5 Most Common Plumbing Issues & How to Fix Them

Plumbing problems can be frustrating, costly, and disruptive to your daily routine. The good news? Many common issues can be prevented or quickly fixed if caught early. Here are the five most common plumbing problems, along with expert tips on how to handle them.

1. Dripping Faucets

🔧 Why It Happens: A worn-out washer, O-ring, or corroded valve seat is often the culprit behind a leaky faucet.

💡 How to Fix It:

• Turn off the water supply.
• Disassemble the faucet and inspect the washer and O-ring.
• Replace any damaged parts and reassemble.

💰 Why It Matters: A single dripping faucet can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water per year, increasing your water bill unnecessarily.

2. Clogged Drains

🔧 Why It Happens: Hair, grease, soap scum, and food debris build up over time, blocking the pipes.

💡 How to Fix It:

• Use a plunger or drain snake to clear minor blockages.

• Pour a mixture of

  hot water, baking soda, and vinegar

  to dissolve buildup.

• For stubborn clogs, call a professional plumber to avoid damaging your pipes.

🚨 Prevention Tip: Install drain screens and avoid pouring grease or coffee grounds down the sink.

3. Running Toilet

🔧 Why It Happens: A faulty flapper valve, broken fill tube, or imbalanced float can cause constant water flow.

💡 How to Fix It:

• Remove the tank lid and inspect the

  flapper

  —if it’s worn out, replace it.

• Check if the

  fill tube

  is positioned correctly.

• Adjust the

  float

  to ensure proper water level control.

💰 Why It Matters: A running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day, costing you more on utilities.

4. Low Water Pressure

🔧 Why It Happens: Mineral deposits, pipe leaks, or issues with the main water line can restrict water flow.

💡 How to Fix It:

• Clean clogged

  showerheads

  and faucets by soaking them in vinegar overnight.

• Check for

  hidden leaks

  by turning off all taps and watching your water meter—if it moves, you may have a leak.

• If the problem is throughout the house, contact your water supplier or a plumber for deeper inspection.

🚨 Prevention Tip: If you have hard water, install a water softener to reduce mineral buildup.

5. Burst Pipes

🔧 Why It Happens: Freezing temperatures, aging pipes, or high water pressure can cause pipes to burst.

💡 How to Fix It:

• Turn off the main water supply

  immediately.

• Open faucets to drain excess water and reduce pressure.

• Wrap a burst section with

  pipe repair tape

  or a

  patch kit

  as a temporary fix.

• Call a plumber for a permanent repair or pipe replacement.

🚨 Prevention Tip: Insulate pipes in cold weather and avoid letting pressure build up in old pipes.

Final Thoughts

Plumbing issues can start small but turn into major headaches if ignored. Regular maintenance and early fixes can save you time, money, and stress.

💡 Need Professional Help? If you’re dealing with stubborn plumbing problems, don’t wait until they get worse. Contact KMS Plumbing and Gasfitting today for expert plumbing solutions! 15+ Years Experience and highly recommended in Edmonton.