Common Plumbing Problems
Diagnose and solve common plumbing issues. Browse problems by category or search all known problems below for quick solutions.
Browse Problems by Category
Bathtubs & Showers Problems
4 common problems for Bathtubs & Showers.
View Bathtubs & Showers Problems →Garbage Disposals Problems
3 common problems for Garbage Disposals.
View Garbage Disposals Problems →Pipes & Fittings Problems
3 common problems for Pipes & Fittings.
View Pipes & Fittings Problems →All Problems 38
Bad Taste or Odor in Water
Water tastes or smells like chlorine, sulfur (rotten eggs), or metal. Can indicate municipal treatment chemicals, well contamination, or old pipes.
5 min read Find solutions →Bathtub Won't Drain
Standing water in the bathtub that drains very slowly or not at all. Usually caused by hair clogs in the drain stopper or trap.
4 min read Find solutions →Chipped or Cracked Sink
Chips, cracks, or surface damage in porcelain, enamel, or composite sink materials from impacts or thermal shock.
3 min read Find solutions →Disposal Jammed
Motor hums but the blades won't spin. Usually caused by a hard object or fibrous food stuck between the impeller and shred ring.
4 min read Find solutions →Disposal Leaking
Water dripping from the disposal unit. Can leak from the sink flange, discharge pipe, or bottom of the unit (internal seal failure).
5 min read Find solutions →Disposal Won't Turn On
Garbage disposal is completely unresponsive. Could be a tripped reset button, blown fuse, faulty switch, or burned-out motor.
4 min read Find solutions →Dripping Faucet
Often caused by worn cartridges, washers, or seals. Small drips can waste significant water over time.
4 min read Find solutions →Frozen Pipes
Pipes freeze and potentially burst in cold weather. Occurs in uninsulated exterior walls, crawl spaces, and unheated areas.
5 min read Find solutions →Hard Water Buildup
White, chalky mineral deposits on fixtures, shower heads, and inside pipes. Caused by high calcium and magnesium in the water supply.
4 min read Find solutions →Leaking Shower Door
Water escaping around or under the shower door. Typically caused by worn seals, misaligned doors, or improper installation.
4 min read Find solutions →Leaking Under the Sink
May involve supply lines, shutoff valves, or faucet connections. Address quickly to prevent cabinet damage.
5 min read Find solutions →Leaking Valve Stem
Water dripping from around the valve handle when the valve is operated. Usually caused by worn packing or O-rings.
4 min read Find solutions →Leaking Water Heater
Leaks can occur from loose connections, corroded tanks, or faulty pressure relief valves requiring immediate attention.
4 min read Find solutions →Loose Handle or Spout
Typically caused by loose set screws or worn mounting hardware—easy to fix with basic tools.
3 min read Find solutions →Low RO System Output
Reverse osmosis system producing water very slowly. Usually caused by low pressure, clogged filters, or a failing RO membrane.
4 min read Find solutions →Low Shower Water Pressure
Weak water flow from the shower head. Caused by mineral buildup, clogged shower head, faulty cartridge, or whole-house pressure issues.
4 min read Find solutions →Low Water Pressure
Commonly from clogged aerators, supply issues, or debris in the cartridge—especially after plumbing work.
5 min read Find solutions →No Hot Water
Complete loss of hot water can indicate pilot light issues, thermostat problems, or heating element failure.
3 min read Find solutions →Noisy Faucet (Whistling / Hammering)
Can indicate high pressure, worn parts, or water hammer. Fixes range from aerators to arrestors.
6 min read Find solutions →Noisy Pump Operation
Loud vibration, rattling, or grinding sounds from the pump. Can indicate worn bearings, loose mounting, or debris in the impeller.
4 min read Find solutions →Phantom Flushing
Toilet randomly refills on its own without being flushed. Caused by a slow leak from the tank to the bowl through a deteriorating flapper.
3 min read Find solutions →Pilot Light Won't Stay Lit
Gas water heater pilot lights that won't stay lit may have thermocouple issues or gas supply problems.
3 min read Find solutions →Pinhole Leaks in Copper
Small leaks developing in copper pipes due to internal corrosion. Can be caused by aggressive water chemistry or electrolysis.
5 min read Find solutions →PRV Failure — High Water Pressure
Pressure reducing valve failing to regulate pressure, resulting in dangerously high water pressure that can damage fixtures and pipes.
5 min read Find solutions →Rusty or Discolored Water
Brown or rusty water suggests corrosion inside the tank or pipes, potentially requiring replacement.
4 min read Find solutions →Shower Temperature Fluctuations
Water temperature changes unexpectedly during a shower. Often caused by a failing mixing valve cartridge or competing water demand.
5 min read Find solutions →Sink Drain Odor
Foul smells coming from the sink drain. Often caused by bacterial buildup in the drain, a dry P-trap, or blocked vent pipe.
4 min read Find solutions →Slow Draining Sink
Water drains slowly from the sink. Usually caused by buildup of soap, hair, grease, or food debris in the drain or P-trap.
4 min read Find solutions →Sprayer Not Working
Kitchen sprayers may fail due to diverter issues, kinks, mineral buildup, or a damaged hose.
5 min read Find solutions →Strange Noises
Rumbling, popping, or hissing sounds typically indicate sediment buildup or mineral deposits affecting performance.
3 min read Find solutions →Stuck Shut-Off Valve
Valve handle won't turn due to mineral buildup, corrosion, or long periods of disuse. Common with older gate valves.
4 min read Find solutions →Sump Pump Runs Constantly
Pump runs non-stop or cycles too frequently. Often caused by a stuck float switch, check valve failure, or undersized pump.
5 min read Find solutions →Sump Pump Won't Turn On
Sump pump fails to activate when water rises. Could be a stuck float switch, tripped breaker, or failed motor.
5 min read Find solutions →Toilet Keeps Running
Water continuously runs in the tank after flushing. Usually caused by a worn flapper, faulty fill valve, or improperly adjusted float.
4 min read Find solutions →Toilet Leaking at Base
Water pooling around the base of the toilet. Typically indicates a failed wax ring seal between the toilet and the floor flange.
4 min read Find solutions →Toilet Won't Flush Properly
Weak or incomplete flush that doesn't clear the bowl. Can be caused by clogged rim holes, low water level, or a partial drain blockage.
5 min read Find solutions →Water Hammer
Loud banging noise when water is shut off quickly. Caused by sudden pressure changes in pipes with no air chamber or failed arrestor.
4 min read Find solutions →Water Not Hot Enough
Insufficient hot water temperature often caused by incorrect thermostat settings or sediment buildup in the tank.
3 min read Find solutions →