The Homeowner’s Guide to Plumbing [Nashville Edition]

There’s nothing more stressful for a homeowner than a plumbing issue. Dripping faucets can keep you awake at night, while burst pipes can cause major damage to your home. In addition, they can be costly, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Angie’s List says a homeowner might spend between $180 and $494 on plumbing work, depending on the scope and urgency of the issue.

The good news? Some plumbing issues don’t require an expensive emergency call. When you have the right tools and a little knowledge, you can handle a lot of your home’s plumbing problems on your own.

However, there are limits to what can be done on your own. DIY fixes can save you money and time, but attempting the wrong fix can lead to worse problems and bigger headaches. That’s why it’s important to be able to tell when you’re safe to roll up your sleeves and when you should call in a professional like Doctor Drips’ Nashville plumbers.

In this post, we’ll break down the most common plumbing problems into two categories: DIY-friendly fixes and things you shouldn’t try yourself.

DIY-Friendly Plumbing Fixes Every Homeowner Can Handle

With plumbing tools like a wrench, plunger, a trip to the hardware store, and a YouTube video, you can usually handle many common plumbing problems yourself.

Dripping faucets.

The constant “drip… drip… drip” isn’t just annoying. Almost always, this problem is caused by a worn-out washer or cartridge inside the faucet handle. The purpose of this small, inexpensive component is to create a leak-proof seal.

The easiest way to fix it is to turn off the water supply to the faucet, disassemble the handle and spout carefully, replace the old washer with a new one, and then reassemble everything. This is a straightforward fix that can be completed within an hour.

Running toilets.

A toilet that continues to run long after you flush is basically flushing your money down the drain. Most often, this problem is caused by a faulty flapper or fill valve inside the tank. A flapper is a rubber seal at the bottom of the tank that lifts when water is needed. With time, it loses its shape and no longer forms a tight seal. It’s also possible for the tank to constantly refill due to a faulty fill valve.

Fortunately, these parts are inexpensive and easy to replace. Simply shut off the toilet water supply, drain the tank, and swap out the old parts with the new ones.

Clogged drains.

If you have small clogs in sinks, tubs, or showers, you can often remove them with a plunger or a drain snake. Using pressure, the plunger dislodges the clog, while an auger (also known as a drain snake) lets you push it into the drain to break up the blockage.

Clogged sewer lines are usually caused by pouring grease or oil down the drain or flushing debris, such as wipes or hair. In some cases, it could be because of old sewer pipes or pipe damage. 

A general rule of thumb is to avoid using harsh chemical drain cleaners, which can damage your pipes over time. If clogs continue to occur, however, a plumber may be needed to resolve a deeper issue.

Low water pressure in a faucet or showerhead.

When you have weak water pressure at one fixture, mineral buildup is likely to be to blame. Calcium and other minerals from your water supply can accumulate in the aerator and tiny holes of your faucet and showerhead over time, restricting their flow.

The best way to remove loosened mineral deposits from an aerator or showerhead is to soak it overnight in white vinegar, then scrub the surface. Often, this simple trick restores normal water flow.

Leaky toilet base (condensation, not a real leak).

In some cases, what might appear to be a leak around a toilet’s base is actually just condensation. This occurs when humid air in your bathroom contacts the cold surface of your toilet tank. As a result, water forms on the outside and drips to the ground.

Although not a true leak, this condensation still damages your flooring and leads to mildew. By installing a toilet tank insulation kit or running a bathroom dehumidifier, the problem can often be resolved.

Garbage disposal jams.

When a garbage disposal hums but doesn’t spin, it usually has a jam. In other words, the blades are stuck, and the motor is working hard to try to turn them.

Before you do anything, unplug your disposal or flip the circuit breaker to turn off the power. After that, insert an Allen wrench into the slot at the base of the disposal unit and manually rotate the blades until they move freely. The debris causing the jam can then be carefully removed with a pair of tongs or a long-handled spoon.

Loose shower handles or faucet handles.

Is the handle on your shower or sink wobbly? When the water is turned on or off, do they spin freely? The most common cause of this problem is a loose set screw.

This tiny screw holds the handle securely to the valve stem. It may only take a quick tightening of your faucet with an Allen wrench or screwdriver to restore a firm, reliable feel. If the screw is stripped or missing, replacing it is a simple and inexpensive solution that will end the annoying wobble.

Replacing a shower head or faucet.

A fresh look for a bathroom or kitchen can easily be achieved by updating the fixtures. You can easily replace a showerhead or faucet with little more than a wrench and some Teflon tape (also called plumber’s tape). Using this tape prevents leaks by creating a watertight seal around threads.

In most cases, you’ll be able to complete the swap in less than an hour, improving the light fixture’s appearance and functionality at the same time

Small pipe insulation projects.

Keeping your pipes from freezing during cold weather is an essential task, and it’s easier than you might think. If you have exposed pipes in your kitchen sink or crawl space, you can wrap them with pre-slit foam pipe insulation as a simple DIY project.

Putting this inexpensive foam sleeve over the pipe protects it from freezing temperatures. Even though you might get dirty crawling underneath your crawlspace, it’s an efficient way to prevent water damage from burst pipes.

Silent leaks (detecting them early).

Not all leaks make a big mess. Even though some are small and quiet, they can waste a significant amount of water and money.

It’s common for a toilet flapper to have a “silent leak”, which is caused by a faulty seal. The easiest way to check for it is to add a few drops of food coloring to your toilet tank. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes without flushing. You leak if any of the colored water seeps into the bowl. With this simple test, you can catch the issue early, allowing you to replace the inexpensive flapper and stop the water waste before it gets worse.

Plumbing Problems Best Left to the Pros

While many plumbing problems can be fixed by a homeowner, certain situations should always be handled by a licensed plumber. If you attempt to fix these problems yourself, you may cause serious water damage, mold growth, or even health and safety hazards.

Here are some red flags to tell you it’s time to call an expert like Doctor Dips.

Burst pipes.

Burst pipes are true plumbing emergencies. In just a few minutes, it can cause thousands of dollars of damage.

The first and most important step in dealing with this situation is to shut off your main water supply. You should then call a professional plumber right away. Besides repairing the break, they can check for hidden leaks and ensure that your entire plumbing system is working properly.

Sewer line backups.

When multiple drains in your home back up at once or you smell sewage, you probably have a problem with your sewer line. This is not a DIY project. In order to diagnose and repair a blockage in the main sewer line, specialized equipment is required.

Persistent low water pressure.

If your entire house has low water pressure, you may have an issue with the municipal water supply, a serious leak in a pipe, or widespread corrosion. With the help of a plumber, the cause of the problem can be accurately identified and a safe and effective solution can be provided.

Water heater problems.

If your water heater leaks, produces rusty water, or fails to heat, you should contact a professional for repairs or replacement. Why? Water heaters often have high-voltage electrical systems and gas lines. Therefore, this is a dangerous project for an untrained homeowner.

Frozen pipes.

If your pipes freeze in the winter, don’t use open flames, boiling water, or a blowtorch to thaw them. This can lead to a crack or even a burst in the pipe. To safely thaw and repair frozen pipes, a plumber has the necessary tools and knowledge.

Major toilet leaks or constant clogs.

A wax seal may fail if you can’t resolve a toilet clog with a plunger or if water leaks from the bottom of the toilet. In order to connect the toilet to the drain pipe, this seal is crucial. In both cases, a professional repair is required.

Remodeling or new fixture installations.

Rerouting pipes and making precise connections may be necessary when installing a new sink, bathtub, or dishwasher. In addition to ensuring that everything is up to code, a plumber can also check that there are no leaks.

Slab leaks.

When a pipe beneath your foundation cracks or breaks, a slab leak occurs. There are several telltale signs of a leak, including a sudden pool of water on your floor, damp carpet, or unusually high water bills. Detecting and repairing these leaks requires specialized equipment, and untrained people should never attempt it.

Backflow issues.

When contaminated water flows backward into your home, it is known as a backflow. An immediate professional intervention is crucial since backflow can introduce harmful bacteria and contaminants into your home’s water supply. If not addressed promptly, this can result in illnesses and infections.

Moreover, plumbing professionals can identify the source of the problem and implement effective solutions to prevent future problems.

Gas line plumbing.

There are some plumbing systems that use natural gas, such as water heaters and stoves. In addition to posing a major fire and explosion hazard, gas leaks can lead to serious health problems such as carbon monoxide poisoning. This is why only a licensed professional should handle gas line issues.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to be intimidated by plumbing. A little DIY effort can solve many common problems, from leaky faucets to clogged drains. However, it’s equally important to recognize when your toolbox isn’t enough to solve the problem. Professional expertise is required to fix problems like burst pipes, water heater failures, or sewer backups.

When you are in need of reliable, expert plumbing help in Nashville, contact Doctor Drips. They can provide professional service, preventive maintenance, and quick response times to keep your home safe, efficient, and stress-free.

FAQs About Home Plumbing in Nashville

1. How often should I have my plumbing inspected?

For newer homes, a professional check-up every two years may suffice. If a house is more than 40 years old or if it has had previous issues, frequent inspections are a must in order to catch early indications of potential problems like leaks, corrosion, and pipe degradation before they cause costly damage. 

2. What’s the average lifespan of a water heater?

Traditional storage tank water heaters usually last 8 to 12 years, while tankless models can last 15 to 25 years.

To extend a water heater’s lifespan, regular flushing and anode rod checks are recommended. This depends on factors like proper maintenance, water quality, and the unit’s overall quality.

3. Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners?

Moderation is sometimes okay. To put it another way, only when needed and in small amounts.

However, it is better to avoid them. Using chemical cleaners can damage your septic system and damage your pipes. In most cases, a plunger or drain snake is safer and more effective.

4. Why does my toilet keep clogging?

Clogged toilets are caused by non-flushable items, such as wipes or too much toilet paper. Other common causes include clogs in the toilet’s internal trap or vent pipes, mineral buildup from hard water, or problems with the toilet’s flushing system, such as a weak flush from an old low-flow toilet.

When the problem is frequent, it might be a more serious issue, such as a main sewer line clog or damage

5. How can I prevent frozen pipes in winter?

The best way to prevent frozen pipes is to insulate exposed pipes, especially those in basements, crawl spaces, and attics, and seal any gaps that allow cold air to enter. You should keep cabinet doors open to allow warm air to reach pipes below sinks and around appliances, and you should ensure your thermostat is set at 55°F (no lower).

Also, you can apply heat tape or cables, but make sure to follow the directions provided by the manufacturer. 

6. What’s the first thing I should do if I find a leak?

If you discover a water leak, shut off the main water supply immediately to prevent further damage and to give yourself time to assess the situation. After that, document the damage with photos and/or videos before removing any standing water and calling a professional plumber to repair the leak.

7. Can small leaks really cause big damage?

In addition to being expensive, small leaks can cause significant damage to a home as well as pose a danger to the inhabitants.

In as little as 24 hours, water can cause structural damage such as wood rot and weakened framing, as well as foster mold growth, which poses health risks. Continuing to ignore hidden damage, coupled with compromised insulation and electrical systems, can result in high repair costs and possible loss of homeowner’s insurance coverage.