The Most Common Issues That Force You to Call a Plumber

(And How to Spot, Fix, or Prevent Them Before It’s an Emergency)

TL;DR: Leaky faucets, clogged drains, running toilets, low water pressure, water heater failures, burst pipes, sewer backups, dripping showerheads, garbage disposal jams, and sump pump failures are the top 10 reasons homeowners dial a plumber. This 8,000-word guide tells you why they happen, how to diagnose them, temporary DIY fixes, when to call a pro, average repair costs, and long-term prevention strategies.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Why Plumbing Problems Are Inevitable
2. #1: Leaky Faucets
3. #2: Clogged Drains
4. #3: Running Toilets
5. #4: Low Water Pressure
6. #5: Water Heater Issues
7. #6: Burst or Leaking Pipes
8. #7: Sewer Line Backups
9. #8: Dripping Showerheads
10. #9: Garbage Disposal Jams
11. #10: Sump Pump Failures
12. Bonus: Hidden Plumbing Red Flags
13. When to DIY vs. Call a Pro
14. Average Costs & Regional Variations
15. Prevention Checklist (Printable)
16. Conclusion: Be Your Home’s Plumbing Detective

1. Introduction: Why Plumbing Problems Are Inevitable

Your home’s plumbing is a silent hero—until it isn’t. According to the EPA, the average household’s leaks waste 10,000 gallons of water per year. The Insurance Information Institute reports that water damage (often from plumbing failures) is the second-most common homeowners insurance claim, costing billions annually.

Most plumbing emergencies don’t appear out of nowhere. They’re the result of wear and tear, poor installation, hard water, tree roots, or DIY mistakes. This guide covers the 10 most common issues that send people scrambling for a plumber’s number, with real stats, anecdotes, and actionable advice.

2. #1: Leaky Faucets

The Problem

A drip-drip-drip that won’t quit. A single faucet leaking 1 drip per second wastes 3,000 gallons per year (EPA).

Why It Happens

Symptoms

• Visible drips from spout or handle
• Water stains under sink
• Higher water bill (e.g., $10–$50/month spike)

DIY Diagnosis

1. Turn off water valves under sink.
2. Disassemble faucet (take photos!).
3. Inspect washer, O-ring, and cartridge.

Temporary Fix

• Tighten packing nut under handle.
• Wrap Teflon tape on threads.

Pro Repair Cost

Prevention

• Replace washers every 2–3 years.
• Use water softener if hard water is present.
• Don’t overtighten handles.

3. #2: Clogged Drains

The Problem

Slow or completely blocked drains in sinks, showers, or tubs.

Common Culprits

DIY Tools

Step-by-Step DIY

1. Boil water → pour down drain.
2. Plunge 10–15 times.
3. Snake if needed (feed until resistance, then retract).
4. Flush with hot water.

Pro Tip: Never use chemical drain cleaners—they corrode pipes.

When to Call a Plumber

• Multiple fixtures clogged = main line issue.
• Snake won’t break through.
• Foul odor persists.

Cost

• Hydro-jetting: $300–$600
• Sewer camera inspection: $150–$400

4. #3: Running Toilets

The Problem

Toilet refills every 5–10 minutes even when unused. Wastes 200 gallons/day (EPA).

Anatomy of a Toilet Tank

DIY Fix (Flapper Replacement)

1. Shut off water.
2. Flush to empty tank.
3. Unhook old flapper.
4. Install new universal flapper ($5–$12).
5. Adjust chain length (1–2 inches slack).

Cost

• DIY: $10–$20
• Plumber: $100–$250

Prevention

• Use bleach tablets sparingly (they degrade rubber).
• Replace flapper every 5 years.

5. #4: Low Water Pressure

The Problem

Weak flow from one or multiple fixtures.

Causes

DIY Aerator Cleaning

1. Unscrew aerator (use pliers + tape).
2. Soak in vinegar 1 hour.
3. Scrub with toothbrush.
4. Reinstall.

Pressure Test

• Use $10 pressure gauge (attach to outdoor spigot).
• Normal: 40–80 PSI.

Cost

• PRV replacement: $300–$700
• Repiping (galvanized to PEX): $3,000–$8,000

6. #5: Water Heater Issues

The Problem

No hot water, lukewarm water, or leaking tank.

Red Flags

DIY (Electric)

1. Turn off power.
2. Drain tank (garden hose to outside).
3. Remove & test heating elements ($10–$30 each).
4. Replace if continuity test fails.

Lifespan

Cost

• Element replacement: $150–$300
• New 50-gal tank: $800–$1,500 installed

7. #6: Burst or Leaking Pipes

The Problem

Sudden flood or slow drip behind walls.

High-Risk Areas

• Under sinks
• Behind toilets
• Basement ceilings

Emergency Steps

1. Shut off main water valve (know its location!).
2. Open faucets to drain pressure.
3. Call plumber immediately.

Common Materials

Cost

• Minor repair: $150–$400
• Wall opening + repipe: $1,000–$5,000

8. #7: Sewer Line Backups

The Problem

Multiple drains gurgle, toilets overflow, foul odors.

Causes

Diagnosis

• Sewer camera inspection (plumber inserts fiber-optic camera).
• Cost: $150–$400

Repair Options

9. #8: Dripping Showerheads

The Problem

Constant drip or spray when off.

DIY Fix

1. Remove showerhead (counterclockwise).
2. Replace cartridge or washer ($5–$20).
3. Wrap threads with Teflon tape.

Cost

• DIY: $10–$30
• Plumber: $100–$200

10. #9: Garbage Disposal Jams

The Problem

Hums but doesn’t grind, or completely dead.

Safe Reset

1. Turn off power (under sink switch).
2. Use Allen wrench in bottom hex hole to manually rotate.
3. Press red reset button.

Never Put In

• Grease
• Fibrous veggies (celery)
• Bones
• Non-food items

Cost

• Repair: $100–$250
• Replacement: $150–$400 installed

11. #10: Sump Pump Failures

The Problem

Basement flooding during storms.

Test Monthly

1. Pour 5 gallons water into pit.
2. Pump should activate & drain.

Battery Backup

• Essential in storm-prone areas.
• Cost: $150–$300

Cost

• Replacement: $600–$1,200

12. Bonus: Hidden Plumbing Red Flags

13. When to DIY vs. Call a Pro

14. Average Costs & Regional Variations

15. Prevention Checklist (Printable)

text

[ ] Inspect under sinks monthly
[ ] Flush water heater annually
[ ] Test sump pump quarterly
[ ] Replace washers every 3 years
[ ] Install water leak detectors ($30–$100)
[ ] Schedule annual plumbing inspection ($100–$200)

16. Conclusion: Be Your Home’s Plumbing Detective

Plumbing problems are inevitable, but emergencies are preventable. Know your shut-off valves. Keep a plunger, snake, and Teflon tape on hand. And when in doubt—call a licensed plumber before a drip becomes a flood.