Plumbing issues are among the most frustrating and potentially expensive home maintenance tasks. However, many common household plumbing problems don’t actually require a professional plumber. With a few basic tools and a bit of patience, you can tackle these issues yourself, saving hundreds of dollars in service fees.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top 5 plumbing headaches and the step-by-step DIY solutions to fix them.

1. The Annoying Leaky Faucet

A dripping faucet is more than just a background noise; it can waste over 3,000 gallons of water a year. That is enough water to take more than 180 showers!

• The Cause: Most leaks are caused by a worn-out O-ring or a degraded washer inside the handle assembly.
• The Fix: 1. Turn off the water supply valves under the sink. 2. Remove the faucet handle (usually requires a small Allen wrench or screwdriver). 3. Unscrew the packing nut and remove the old washer or O-ring. 4. Replace it with an exact match from the hardware store. 5. Reassemble and turn the water back on.

2. Slow-Draining Bathroom Sinks

If you find yourself standing in an inch of soapy water every time you brush your teeth, your drain is likely clogged with hair and soap scum.

• The Cause: Debris gets caught on the pop-up stopper or in the P-trap (the U-shaped pipe under the sink).
• The Fix: 1. First, try a Zip-it tool (a long plastic strip with barbs) to pull hair out from the top. 2. If that doesn’t work, place a bucket under the P-trap and unscrew the slip nuts by hand. 3. Remove the trap, clean out the gunk, and rinse it in another sink. 4. Reinstall the trap, ensuring the washers are seated correctly to prevent leaks.

3. Low Water Pressure at the Tap

Does your kitchen or bathroom faucet feel like a weak trickle? Before you assume there’s a massive pipe leak, check the easiest part first.

• The Cause: Mineral deposits (calcium and lime) build up in the aerator—the small mesh screen at the tip of the faucet.
• The Fix: 1. Unscrew the aerator by hand or with pliers (wrap a cloth around it first to avoid scratching the finish). 2. Soak the parts in white vinegar for 30 minutes to dissolve the buildup. 3. Scrub with an old toothbrush, rinse, and screw it back on.

4. The “Running” Toilet

If you hear your toilet “hissing” or filling up long after it’s been flushed, it’s wasting water 24/7.

• The Cause: The flapper (the rubber seal at the bottom of the tank) is no longer sealing properly, or the float arm is set too high.
• The Fix: 1. Open the tank lid and watch the flush. 2. If the flapper is warped or covered in mineral deposits, it’s time for a replacement. They cost about $5 and “snap” into place without tools. 3. Ensure the chain isn’t too long (getting caught under the seal) or too short (preventing the seal).

5. Clogged Toilets

A clogged toilet is a homeowner’s nightmare, but chemical drain cleaners are often too harsh for your pipes.

• The Fix: 1. Use a flange plunger (the one with a fold-out rubber flap on the bottom) for the best suction.
• 2. Ensure there is enough water in the bowl to cover the head of the plunger.
• 3. Give several vigorous up-and-down thrusts while maintaining the seal.
• 4. If plunging fails, use a toilet auger (snake) to reach deeper blockages safely.