10 Most Common Plumbing Problems & How to Fix Them

Plumbing problems are unavoidable — every homeowner faces them eventually. Whether you’re in the USA, UK, Canada, or Australia, the issues are similar: leaks, clogs, faulty water heaters, and dripping taps that waste water and money.

This guide explains:

The 10 most common plumbing issues
DIY fixes you can try safely
Danger signs that require a professional
Cost expectations in different countries
Prevention strategies to avoid future damage

1. Leaking Faucets & Dripping Taps

A leaking tap may seem small, but it wastes gallons of water monthly and raises bills.

Common Causes: worn O-rings, loose parts, damaged washers
DIY Fix: Turn off water supply, remove handle, replace washer or O-ring
Call a Plumber If: water leaks from base, corrosion, or pipe noise occurs

Estimated Repair Cost by Region:

Region	Typical Cost
USA	$120–$300
UK	£80–£180
Canada	$120–$260 CAD
Australia	$140–$300 AUD

2. Clogged Drains & Slow Drainage

Clogs usually appear in kitchen sinks, bathroom drains, and showers.

DIY Fix: Plunger or drain snake. Don’t use harsh chemical cleaners.
When It’s Serious: Multiple drains clog at once → could be a sewer issue.

Why to Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners:

Damages PVC & copper pipes
Erodes seals & joints
Toxic fumes

If drains back up when flushing or running water → call a plumber immediately.

3. Low Water Pressure Throughout the Home

Low pressure in one faucet = local issue.
Low pressure everywhere = full system issue.

DIY Check: Clean faucet aerators & shower heads.
Plumber Needed If: pressure is low across the entire home — likely a leak, rusted pipes, or blocked regulators.

4. Running or Constantly Filling Toilet

A running toilet can waste up to 6,000+ liters / 1,500 gallons per month.

DIY Fix: Adjust flapper, float, or chain.
Plumber Fix: Replace internal fill valve, flapper assembly, or seals.

Expected Cost:
USA: $80–$200 | UK: £60–£150 | Canada: $90–$220 CAD | Australia: $100–$230 AUD

5. Water Heater / Boiler Not Heating Properly

Terminology difference:

USA/Canada/Australia: Water Heater (tank or tankless)
UK: Boiler (combi, system, or heat-only)

Common Problems:

No hot water
Strange noise (sediment build-up)
Burnt smell or rust-coloured water

DIY Checks:
✔️ Reset button
✔️ Check pilot light
✔️ Check breaker/gas supply

Call a Plumber If: unit is leaking, over 10–15 years old, or producing brown water.

6. Burst or Frozen Pipes

This is an emergency. Frozen pipes (common in UK, USA, and Canada winters) can burst when pressure builds.

Immediate Steps:

Shut off water at the main valve
Turn on faucets to release pressure
Move belongings away from water
Call an emergency plumber

Never try to thaw a frozen pipe with an open flame.

7. Sewer Line Backup (Dangerous Issue)

If water backs up in showers, sinks, or toilets, the sewer line may be blocked.

Causes: tree roots, collapsed pipes, fat/grease buildup
Fix: camera inspection + hydro jetting

If you smell sewage → do not ignore it. Gas exposure & contamination risk.

8. Garbage Disposal / Waste Unit Not Working

USA/Canada/Australia homes often have garbage disposals.
UK homes more commonly use food waste bins.

DIY Reset Method:
✔️ Unplug → hit reset button under the unit
✔️ Insert hex key to manually turn motor

Avoid putting in:

Rice, pasta, bread
Bones
Grease/fat/oil
Fruit pits

9. Leaking Water Tanks & Cylinders

USA/Canada/Australia: Water heater tanks
UK: Hot water cylinders / combi system issues

Leaks often mean pressure/valve failure — not DIY.
Shut off power + water supply immediately.

10. Sump Pump Failure & Basement Flooding

Common in flood-prone areas of USA & Canada.

Test pump every 3 months
Install battery backup systems

If your basement smells musty or damp — early warning sign.

DIY vs Professional — When to Call a Plumber

Issue	DIY Safe?	Call Pro?
Faucet leak	Yes	If corrosion present
Clogged sink	Yes	If repeats or multiple drains
No hot water	No	Always
Burst/Frozen pipe	No	Emergency
Sewer backup	No	Immediate

Preventative Maintenance Checklist

✔️ Annual inspection
✔️ Flush water heater/boiler yearly
✔️ Install water softener in hard water regions
✔️ Use drain screens
✔️ Insulate pipes in winter climates

Estimated Service Costs by Country

Service	USA	UK	Canada	Australia
Emergency Call-Out	$150–$600	£120–£450	$150–$550 CAD	$180–$650 AUD
Drain Cleaning	$120–$350	£80–£220	$120–$300 CAD	$140–$330 AUD
Water Heater Repair	$200–$600	£150–£450	$250–$700 CAD	$280–$750 AUD

Final Advice

Don’t ignore small leaks → they create large bills
DIY simple issues only
Annual maintenance prevents 80% of emergencies

10 Most Common Plumbing Problems & How to Fix Them (Complete Homeowner Guide)