Key Takeaways
- Most common problems have a simple cause and an inexpensive fix.
- Low pressure at several fixtures usually means the pipes, not the fixtures.
- Water heater, gas and sewer problems are jobs for a licensed plumber.
- Knowing where your main shut-off is turns emergencies into inconveniences.
1. Dripping Faucets
Cause: a worn washer, O-ring or cartridge. Solution: replace the worn part, or the faucet if it's old. See how to fix a leaky faucet or our faucet repair service.
2. Running Toilets
Cause: a worn flapper, a fill valve set too high, or a chain that's too short. Solution: adjust or replace the part. A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons a day. See toilet repair.
3. Clogged Drains and Toilets
Cause: grease, hair, soap and wipes, and in older homes, tree roots in the sewer line. Solution: a plunger or snake for single clogs, screens and better habits to prevent them, and professional drain cleaning when several drains back up. Our 5 tips to prevent clogged drains help.
4. Low Water Pressure
Cause: one weak fixture usually means a clogged aerator or cartridge. Weak pressure everywhere can mean old galvanized pipe narrowing from corrosion, a failing pressure regulator, a partly closed main valve, or a leak. Solution: clean aerators first, then have a plumber check the system. See plumbing repair.
5. Water Heater Trouble
Cause: sediment buildup, a failed element, thermostat or gas valve, or a tank at the end of its life. Solution: yearly flushing prevents a lot of it, and parts can be replaced. A tank leaking from the body needs replacing. See water heater repair and how to choose a new water heater.
6. Hidden Leaks
Cause: failed fittings, corroded pipe, worn supply hoses. Solution: use the water meter test to confirm, then find and fix the source. See detecting leaks early and our leak detection service.
7. Noisy Pipes
Cause: banging when a valve closes is water hammer, often from high pressure or missing arrestors. Whistling can mean a worn valve. Solution: water hammer arrestors, a pressure regulator, or valve replacement.
8. Sump Pump Failures
Cause: a stuck float, a burned-out motor, a failed check valve or no power during a storm. Solution: test the pump before the wet season and add a battery backup. See sump pump service.
9. Frozen Pipes
Cause: pipes in cold spaces during a hard freeze. Solution: insulate, seal drafts and keep the heat on. See our winter plumbing maintenance tips.
10. Fire Sprinkler Heads That Need Attention
Cause: paint, corrosion or damage on a sprinkler head can stop it from working. Solution: painted or damaged heads must be replaced, not cleaned. See fire sprinkler service.
DIY or Call a Plumber?
| Usually DIY | Call a licensed plumber |
|---|---|
| Cleaning an aerator | Anything involving gas |
| Replacing a toilet flapper | Water heater replacement |
| Plunging a single clog | Sewer backups and main line clogs |
| Swapping washer hoses | Leaks inside walls or under slabs |
| Fixing a simple faucet drip | Repiping and new installations |
When in doubt, a quick call costs nothing. Our team serves Rockville and all of Montgomery County, including North Bethesda, Bethesda and Montgomery Village. See every plumbing emergency warning sign in our emergency guide.
