Plumbing Fixes Every Homeowner Should Master

As a homeowner this are the Top 5 Plumbing Repairs , you’re bound to face plumbing issues at some point. While some problems are minor annoyances, others can escalate into expensive repairs if not addressed promptly. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), household leaks waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water annually in the U.S.—the equivalent of the annual water use of 11 million homes. Knowing how to handle common plumbing repairs can save you time, money, and frustration.

Understanding the basics of plumbing repair can help you:
✔ Avoid costly emergency plumber visits.
✔ Prevent water damage that can ruin flooring and walls.
✔ Extend the lifespan of your plumbing system.

In this guide, we’ll explore the most common plumbing repairs and the 5 Essential Plumbing Repairs homeowners should be familiar with, including step-by-step solutions, prevention tips, and expert advice from Breakwater Plumbing.

1. Fixing a Leaky Faucet

Why a Leaky Faucet is More Than Just a Nuisance

A leaky faucet might seem like a minor problem, but those constant drips add up. A single dripping faucet can waste over 3,000 gallons of water per year, leading to higher water bills and unnecessary water waste. In fact, fixing leaks in a typical household can save homeowners 10% on their water bills, according to the EPA.

Common Causes of Leaky Faucets

✔ Worn-out washers or O-rings – Over time, these rubber parts degrade, causing water to seep through.
✔ Corroded valve seat – If the valve connecting the faucet and spout corrodes, leaks develop.
✔ Loose or broken parts – Over time, constant use wears out faucet components.

How to Fix a Leaky Faucet (Step-by-Step Guide)

• Turn off the water supply – Locate the shutoff valve under the sink and turn it off.
• Disassemble the faucet – Remove the handle using a screwdriver and take out the packing nut.
• Inspect washers and O-rings – Look for signs of wear and tear. If damaged, replace them with new ones.
• Reassemble and test – Reattach all parts, turn the water supply back on, and check for leaks.

Prevention Tip: Regularly check for small leaks and replace washers every 1-2 years to prevent bigger issues.

2. Clearing a Clogged Drain

The Science Behind Drain Clogs

What Causes Clogged Drains?

A leaky faucet is one of the most common household plumbing problems, but understanding the root cause is essential to fixing it effectively. While a small drip might not seem like a big issue, it can lead to thousands of gallons of wasted water per year, increasing utility bills and putting unnecessary strain on plumbing fixtures.

1. Worn-Out Washers or O-Rings

Washers and O-rings are small but crucial components in most faucets, particularly compression-style faucets, which rely on a washer pressing against a valve seat to stop water flow. Over time, these rubber or silicone washers degrade due to:

✔ Constant Friction & Pressure – Each time the faucet is turned on and off, the washer is pressed against the valve seat, causing gradual wear and tear.
✔ Mineral Buildup – Hard water can leave behind deposits, stiffening and cracking washers and O-rings.
✔ High Water Pressure – Excessively high water pressure can put additional strain on washers, causing them to wear out faster.

Signs of a Worn Washer or O-Ring:

• A slow, constant drip even when the faucet is turned off.
• The leak worsens over time, particularly when using the hot water handle.
• Visible cracks or flattening on the washer when disassembled.

Quick Fix: Replacing the washer is a simple DIY fix. Ensure you use a washer of the correct size and material (rubber or silicone) to prevent leaks from returning.

2. Corroded Valve Seat

The valve seat is the connection point between the faucet and spout. Over time, exposure to moisture, minerals, and metal oxidation can cause corrosion in this area, leading to persistent leaks.

✔ Hard Water & Mineral Deposits – Water with high calcium and magnesium content (hard water) accelerates corrosion.
✔ Neglecting Regular Cleaning – Failing to clean aerators and faucet components can allow debris buildup that speeds up deterioration.
✔ Old or Poor-Quality Faucets – Lower-quality faucets may corrode faster than those made from stainless steel or brass.

Signs of a Corroded Valve Seat:

• Dripping water around the spout base, not just the faucet handles.
• Rust-colored stains or visible roughness on the metal parts inside the faucet.
• Reduced water flow due to debris buildup from corrosion.

Quick Fix:

• Clean the valve seat regularly using a vinegar soak or a mild abrasive cleaner to remove mineral buildup.
• If corrosion is advanced, replacing the entire valve seat may be necessary.

3. Loose or Broken Parts

Faucets are composed of multiple small components that work together to control water flow and pressure. Over time, these parts can become loose due to:

✔ Frequent Use & Vibration – Daily use weakens the screws and fasteners holding the faucet together.
✔ Temperature Fluctuations – Exposure to extreme hot and cold water expands and contracts metal parts, loosening them over time.
✔ Incorrect Installation – If the faucet was not installed tightly, components may shift and allow leaks to develop.

Signs of Loose or Broken Faucet Parts:

• Handle wobbling or feeling loose when turning on/off the faucet.
• Water leaking from the base of the faucet or around the handles.
• Strange squeaking or grinding noises when using the faucet.

Quick Fix:

• Use a wrench to tighten loose nuts and bolts that secure the faucet to the sink.
• Inspect all internal parts, including washers, O-rings, and packing nuts, and replace if necessary.
• If the leak persists despite tightening parts, consider replacing the faucet with a high-quality model.

Prevention Tip: Install drain strainers and avoid pouring grease down the sink to reduce blockages.

Fixing a Running Toilet

A running toilet can be more than just an annoying sound—it can significantly increase your water bill, waste hundreds of gallons of water, and indicate hidden plumbing issues. The good news is that most running toilets can be fixed with simple DIY adjustments. Below are the most common reasons your toilet keeps running and step-by-step solutions to fix them.

1. Faulty Flapper Valve – The Most Common Cause

The flapper valve is a rubber seal at the bottom of the toilet tank that controls water flow from the tank into the bowl. When you flush, the flapper lifts, allowing water to rush into the bowl before sealing shut again. If the flapper doesn’t seal properly, water continues to leak from the tank, causing the toilet to run continuously.

Why Flapper Valves Fail

✔ Deterioration Over Time – Rubber flappers harden, crack, or warp after years of exposure to water and cleaning chemicals.
✔ Mineral Buildup – Hard water deposits prevent the flapper from sealing completely.
✔ Chain Issues – A flapper chain that’s too short prevents the flapper from sealing, while a too-long chain can get tangled.

How to Fix a Faulty Flapper Valve (Step-by-Step)

1. Turn off the water supply – Locate the shutoff valve near the toilet base and turn it off.
2. Drain the tank – Flush the toilet to remove most of the water from the tank.
3. Inspect the flapper – Check for cracks, warping, or mineral deposits on the flapper.
4. Replace the flapper if necessary – Remove the old flapper and install a new, properly sized flapper (available at any hardware store).
5. Reconnect the chain – Adjust the chain length so there’s just enough slack for the flapper to close fully after flushing.
6. Turn the water back on & test – Flush the toilet and listen for running water.

• Prevention Tip: Avoid using toilet tank cleaning tablets with harsh chemicals, as they accelerate rubber flapper deterioration.

2. Improperly Adjusted Float – Overfilling the Tank

The float mechanism inside the toilet tank controls how much water refills after a flush. If the float is set too high, the tank will overfill, causing excess water to spill into the overflow tube, making the toilet run continuously.

Signs Your Float is Set Too High

✔ Constant water trickling into the overflow tube
✔ Frequent toilet running right after flushing
✔ Higher-than-normal water bills

How to Adjust the Float (Step-by-Step)

There are two main types of toilet float systems:

• Ball Float (Older Toilets):

1. Locate the metal rod attached to the ball float.
2. Bend the rod slightly downward to lower the water level.
3. Flush and check if the issue is resolved.

• Cup Float (Newer Toilets):

1. Locate the adjustment screw on top of the fill valve.
2. Turn the screw counterclockwise to lower the water level.
3. Flush and check for proper water shutoff.

• Prevention Tip: Check your float every six months to prevent sudden overflows.

3. Leaky Refill Tube – Continuous Water Flow

The refill tube is a small, flexible hose that refills the toilet bowl with water after each flush. If this tube is positioned incorrectly or damaged, it can cause continuous water flow into the bowl, leading to a never-ending toilet run.

Common Issues with Refill Tubes

✔ Tube too deep inside the overflow pipe – If the refill tube is inserted too far, it creates a siphoning effect, continuously drawing water from the tank.
✔ Loose or disconnected tube – If the tube isn’t securely attached, it may leak water into the tank.

How to Fix a Leaky Refill Tube (Step-by-Step)

1. Locate the refill tube – It’s a small hose connecting the fill valve to the overflow pipe.
2. Adjust tube positioning – The end of the tube should sit just above the overflow pipe, not inside it.
3. Secure the tube with a clip – Use a small clip to ensure the tube remains in the correct position.
4. Test the toilet – Flush and check if the problem is resolved.

• Prevention Tip: During routine toilet maintenance, check that the refill tube hasn’t shifted.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

While DIY toilet repairs can fix most running toilet issues, there are times when professional help is necessary. Call a plumber if:

• You’ve replaced the flapper valve, float, and refill tube, but the toilet still runs.
• You hear gurgling noises or see water backing up in other drains (indicating a bigger plumbing issue).
• Your toilet’s internal components are old and need a full replacement.

Expert Tip: Breakwater Plumbing offers fast, reliable toilet repair services for stubborn leaks, flush issues, and complete toilet replacements.

Troubleshooting Low Water Pressure

Why Water Pressure Drops

Low water pressure can be a frustrating issue, making showering, dishwashing, and general water use inefficient. A normal household’s water pressure should be between 40–60 PSI (pounds per square inch).

Common Causes of Low Water Pressure

✔ Mineral buildup in pipes – Hard water deposits restrict water flow over time.
✔ Leaks in plumbing – Even a small hidden leak can significantly reduce pressure.
✔ Municipal water supply issues – Sometimes, the problem isn’t in your home but with the city’s supply.

How to Fix Low Water Pressure (Step-by-Step Guide)

• Check all faucets – If only one fixture has low pressure, clean the aerator.
• Inspect for leaks – Look for damp spots, mold, or unexplained high water bills.
• Flush the pipes – Running all taps at full blast can sometimes dislodge blockages.
• Call the city water department – If all else fails, check for municipal water issues.

Water Heater Troubleshooting

Other that is part of the 5 Essential Plumbing Repairs

Why Water Heater Issues Are Common

A malfunctioning water heater can disrupt daily activities like showering, cooking, and cleaning. Water heaters typically last 8-12 years, but sediment buildup, thermostat failures, and leaks can cause premature failure.

Common Water Heater Problems

✔ No hot water – Caused by a broken heating element or tripped circuit breaker.
✔ Rust-colored water – Indicates corroding pipes or anode rod failure.
✔ Strange noises – Popping sounds may mean sediment buildup inside the tank.

How to Maintain a Water Heater

• Flush the tank annually – Drain the heater to remove sediment.
• Check the anode rod – Replace it every 3-5 years to prevent corrosion.
• Adjust the thermostat – Keep it at 120°F (49°C) to prevent overheating.

When to Call Breakwater Plumbing?

While This 5 Essential Plumbing Repairs can save money, some issues require professional expertise. If you’re dealing with major leaks, sewer backups, or water heater failures, Breakwater Plumbing is here to help.

• Need expert plumbing services? Contact Breakwater Plumbing today for fast, reliable repairs!