Plumbing
Plumbing repair guides & troubleshooting for everyday homeowners
From clogged drains and dripping faucets to water heaters and main shut-offs, get step-by-step checklists and clear “DIY vs call a pro” guidance—written for homeowners, not plumbers.
No scare tactics. No jargon. Just what you need to know to stay ahead of leaks and backups.
Quick view: is this urgent?
Sewage backing up in tubs or floor drains? Stop using water and call a plumber.
Active leak through ceilings or light fixtures? Shut off water and power nearby, then call a pro.
Water heater leaking or hissing? Turn off water and fuel/power and have it inspected.
When in doubt, treat water where it shouldn’t be as urgent. The sooner you stop the flow, the less damage you’ll have to repair.
Start with what you’re dealing with today
Choose the issue that looks most like what you’re seeing right now. Each guide includes simple checks, safety warnings, and next steps.
Toilet running, rocking, or overflowing
Simple fixes for constant running and loose bolts, plus when repeated overflows hint at vent or main line issues.
Sink, shower, or tub draining slowly
Step-by-step checks using safe tools you already have, plus when repeated clogs point to a bigger problem in the main line.
Dripping faucet or small under-sink leak
Learn how to find the source, what’s usually DIY-friendly, and when a “small drip” can damage cabinets and floors.
No hot water or not enough
Quick checks for electric and gas water heaters, normal noises vs. warning signs, and when to call a plumber or HVAC pro.
Popular plumbing guides
These guides are a great starting point if you want to understand your home’s plumbing system and avoid surprise repair bills.
Water Heater 101: Lifespan, Maintenance & When It’s Time to Replace
Understand normal operation vs. problem signs, simple maintenance tasks, and what a fair replacement quote looks like.
Clogged Drain? Step-by-Step Fixes for Sinks, Showers & Tubs
Learn what actually causes most clogs, the safest tools to use, and when to stop and call a plumber before you damage pipes.
Hidden Leaks: How to Spot Moisture Issues Before They Get Expensive
Follow a simple walkthrough to find slow leaks in cabinets, ceilings, and basements—before they turn into mold and repairs.
Plumbing Maintenance Checklist for Kitchens, Baths & Laundry Rooms
A simple, repeatable list of quick checks that keeps drains flowing and helps you catch small issues early.
Learn your home’s plumbing system by pieces
Break the system into manageable parts so you’re never guessing which valve, pipe, or fixture to look at first.
Water supply & shut-offs
Main shutoff, fixture valves, and how pressure works so you can safely stop water fast in an emergency.
Drain, waste & vent (DWV)
How drains, traps, and vents move wastewater out of your home—and what causes gurgling and sewer smells.
Fixtures & appliances
Sinks, toilets, dishwashers, and clothes washers—where most small problems show up first.
Basements, crawlspaces & outdoors
Hose bibs, sump pumps, and exposed lines—common places for freezing, corrosion, and slow leaks.
DIY or call a pro?
Use this quick comparison to decide when a plumbing project is a reasonable homeowner task and when it’s smarter—and safer—to bring in a licensed plumber.
Generally OK for careful DIY
Low-risk tasks that mostly require patience, basic tools, and turning off water at the valve.
Jobs to leave to a pro
These can become dangerous or very expensive very quickly if done wrong—even if they look simple on the surface.
Plumbing red-flag list
Stop and call a pro if you notice:
Step one is always to shut off the closest water valve or the main, then call. You can always restart water later—water damage and mold are harder to reverse.
Plumbing questions homeowners ask most
These short answers are a starting point—each FAQ links to a deeper guide if you want the full details and diagrams.
Where is my main water shut-off valve?
In most homes, it’s where the water line first enters the house—often in a basement, utility room, or near the water heater. Some homes also have a shutoff near the street. See the shutoff location guide
Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners?
We don’t recommend them in most cases—they can damage older pipes, create hazardous splashes/fumes, and make professional work harder. Mechanical methods and enzyme cleaners are usually safer. Learn safer options for clearing drains
How often should I flush my water heater?
Many manufacturers recommend annually, especially in areas with hard water. Even a partial flush can extend the life of the tank and keep efficiency up. Step-by-step water heater flushing guide
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