The plumbing problem guide
Eight common problems, what's safe to try first, and the point where it's worth calling a pro.
Clogged drainBook in the next day or two
Try this first
A plunger with a good seal, or a drain snake for hair clogs. Skip chemical drain cleaners: they rarely clear the clog and can damage older pipes.
Call us when
More than one drain is slow at once, or water backs up into a tub or floor drain.
Leak or dripHandle it now
Try this first
Close the shut-off valve under the sink or behind the toilet. If you can't find one, turn off the main.
Call us when
Water is reaching the floor, ceiling or walls, or you can't stop it at a local valve.
Toilet troubleBook when it suits you
Try this first
Lift the tank lid. A flapper that doesn't seal or a chain that's tangled causes most running toilets.
Call us when
It rocks on the floor, leaks at the base, or the fill valve hisses constantly.
No hot waterBook in the next day or two
Try this first
Check the breaker for electric heaters, or that the pilot is lit on gas ones (only if your manual shows how).
Call us when
You smell gas, the tank is leaking, or the hot water is rusty.
Low pressureBook when it suits you
Try this first
Unscrew and rinse the aerator on the faucet. Mineral buildup there is the usual suspect.
Call us when
Pressure is low everywhere in the house, or dropped suddenly.
Sewer smellBook in the next day or two
Try this first
Run water in unused sinks, tubs and floor drains for a minute. Dry traps let sewer gas in.
Call us when
The smell stays after traps are filled, or toilets gurgle when other fixtures drain.
Frozen pipeHandle it now
Try this first
Open the faucet and warm the pipe gently with a hair dryer. Never use an open flame.
Call us when
You can't find the frozen section, or you see a bulge or crack. A split pipe floods when it thaws.
Something newBook when it suits you
Try this first
Pick the fixture you want and keep the box handy. We'll check what's behind the wall.
Call us when
Faucets, toilets, disposals, water heaters, filters: anytime you're ready.