Plumbing issues are among the most common household headaches, but many of them are simple enough to fix without calling a plumber. Here are five of the most common problems and how to tackle them.
1. A Running Toilet
A toilet that keeps running usually comes down to a worn flapper or a misadjusted fill valve. The flapper is the rubber seal at the bottom of the tank, and it's cheap and easy to replace. If the water keeps running after you swap the flapper, adjust or replace the fill valve. This is often the single biggest source of wasted water in a home.
2. A Dripping Faucet
That steady drip is usually a worn washer or cartridge inside the faucet. Turn off the water supply under the sink, disassemble the faucet, and replace the worn part. Bring the old cartridge or washer to the store to match it exactly.
3. A Slow or Clogged Drain
Before reaching for harsh chemicals, try a plunger or a drain snake to clear the blockage mechanically. A mixture of baking soda and vinegar followed by hot water can clear minor buildup. For sink clogs, cleaning out the P-trap underneath often solves the problem.
4. Low Water Pressure
If a single faucet has weak flow, the aerator, the little screen at the tip, is probably clogged with mineral buildup. Unscrew it, soak it in vinegar, rinse, and reinstall. It's a two-minute fix that people often overlook.
5. A Leaky Pipe Under the Sink
Many under-sink leaks come from a loose slip nut on the drain assembly. Tightening it by hand or with pliers often stops the leak. If a connection is corroded, replacing the section is straightforward with the right fittings.
Know Your Limits
If you hit a leak inside a wall, sewage backup, or anything involving your main line, it's time to call a licensed plumber. But for everyday fixes, a few tools and parts will get the job done.
We Stock What You Need
RHP Hardware & Paint carries flappers, cartridges, washers, drain snakes, fittings, and all the plumbing parts for these repairs. Bring in your old part and we'll help you match it. Visit us in Monsey, Pomona, New City, or Middletown.