. A frozen pipe can burst because water expands by about 9 percent when it freezes, generating enormous pressure inside the pipe.
To prevent frozen pipes, insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas with foam pipe insulation. During freezing weather, open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes, and let faucets drip slightly to keep water moving. If a pipe does freeze, never use an open flame to thaw it. Instead, use a hair dryer, heat lamp, or warm towels. If a pipe has already burst, shut off the main water supply immediately and call a plumber.
Outdoor hose bibbs, also called hose spigots, are exposed to the elements and are prone to leaking, especially after winter. A dripping hose bibb wastes water and can cause damage to your home's foundation and siding over time. The most common cause is a worn washer or packing nut inside the valve. Replacing the washer is a simple repair similar to fixing a dripping faucet.
To prevent hose bibb problems, disconnect garden hoses before the first freeze of the season and close the interior shutoff valve for each outdoor spigot. Consider upgrading to frost-free hose bibbs, which have a longer stem that places the valve seat inside the heated portion of the wall, preventing freezing. Our plumbers at HomeComfort Experts can install frost-free hose bibbs and inspect your outdoor plumbing to prevent winter damage.
While some plumbing repairs are suitable for DIY, many situations require professional expertise. Call a licensed plumber for any issue involving your main water line or sewer line, water heater installation or major repairs, gas line connections, persistent leaks you cannot locate, and any time you are unsure about the repair. Attempting complex plumbing repairs without proper knowledge and tools can lead to more extensive damage and higher costs. Contact HomeComfort Experts for prompt, professional plumbing service throughout the DFW metroplex.