Plumbing problems normally become self-evident pretty quickly: A drain clogs up, a faucet drips, a broken pipe sprays water, a toilet won’t flush, and so forth. Considering that plumbers now cost more than $80 per hour in many areas, you can save significantly by making your own repairs when possible. Fortunately, most minor plumbing problems are relatively easy to fix if you understand the basics of how the systems work and the correct steps to follow to solve the problem.

Of course, some repairs are easier and quicker to handle than others. Some are a major hassle—particularly those that involve working on pipes that are hidden behind walls or under floors or are otherwise difficult to access. This doesn’t mean you can’t do them yourself, it just means you may need a little more instruction, a few more tools, and a load of patience.

Then again, if you don’t have the time, tools, or inclination to do your own plumbing repairs, you can hire a pro. A plumber can handle nearly any problem that involves pipes, from replacing a garbage disposal to unclogging a bathtub drain, but, if your problem is a stopped-up drain, you’re usually better off calling a drain-clearing service because these are generally less expensive.

Plumbing Basics

Whether you intend to hire a pro or do the work yourself, it’s helpful to have a clear understanding of how plumbing systems work. This will not only help you sort out the source of the problem but it will also help you speak articulately with a plumber or salesperson at a home improvement center.

Your home’s plumbing actually involves several systems that work separately and, in some cases, together. Water is delivered to your home under pressure through the water supply system—galvanized-steel or copper pipes that carry water to faucets, plumbing fixtures, outdoor hose bibbs, sprinklers, and the like.

Drain and waste plumbing is not under pressure like the supply system; gravity is the only force that moves water and waste to the sewer or septic system. Vent piping is coupled with the drain and waste to exhaust sewer gases (normally out the roof) and to allow pressure equalization so drains can drain. Gas piping is totally separate from the water system but utilizes pipes that look similar to water supply pipes. Gas pipes deliver natural gas from your utility to gas-fired appliances. (For more about this, see How the Home Plumbing System Works.)

For help with very common plumbing problems, see How to Clear a Clogged Drain, How to Fix a Dripping Faucet, Toilet Problems & Repairs, Home Water Supply Pipe Repairs, and Water Heater Problems & Repairs. For information about how to handle less obvious plumbing repairs, click on the Repair & Care tab at the top of this page and search by keyword.