Plumbing problems always seem to pop up at the worst possible time. Whether it’s a cold shower when you need to be out the door or a mysterious leak causing chaos under the sink, these issues can be frustrating. But don’t worry—many common plumbing problems have simple solutions that can save you time, money, and stress. Here are seven plumbing problems people face and how to fix them.
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1. Reigniting the Pilot Light on a Water Heater
Nothing ruins a morning like an unexpected cold shower. If your water heater isn’t working, the first thing to check is the pilot light. Most gas water heaters have a small flame (pilot light) that ignites the burner. If it goes out, your water won’t heat up. Here’s how to reignite pilot light on water heater effectively in most cases.
- Turn off the gas – Locate the gas control knob and switch it to ‘off.’ Wait at least five minutes to let any lingering gas dissipate.
- Find the pilot light – Open the access panel at the bottom of the heater and locate the pilot assembly.
- Turn the gas to ‘pilot’ mode – Hold the knob in this position while pressing the ignition button (or using a match if there’s no igniter).
- Keep holding the knob – Once lit, continue holding the gas knob for 30–60 seconds before slowly releasing it. If the light stays on, turn the knob back to ‘on.’
- Check for issues – If the pilot light won’t stay lit, you may have a faulty thermocouple, which may need replacing.
2. A Running Toilet That Won’t Stop
A running toilet can be both annoying and costly, wasting litres of water every day. The most common culprit? A faulty flapper or a problem with the fill valve.
To fix it:
Check the flapper – Lift the tank lid and inspect the rubber flapper at the bottom. If it’s worn out or not sealing properly, replace it.
Adjust the chain – If the chain connecting the flapper to the handle is too tight or too loose, it may prevent a proper seal.
Inspect the fill valve – If water keeps running, the fill valve may need adjusting or replacing. Most modern fill valves have a screw or clip to adjust the water level.
Most of these fixes take just a few minutes and can prevent litres of water from going down the drain unnecessarily.
3. Low Water Pressure in the Shower
Nothing is more frustrating than weak water pressure when you’re trying to rinse off. This can be caused by a clogged showerhead, issues with the water supply, or sediment buildup in your pipes.
Try these quick fixes:
Clean the showerhead – Unscrew the showerhead and soak it in vinegar for a few hours to dissolve mineral buildup. Scrub any remaining residue with a toothbrush.
Check the water valve – Make sure the main water valve is fully open. If it’s partially closed, it can reduce pressure.
Inspect the pipes – If the issue is only in one area, you might have a clogged or corroded pipe that needs replacing.
Restoring proper water pressure can make showers much more enjoyable while ensuring your plumbing system is functioning efficiently.
4. Slow or Clogged Drains
A slow-draining sink or shower is a classic plumbing nuisance. Instead of reaching for chemical drain cleaners (which can damage pipes), try these safer alternatives:
- Boiling water – Pour a kettle of hot water down the drain to break up grease and soap scum.
- Baking soda and vinegar – Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. Let it sit for 15 minutes before flushing with hot water.
- Use a plunger – A good plunging session can often dislodge whatever’s blocking the pipe.
- Drain snake – If the blockage is stubborn, use a drain snake to pull out hair, food particles, or other debris.
Regular drain maintenance can help prevent buildup, so make these fixes part of your routine.
5. Dripping Taps That Waste Water
That constant drip isn’t just annoying—it’s wasting litres of water and increasing your bill. Dripping taps are often caused by worn-out washers or seals inside the faucet.
Here’s how to fix it:
- Turn off the water supply – Look under the sink for the shut-off valve and turn it off.
- Dismantle the tap – Use a wrench to unscrew the tap handle and expose the washer and O-rings.
- Replace worn-out parts – If the washer is damaged or stiff, swap it out for a new one. The same applies to the O-ring if you see wear.
- Reassemble and test – Put everything back together, turn the water back on, and check if the drip has stopped.
Most dripping taps are an easy fix, and doing it yourself can save you from calling a plumber.
6. Leaky Pipes Under the Sink
A small leak under the sink can turn into a big problem if left unchecked. Whether it’s a loose connection or a cracked pipe, dealing with it early can prevent water damage.
To fix a minor leak:
- Tighten connections – Check if the leak is coming from a loose nut or fitting. Tighten it with a wrench.
- Replace worn-out washers – If the leak is at a joint, try swapping the rubber washers inside.
- Use plumber’s tape – Wrap plumber’s tape around pipe threads to create a tighter seal before reconnecting.
- Patch small cracks – For minor cracks, a temporary fix is applying epoxy putty or a pipe repair clamp until a permanent repair is possible.
If the leak persists, a professional might be needed to replace damaged sections.
7. Noisy Pipes That Rattle or Bang
Loud banging or rattling pipes can be alarming, but they’re often caused by trapped air, high water pressure, or loose fittings.
To fix this issue:
Check for loose pipes – If pipes aren’t properly secured, they can vibrate when water flows through them. Use pipe brackets or clips to keep them in place.
Drain the system – Turn off the water supply and open all taps in your house to clear air pockets that may be causing ‘water hammer.’
Install a water hammer arrestor – If noisy pipes persist, installing a small device called a water hammer arrestor can help absorb pressure surges and quiet things down.
Addressing these problems can prevent long-term damage and give you a quieter, more efficient plumbing system.
Keeping Your Plumbing in Check
Plumbing problems don’t have to ruin your day. With a little know-how and some basic tools, many common issues can be fixed quickly and easily. Regular maintenance—like cleaning drains, checking for leaks, and keeping an eye on water pressure—can help prevent bigger problems down the line. Of course, if something seems beyond a DIY fix, calling a professional is always the best option. Taking care of your plumbing now means fewer headaches (and repair bills) in the future.