Common Plumbing Problems
Expert guides for every plumbing issue — with DIY steps, cost estimates, and when you need a pro.
This guide covers the 19 most common plumbing problems homeowners face. Each guide includes the most likely causes, what you can safely attempt yourself, what to expect to pay, and the warning signs that mean it's time to call a licensed plumber.
Plumbing Emergencies — Call a Plumber Now
These problems require immediate professional attention. Delays cause rapidly escalating damage or safety risks.
- Emergency
Burst Pipe
A burst pipe can release dozens of gallons per minute, causing severe water damage within minutes.
Avg. repair cost: $500–$1,500 - Emergency
Sewer Backup
A sewer backup is a plumbing emergency where sewage flows back into your home through drains, toilets, or floor drains.
Avg. repair cost: $500 - Emergency
Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes can burst when water expands upon freezing, causing thousands of dollars in water damage.
Avg. repair cost: $400 - Emergency
Water Heater Leaking
A leaking water heater requires immediate attention — leaks from the tank itself usually mean replacement is needed.
Avg. repair cost: $900 - Emergency
Sump Pump Failure
A failed sump pump during heavy rain leads to basement flooding within hours.
Avg. repair cost: $500 - Emergency
Gas Line Issue
Any suspected gas line leak is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate evacuation and utility contact.
Avg. repair cost: $400
Problems That Need a Plumber Soon
These aren't immediate emergencies but should be addressed within 24–48 hours to prevent escalation.
- Call a Plumber
No Hot Water
Loss of hot water can indicate a failed heating element, tripped breaker, pilot light issue, or failing water heater.
Avg. repair cost: $300 - Call a Plumber
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure makes showers weak and appliances slow. Causes range from simple aerator clogs to main line issues.
Avg. repair cost: $200 - Call a Plumber
Sewer Gas Smell
A sewage or rotten egg smell inside your home can indicate dried P-traps, cracked sewer vents, or sewer line damage.
Avg. repair cost: $250 - Call a Plumber
Clogged Toilet
A clogged toilet that won't clear with plunging may have a blockage deeper in the drain or a foreign object lodged in the trap.
Avg. repair cost: $175 - Call a Plumber
Discolored Water
Brown, yellow, or rusty water from your taps indicates pipe corrosion, water heater sediment, or municipal supply disturbance.
Avg. repair cost: $300 - Call a Plumber
Unexplained Water Bill Spike
A sudden spike in your water bill without increased usage indicates a hidden leak wasting hundreds of gallons daily.
Avg. repair cost: $350 - Call a Plumber
Leaking Pipe
A leaking pipe can cause structural damage, mold growth, and significant water loss if not addressed promptly.
Avg. repair cost: $350
Common Issues You May Be Able to Fix Yourself
These problems often have simple DIY solutions. Try the steps below before calling a plumber.
- DIY Possible
Leaking Faucet
A dripping faucet wastes up to 3,000 gallons of water per year and indicates worn internal components.
Avg. repair cost: $150 - DIY Possible
Slow Drain
Slow drains indicate a partial blockage in the drain line and will worsen over time into a full clog.
Avg. repair cost: $150 - DIY Possible
Running Toilet
A running toilet can waste 200+ gallons of water per day and is almost always a simple internal component failure.
Avg. repair cost: $125 - DIY Possible
Garbage Disposal Not Working
A garbage disposal that won't turn on or is humming without spinning usually has a simple fix.
Avg. repair cost: $200 - DIY Possible
Banging Pipes (Water Hammer)
Banging or hammering noises in pipes after shutting off fixtures is called water hammer — a pressure surge that stresses pipe joints.
Avg. repair cost: $175 - DIY Possible
Shower Not Draining
Standing water in the shower is almost always caused by hair and soap buildup in the drain strainer or nearby trap.
Avg. repair cost: $125
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