Things to Check Before Calling a Plumber

Before you pick up the phone, try these quick fixes. You might save yourself a service call.

I'm Justin Sims, and here's something that might surprise you coming from a plumber: I don't want you to call me for things you can easily fix yourself. Not because I don't want the work—because I respect your time and money.

There are plenty of plumbing situations that absolutely require a professional. But there are also a bunch of simple issues that you can troubleshoot in 5 minutes. Let's run through them.

The Running Toilet Check

**What's happening:** Toilet won't stop running

Check this first:

1. Take off the tank lid
2. Is the flapper (rubber thing at the bottom) seated properly? Push it down.
3. Is the water level too high, spilling into the overflow tube? Adjust the float down.
4. Is the chain tangled or too short/long? Adjust it.

**If these don't help:** You likely need a new flapper ($5) or fill valve ($15). Both are DIY-able.

**When to call:** If you've replaced parts and it still runs, there may be a crack in the tank or a more complex issue.

The Clogged Drain Check

**What's happening:** Sink, shower, or tub draining slowly or not at all

Check this first:

1. Pop out the drain cover/stopper
2. Look for hair and gunk right at the surface
3. Use needle-nose pliers or a hair removal tool (they sell them for $5) to pull out the clog
4. Try a plunger—create a seal and plunge vigorously

**For kitchen sinks:** Never use drain cleaner on a garbage disposal clog. Try running cold water and the disposal first. See if there's a reset button.

**When to call:** If multiple drains are slow, the main line might be clogged. If the plunger doesn't work and it's a single drain, a snake is needed.

The No Hot Water Check

**What's happening:** Cold water only, nothing's warming up

Check this first:

For gas water heaters:

1. Check the pilot light—is it lit? If not, follow relighting instructions on the unit.
2. Make sure the gas is on.
3. Check the thermostat setting—someone may have turned it down.

For electric water heaters:

1. Check your breaker panel—did the breaker trip?
2. Reset it and see if that helps.
3. Check the thermostat setting on the unit.

For tankless:

1. Look for error codes on the display
2. Check that gas and water supply are on
3. Reset the unit (power cycle)

**When to call:** If pilot won't stay lit, breakers keep tripping, or you smell gas near the unit.

The Low Water Pressure Check

**What's happening:** Weak flow from one or more fixtures

Check this first:

1. Is it just one fixture or the whole house?
2. **One fixture:** Check if the aerator (screen at the tip of the faucet) is clogged. Unscrew it, clean it out, replace.
3. Check that the shut-off valve for that fixture is fully open.
4. **Shower head:** Remove and soak in vinegar overnight to clear mineral deposits.

For whole-house issues:

1. Check your main shut-off valve—is it fully open?
2. Check your pressure regulator if you have one—these can fail.

**When to call:** Whole-house pressure issues, no improvement after cleaning aerators, or you suspect a leak.

The Garbage Disposal Check

**What's happening:** Disposal won't turn on or is humming but not grinding

Check this first:

If it won't turn on at all:

1. Find the reset button (usually on the bottom of the unit)
2. Press it
3. Try again

If it hums but doesn't grind:

1. Turn it OFF immediately
2. Use a disposal wrench or 1/4" Allen key in the bottom center of the unit
3. Turn it back and forth to free the stuck flywheel
4. If you see the obstruction from above, use tongs (never your hand!) to remove it
5. Hit reset, try again

**When to call:** If the reset doesn't work, it still hums after freeing it, or there's a leak underneath.

The Leaking Toilet Base Check

**What's happening:** Water pooling around the base of the toilet

Check this first:

1. Is the water clean or dirty? (Wipe and smell—I know, but it matters)
2. **Clean water:** Might be condensation on the tank or a leak from the tank bolts
3. Tighten the bolts that hold the tank to the bowl
4. Check the supply line connection at the wall and bottom of the tank

**When to call:** If the water is dirty or smells, the wax ring needs replacement—that's a pull-the-toilet job.

The Sump Pump Check

**What's happening:** Sump pump not running during heavy rain

Check this first:

1. Is it plugged in? (Seriously—check)
2. Trip the float switch by hand—does the pump run?
3. Is the discharge line clogged or frozen?
4. Is the pit full of debris preventing the float from rising?

**When to call:** If the pump runs but water isn't leaving, or if it won't run at all after checking power.

The Leaky Faucet Check

**What's happening:** Faucet drips when turned off

Check this first:

1. How old is the faucet? If it's more than 10-15 years, cartridges/washers wear out.
2. Is it a single-handle or two-handle faucet?
3. Can you identify the brand? (Makes getting replacement parts easier)

To attempt repair:

1. Turn off water supply to the faucet
2. Remove the handle (usually a screw under a cap)
3. Replace the cartridge or washer
4. Reassemble

**When to call:** If you can't find parts, don't feel comfortable disassembling, or the faucet is old and a replacement makes more sense.

The Overflowing Toilet Check

**What's happening:** Toilet is overflowing or threatening to

DO this first:

1. Take off the tank lid
2. Push down the flapper to stop water from entering the bowl
3. Turn off the supply valve behind/below the toilet

Then:

1. Let the water level in the bowl drop
2. Use a plunger—firm, even pressure