The Plumbing Problems Every Homeowner Should Know About (and How to Fix Them)

Plumbing problems. They’re the kind of thing you don’t think about until you’re standing in a puddle or wrinkling your nose at a funky smell. While some issues are minor inconveniences, others can lead to costly fixes and even bigger headaches if ignored. If you’ve noticed strange noises, unwelcome odors, or leaks around your home, it’s time to investigate. Here’s a guide to some of the most common plumbing problems homeowners face and how to handle them.

1. A Funky Sewer Gas Smell in Your Home

Have you walked through your house and caught a whiff of something resembling rotten eggs? That’s likely sewer gas, a telltale sign of plumbing woes. While low concentrations of these gases are generally harmless, the smell is far from pleasant. Common culprits include dry or damaged water traps, improper toilet wax rings, or leaking sewer pipes.

What to Do: Often, simply running water down infrequently-used drains can rehydrate the traps and stop the smell. For faulty wax rings or leaks in the sewer line, you’re likely better off bringing in a professional plumber.

2. Whistling Shower Head Serenades

Does your shower head whistle a tune every time you turn it on? While it may sound like your plumbing is auditioning for a talent show, it’s really a sign of water pressure issues or mineral buildup. Over time, mineral deposits can constrict water flow, creating that high-pitched squeal of frustration.

What to Do: Try soaking your shower head in vinegar overnight to clear out the mineral deposits. If that doesn’t work, it might need replacing. For persistent issues with water pressure, calling a plumber to assess your home’s plumbing system is a smart move.

3. Rotten Egg Odors from Your Sink Water

If your kitchen sink water smells like rotten eggs, you’re not imagining things. The odor usually comes from hydrogen sulfide gas, which can seep into your water from decomposing organic matter in drain pipes or contaminated well water.

What to Do: Clean the sink thoroughly, pour a vinegar-and-water solution down the drain, and flush it with cold water. If the smell persists, a plumber may need to assess your water pipes or septic system to rule out deeper issues.

4. A Leaky Garbage Disposal

A garbage disposal that leaks can quickly turn into a homeowner’s nightmare, causing water damage, foul odors, and general chaos under the kitchen sink. Leaks often stem from cracked seals, loose connections, or clogs in the drain line.

What to Do: Inspect for any loose fittings and tighten them with a wrench. If the seals are worn, replace them, or call a plumber if you’re unsure about the cause. Avoid dumping fibrous foods or non-food waste down the disposal to prevent blockages.

5. No Hot Water in the Shower

There’s nothing worse than stepping into a shower expecting soothing warm water only to be hit with a freezing blast. A lack of hot water could mean the water heater is off, malfunctioning, or struggling under the weight of multiple users at the same time.

What to Do: Check that the water heater is on. If it’s still working but not producing hot water, sediment might need flushing out of the unit. Persistent issues? Time to enlist a plumber to assess or replace the heater.

6. Water Pooling Around the Toilet Base

A toilet leaking at its base might look harmless, but it could waste hundreds of gallons of water a day or lead to damaged floors. The likely cause? A worn-out wax ring, loose bolts, or deteriorated pipes.

What to Do: Tighten the bolts holding the toilet in place on the floor. If that’s not the fix, replacing the wax ring is your next step—but beware, that’s not a beginner-level DIY task. A professional plumber can ensure the seal is tight and secure.

7. Why Is the Toilet Water Brown?

It’s not a pretty sight when you flush and the water turns brown. This can result from sediment build-up, rusting pipes, or even issues with your well or septic tank.

What to Do: Try flushing the system to clear sediment. If your home relies on a well, ensure there’s no contamination. For older properties with iron pipes, consider bringing in a plumber to scope things out and discuss pipe replacement options.

8. Kitchen Sink Leaking Around the Edges

Noticing water trickling out around the edges of your kitchen sink? A damaged seal or old caulk is often responsible, but leaks can sometimes indicate improper installation or wear on the pipes below.

What to Do: Remove any peeling caulk and replace it with a fresh sealant. If tightening pipes or fixing the seal doesn’t stop the leak, you may need a plumber to tackle a deeper issue, like pipe corrosion or installation errors.

When To Call a Professional

While some plumbing mishaps are beginner-level DIY fixes, others call for an expert’s touch. If you notice recurring problems, mysterious noises, ongoing leaks, or risk causing more harm than good, it’s time to reach out to someone who knows the ins and outs of pipes, fittings, and fixtures.

Professional plumbers, like the experts at White’s Plumbing, can quickly diagnose and fix the toughest plumbing problems, saving you time and stress. From dealing with strange smells to restoring hot water or stopping leaks, plumbers ensure your home stays functional and safe.

Don’t wait until small issues snowball into costly emergencies. Keep your plumbing in tip-top shape and call in the pros when you need to—we promise, they’ll save the day!