Fixing Common Plumbing Problems in Your Home
Does your sink drain really slow, or maybe the faucet doesn’t have the water pressure it once had? Shower doesn’t turn off all the way and drip, drip, drip all night long—or are you standing in ankle-deep water as you finish up your shower? Plumbing problems come in all sorts of ways, at EMP Handyman and Renovation, we provide plumbing repair in San Diego—fixing leaky faucets, clogged drains, and toilets so your home runs smoothly without the mess or stress.
Here in San Diego County, we are (blessed) with hard water. While drinking it can supply our bodies with calcium and magnesium, it most definitely wreaks havoc on our plumbing.
How Hard Water Leads to Plumbing Repairs
Mineral build-up in faucets and valves can prevent them from closing all the way, which can cause them to drip. The build-up in aerators and screens also reduces water pressure over time—and nobody likes to clean up or rinse off with just a trickle of water.
If your shower valve is leaking, most of the time switching out the internal cartridge is the most cost-effective solution. Standard brands like Moen, Delta, or Kohler have replacement cartridges available at big box and plumbing supply stores. There are some replacement cartridges for faucets, but they are not as prevalent as shower valves.
The good news: most of the time, cleaning or replacing the aerator will fix low flow on a faucet. A nice white vinegar soak will break up the minerals and get your faucet flowing free again—this trick also works on shower heads.
If a faucet is dripping, new O-rings might fix it (if they’re accessible), but most of the time, my clients have me switch out the old faucet for a new one in the bathroom or kitchen. That’s one of the most common plumbing repair calls I get.
Toilets and Valves That Need Plumbing Repair
Toilets also have a valve in the tank—and they always wear out eventually. If your toilet runs and won’t shut off no matter how many times you adjust it, it’s time for a new valve.
I always recommend a new supply line as well, since the gasket or O-ring deteriorates over time. I have made the error of not replacing it and had to go back because of a slow drip. I try not to make mistakes like that more than once—especially if the new part is less than $20. I think we can all agree $20 is not too much for a little extra peace of mind.
Sometimes I also recommend changing the angle-stop valve if it won’t shut off all the way, or if it’s old, crusty, and rusty. A new ¼ turn valve is a lot nicer than those old ones that take 2–3 full turns to shut off. This goes for all supply lines, whether it’s for a sink or a toilet.
Clogged Drains and Other Plumbing Repair Needs
Enough of the clean water plumbing adventures—let’s move on to the dirtier stuff. I’m talking mostly about gray water problems like clogged drains.
Hair in the shower/tub drain or bathroom sink make the water go slow down the drain. There are a few ways to fix it:
- Use chemicals to break down the hair
- Try little plastic tools that supposedly grab the hair and pull it out
- Disassemble the trap and clean out the gunk and junk that has accumulated over the years
- Or—you can call me, and I’ll do it for you (because you know, it’s kinda gross)
⚠️ Pro tip: If you use chemicals and then call someone like me, please let us know. It’s important to know what was used so we can protect our skin, eyes, and avoid mixing chemicals that might react badly.
Kitchen Drain Plumbing Repair
Grease from cooking can clog a kitchen sink and sometimes even further down the line. I have a drain snake that clears up to 2” lines and reaches 30 feet. That’s perfect for most kitchen sinks and tub/showers.
Anything beyond that—or if your toilet lateral or main line needs to be snaked—I recommend calling in a plumber. Luckily, I have several great ones I work with.
So, if you need help with your showers, sinks, or toilet valves—or need a hand clearing a clogged drain—let us know here at EMP Handyman and Renovation. We’ll get our hands dirty so you don’t have to.
