7 Plumbing Fixes Every Homeowner Should Know

Most plumbing emergencies start as small, ignorable annoyances: a faucet that drips once a minute, a toilet that runs a few seconds too long, a drain that empties just a little slower than it used to. Learn to handle the basics yourself and you'll save money — and know exactly when a problem is worth a professional call.

The fixes worth learning

• Replace a worn faucet washer or cartridge to stop a persistent drip.
• Swap a toilet flapper — the #1 cause of a running toilet — in under ten minutes.
• Clear a slow drain with a hand auger instead of harsh chemical cleaners.
• Re-seal a leaky trap under the sink with fresh PTFE tape.
• Shut off water at the fixture valve before any repair — know where every valve is.
• Replace a showerhead to fix low pressure and hard-water buildup.
• Insulate exposed pipes before the first freeze of the season.

When to call a pro

Anything involving supply lines inside walls, sewer smells, water heaters or visible water damage belongs to a licensed plumber. A good local pro will happily quote the job over a photo — and the businesses we feature are the kind that tell you honestly when a repair can wait.