6 Common Plumbing Issues a Plumber Solves Every Day

A small drip can turn into a big bill

Most homeowners don’t think about plumbing until something stops working. That’s normal. But small problems rarely stay small. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, household leaks waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water every year in the United States. That’s a lot of water—and money—going down the drain. Many people looking for a plumber in Fort Worth only call after a major problem appears, but most common plumbing issues actually start as small, fixable annoyances.

What are common plumbing issues, really?

Common plumbing issues are the everyday problems that show up in sinks, toilets, pipes, drains, and water heaters. These are not rare emergencies. They’re the problems plumbers see daily in homes and small businesses.

Typical examples include:

• Dripping faucet
• Slow or clogged drains
• Toilets that keep running
• Weak water pressure
• No hot water
• Leaking or burst pipes

Most of these issues come from normal wear and tear. Parts get old. Mineral buildup forms. Pressure changes stress the pipes. It’s just part of how plumbing systems age.

In our experience, the biggest issue isn’t the plumbing itself—it’s the delay. People notice a small problem and put it off. That’s when costs start to rise.

The 6 Most Common Plumbing Issues Plumbers Fix

1) Leaky faucets

Leaky faucets are probably the most common plumbing issue in any home. Kitchens and bathrooms both deal with them. That slow drip may seem harmless, but it wastes water every day and slowly increases the utility bill.

Most leaks happen because of worn washers, cartridges, or seals. These parts move every time you turn the handle, so they naturally wear out.

What usually works:
Replacing the worn internal parts. This is a quick, low-cost repair that often takes less than an hour.

What often fails:
over-tightening the handle to stop the drip. This usually damages the faucet or strips the threads.

Personal judgment:
If the faucet is old or corroded, replacement is often the smarter choice. Constant small repairs usually cost more in the long run.

Fixing a leaky faucet early keeps water bills lower and prevents damage around the sink.

2) Clogged drains

Clogged drains are another everyday issue. Almost every home deals with this at some point. Bathroom drains usually clog because of hair and soap. Kitchen drains clog from grease, oil, and food scraps.

At first, the water drains slowly. Then it starts making gurgling sounds. Eventually, it may back up completely.

What usually works:
Use a plunger or a drain snake to physically remove the clog.

What often fails:
Chemical drain cleaners. They may clear part of the clog, but they also weaken pipes over time.

In kitchens, grease is the biggest problem. It goes down as a liquid and hardens inside the pipe, forming a thick layer that traps everything else.

A simple rule that works: never pour grease down the sink.

3) Running toilets

A running toilet is one of the most ignored plumbing problems. The toilet still works, so it doesn’t feel urgent. But it can waste a surprising amount of water every day.

Most running toilets are caused by:

• A worn flapper
• A faulty fill valve
• A chain that’s too tight or tangled

These small parts control how the tank fills and stops.

What usually works:
Replacing the flapper. It’s cheap and fixes the problem most of the time.

What often fails:
Trying to keep adjusting the chain instead of replacing worn parts.

Many homeowners live with a running toilet for months because they get used to the sound.

4) Low water pressure

Low water pressure can make simple tasks frustrating. Showers feel weak, sinks take longer to fill, and appliances don’t work as efficiently.

This usually happens because of:

• Mineral buildup inside pipes
• Hidden leaks
• Pressure regulator problems
• Partially closed valves

Think of it like drinking through a clogged straw. The blockage slows everything down.

What usually works:
cleaning faucet aerators, checking for leaks, and adjusting or replacing the pressure regulator.

What often fails:
Ignoring the issue and hoping it fixes itself. Low pressure often signals a deeper problem.

In older homes, corrosion inside pipes can restrict water flow. Sometimes pipe replacement is the only real solution.

5) Water heater problems

Hot water issues feel urgent because they affect daily routines. Nobody likes a cold shower in the morning.

Common complaints include:

• No hot water
• Water is turning cold too fast
• Strange noises from the tank
• Water is pooling around the base

Most water heater problems come from sediment buildup. Minerals settle to the bottom of the tank, reducing efficiency.

What usually works:
Flushing the tank and replacing worn heating elements or thermostats.

What often fails:
Repairing an old unit again and again.

Personal judgment:
If the water heater is over 12 years old and keeps breaking down, replacement usually makes more sense than repeated repairs.

6) Burst pipes or hidden leaks

Burst pipe repair and leak detection are more serious plumbing jobs. Water damage spreads quickly, and even a small leak can cause major problems.

Pipes usually burst because of:

• Freezing temperatures
• Corrosion
• High water pressure
• Old age

Hidden leaks are harder to notice. Common signs include:

• Damp spots on walls or floors
• Musty smells
• Sudden increases in the water bill
• A water meter is moving when nothing is running

What usually works:
Finding the exact leak location and repairing that section of pipe.

What often fails:
Ignoring small leaks. They almost always grow into bigger, more expensive problems.

Fix it early or pay more later

Here’s how most situations play out in real homes:

In real life, homeowners who fix issues early almost always spend less.

Conclusion

Common plumbing issues are part of normal home life. Faucets drip. Drains clog. Toilets run. It happens in almost every house.

The real difference is how quickly you deal with the problem. In most cases, homeowners who fix issues early spend less and avoid major damage. The ones who wait usually end up calling during an emergency.

If something feels off—strange noises, slow drains, or rising water bills—it’s usually worth checking out. Plumbing rarely fixes itself.

FAQ

What are the most common plumbing issues in homes?

The most common plumbing issues we see in homes are leaky faucets, clogged drains, running toilets, low water pressure, water heater problems, and small pipe leaks. These usually start small, but if ignored, they can waste water and lead to bigger repairs. Fixing them early saves money.

Should I call a plumber for a small leak?

Yes, we recommend calling a plumber even for a small leak. What looks minor today can slowly damage cabinets, walls, or flooring. We often see small drips turn into bigger repairs because they were ignored. In most cases, the fix is quick and inexpensive when handled early. Waiting usually means higher water bills and more costly repairs later.

How do I know if my toilet is running?

You can usually tell your toilet is running if you hear water refilling the tank long after you flush. We also suggest a simple test. Put a few drops of food coloring in the tank and wait about 10–15 minutes without flushing. If the color shows up in the bowl, the toilet is leaking. We see this problem often, and it usually comes from a worn flapper or fill valve. It’s a small fix, but it can save a lot of water.

What causes low water pressure?

Low water pressure is usually caused by mineral buildup, small leaks, partially closed valves, or a bad pressure regulator. In older homes, corroded pipes can also restrict flow. We often fix it by cleaning fixtures or finding hidden leaks.

When should I replace my water heater?

We usually recommend replacing your water heater when it’s over 10–12 years old, needs frequent repairs, or struggles to keep water hot. If you notice rusty water, strange noises, or leaks around the tank, it’s often more cost-effective to install a new unit than keep fixing the old one.