5 Common Plumbing Problems You Can Fix Yourself (And When to Call a Pro)

Hearing the constant drip... drip... drip of a leaky faucet is enough to drive anyone mad. The good news is that many common plumbing annoyances can be fixed without calling in a professional. With a few basic tools and a bit of confidence, you can save yourself time and money.

Here's how to tackle five common plumbing problems.

1. The Dripping Faucet

Most leaky faucets are caused by a worn-out washer or O-ring inside the handle.

• The Fix: First, turn off the water supply to the sink using the shutoff valves underneath. Use a screwdriver or Allen wrench to remove the faucet handle. Inside, you'll find the components that need replacing. Take the old parts to a hardware store to ensure you get an exact match. Reassemble, and enjoy the silence.

2. The Running Toilet

A toilet that constantly runs is a major water-waster. The culprit is usually a faulty flapper or an incorrect float height.

• The Fix: The flapper is the rubber seal at the bottom of the tank. Over time, it can degrade. They are inexpensive and easy to replace. If the flapper is fine, check the float. It should be set so that the water level stops about an inch below the top of the overflow pipe. If it's too high, water will constantly spill into the overflow, and the toilet will never stop filling. Most floats can be adjusted easily by hand or with a screwdriver.

3. The Clogged Sink or Shower Drain

Before you reach for harsh chemical drain cleaners (which can damage your pipes), try these methods first.

• The Fix: For most bathroom clogs (usually caused by hair), a simple plastic drain snake is incredibly effective. For kitchen sinks, try pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain, followed by hot water. If that doesn't work, you may need to clean the P-trap—the U-shaped pipe under the sink. Place a bucket underneath, unscrew the connectors, and clear out any gunk.

4. Low Shower Head Pressure

If your shower feels more like a drizzle than a downpour, mineral deposits are likely the cause.

• The Fix: Unscrew the shower head. Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and submerge the shower head in it, securing the bag with a rubber band. Let it soak for a few hours (or overnight). Use an old toothbrush to scrub away any remaining deposits, then reinstall.

5. Jammed Garbage Disposal

A humming but not-spinning garbage disposal is usually just jammed.

• The Fix: First, unplug the disposal or turn off the power at the breaker! Never put your hand down the drain. Look for an Allen wrench key that came with the disposal (often taped to the unit itself). Insert it into the slot on the bottom of the disposal and manually turn it back and forth to free the jam. Then, use pliers to pull out whatever was causing the blockage from the top.

When to Call a Pro

While DIY is great, know your limits. You should always call a professional plumber for:

• Major leaks or burst pipes.
• Installing new pipes or fixtures.
• Sewer line issues.
• Anything involving natural gas.

Safety first! But for the small annoyances, a little DIY can be incredibly empowering.