Home Plumbing Tips: Simple Fixes for Everyday Problems

Got a drip, a noisy fan, or a water heater that won't stay hot? You don't need a pro for every little hiccup. With the right basics you can sort most issues yourself and save time and money.

Stop Common Leaks Quickly

First thing to check is where the water is coming from. A loose joint is the usual suspect. Grab an adjustable wrench, tighten the nut a half‑turn and watch the drip. If the leak stays, turn off the supply valve under the sink, dry the area, and apply plumber’s tape to the threads before re‑installing the fitting.

For faucet drips, the culprit is often a worn‑out washer. Shut off the water, pop off the handle, replace the rubber washer and re‑assemble. It takes a few minutes and the constant drip disappears.

Running toilets waste gallons every hour. Pop off the tank cover, press the flapper down and see if the water stops. If it does, the flapper needs a replace. They’re cheap at any hardware store – just match the size and snap it in.

Keep Your Water Heater & Extractor Fans Running

Cold showers? Your electric water heater may need a reset. Locate the reset button on the thermostat (usually a red button), press it for a few seconds, and let the unit recharge. If it trips again, the element could be failing – that’s a job for a qualified tech.

Extractor fans in the kitchen or bathroom lose suction when the filter or motor gets clogged. Turn off the fan, remove the front grille, and clean the filter with warm, soapy water. Let it dry, pop it back and you’ll hear the boost instantly.

If cleaning doesn’t help, the motor might be the issue. Many fans let you replace the motor without a whole new unit. Check the model online, order the part, and swap it out – just remember to turn off the electricity at the breaker first.

Regular maintenance makes all this easier. Every few months, give your pipes a visual check, wipe down faucet aerators, and run the hot water for a minute to flush out sediment from the heater. A quick once‑a‑year check of the main shut‑off valve ensures it won’t seize when you need it most.

When you run into problems that feel beyond a simple fix – like major pipe bursts or persistent no‑heat in a water heater – call a licensed plumber. Trying to patch big issues yourself can cause more damage and end up costing more.

Bottom line: most home plumbing hiccups can be handled with a wrench, a bit of tape, and a clean filter. Keep a basic toolkit, know where your shut‑off valves are, and you’ll stay ahead of leaks, cold showers, and stale kitchen air. Happy fixing!