COMMON BATHROOM PLUMBING PROBLEMS (AND HOW TO FIX THEM)

Published: January 12, 2026

Issues with your bathroom plumbing can cause major disruptions to your daily routine. To save yourself extra stress, you’ll want to identify and fix common plumbing problems before they become overwhelming. 

Keep an eye out for signs of plumbing trouble at home like slow drains, leaks, or sudden water bill spikes, and use this guide to help you manage issues with specific bathroom fixtures.

Need help now? Brothers Air, Heat & Plumbing provides plumbing services in Charlotte, NC, and surrounding areas. Give us a call today.

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE 

This guide is designed to help you identify and troubleshoot some of the most frequent household plumbing issues. Each section will walk you through a specific problem, the tools you need to address it, and step-by-step instructions for tackling the issue on your own. We’ll also give you tips for how to recognize when the plumbing problem requires a professional to help. 

Safety Note: Any DIY repair comes with some risk. Always be sure to shut off water at supply valves when working on plumbing fixtures. If you want to look at your water heater, turn off the electricity or gas supply. Avoid mixing chemicals in any treatment.

HOW TO FIX A CLOGGED TOILET

A clogged toilet won’t flush properly. The issue could be in the toilet fixture itself or further down in the pipes. To clear basic clogs, you’ll need a cup plunger, toilet auger, and rubber gloves. 

Follow these steps to clear your clogged toilet:

1. Stop overflow: Remove the tank lid and gently close the flapper. 

2. Plunge correctly: With your cup plunger, form a tight seal around the hole inside the toilet and plunge 10 - 15 times. Repeat this two or three times. 

3. Clear the clog: Feed the auger through the bowl to break up or retrieve any remaining obstructions. 

4. Test: Flush the toilet twice to be sure it’s clear and draining properly. Check the toilet base for any leaks or splashes. 

If the toilet does not clear with this process, call a professional plumber. This may indicate a foreign object in the system that needs to be removed with specialized tools. You may also need to call a plumber if your toilet clogs repeatedly or causes water to rise in nearby drains. 

HOW TO FIX A RUNNING TOILET 

Toilets run for a few seconds after flushing in order to refill the toilet bowl. If the water keeps running or runs without you flushing the toilet, it’s a sign that something is wrong. To address a running toilet at home, you’ll need a replacement flapper, adjustable wrench, and dye tablets. 

Fix your running toilet with these steps: 

1. Diagnose with a dye test: Put a dye tablet (or a few drops of dark food coloring) into the toilet tank. Wait around 30 minutes without flushing the toilet to allow the dye to travel through any potential leaks. Check the toilet bowl. If it has changed color, there is a leak. 

2. Replace the flapper: Most leaks come from the flapper. While your water is shut off, drain the toilet tank and replace the flapper. Adjust the chain so that it has some slack when the flapper is at rest. 

3. Adjust the fill valve: Using your wrench, turn the fill valve to adjust your water level to the desired fill line. You can lower the fill level by loosening the screw and make it higher by tightening the screw. 

4. Final test: Once you’ve completed your repairs, flush the toilet to ensure it works (and stops running) properly. Redo the dye test to confirm there are no leaks. 

Call a professional for plumbing repair if your toilet still has a persistent run after completing these steps. You may also want a plumber’s help if you notice cracks in the overflow or if there is a fill valve failure.

HOW TO FIX DRIPPING FAUCETS 

A dripping faucet in your bathroom sink or tub is a typical plumbing system failure, but it’s more than just a nuisance. It can leak to higher water bills and more wear on your plumbing fixtures. 

Luckily, most drips are simple to fix with the right tools. You’ll need a screwdriver set, hex key, drain plugs, and replacement parts (such as cartridges or O-rings). For tougher jobs, you might also need some plumber’s grease and towels. 

To stop a dripping faucet: 

1. Identify your faucet type: Determine whether the faucet uses a compression system, cartridge, ball, or ceramic disk as part of the fixture. 

2. Prepare for replacement: Shut off your water, plug your drains, and protect finishes with cloth or other coverings. Make sure you have the right replacement parts. 

3. Disassemble and repair: Take apart your fixture and inspect it for worn parts. Replace worn cartridges, seats, or O-rings. 

4. Reassemble: Put the faucet back together. Turn your water back on and slowly turn on the faucet. Check for leaks while the water is running, and check for drips once you turn off the water. 

If the drip continues after you replace the parts, you’ll need to contact a plumber for further inspection. You may also need professional advice if the faucet has a corroded valve body, stuck screws, or seized parts.

HOW TO FIX UNDER-SINK LEAKY PIPES 

Leaking pipes are more dangerous than dripping faucets, as water damage can spread even from small leaks. For general maintenance, take steps to prevent leaks. To repair an already existing under-sink leak, you’ll need towels, plumbing tape, and pliers. If you need to replace broken parts, you’ll also need a bucket, replacement pieces, and pipe repair clamps. 

Use these steps to address leaky pipes:

1. Locate the source: To find exactly where the leak is coming from, run the water. While water is flowing, pat a dry towel along the joints to spot any leaks. 

2. Tighten connections: Make sure slip nuts are snug or tighten them with pliers. If necessary, replace worn washers and retape the threaded pipe connections. 

3. Replace broken parts. Check the P-trap and supply lines for any cracks or corrosion. If they are damaged, replace them and secure them temporarily with repair clamps. You’ll need a bucket to catch any drips during this process. 

4. Test: Once all repairs are complete, remove repair clamps and run water for 60 seconds to check for any leaks. Recheck after 10 minutes. 

Call a plumber right away if under-sink leaks have led to an emergency. Active leaks that have spread to walls or signs of mold should be addressed by a professional. 

HOW TO FIX A CLOGGED BATHROOM DRAIN 

Is there a worse feeling than standing in the shower only to realize that the dirty water won’t drain away from your feet? Bathroom drains can periodically clog from built-up hair or soap residue. To clear out your bathroom drains, you’ll need rags, a cup plunger, a small drain snake, and hot water or gentle drain cleaner.

Follow these steps to clean out a clog: 

1. Clear debris: Remove your drain’s stopper or strainer and clean out any surface-level debris such as hair. 

2. Plunge: Use a wet rag to plug the overflow. Get a good seal over the drain with your cup plunger, then plunge 15–20 times. Repeat the plunging cycle two or three times. 

3. Snake: Put your small drain snake down the drain and root around gently. Pull up any hair or soap scum caught on the snake. Repeat until the snake comes up clear. 

4. Flush: Flush the drain with hot water or gentle drain cleaner. Do not use boiling water or harsh chemicals, as these could damage your pipes. 

Contact a plumber if unclogging your drain releases a sewer odor. Repeated backups or clogs that appear to slow multiple drains at once may indicate a larger issue that needs professional attention as well. 

HOW TO DEAL WITH NO HOT WATER

No hot water is no fun! Most water heater issues require a professional, but there are a few things you can check before you call one in. You’ll need your manual to give you specific instructions and tools. 

Try these initial steps to identify the problem:

1. Be safe: Water heaters can be dangerous. Set your system off before you take any further steps. If your heater runs on gas, check for a gas smell. If you smell gas, call for help immediately. 

2. Check the pilot: Look at your pilot light. If it’s extinguished, relight it per the manufacturer instructions. 

3. Check the breaker: For electric models, look at the breaker. If needed, reset the high-limit switch.

4. Adjust the thermostat: Water heaters should be set at about 120°F. If your heater is set too low, adjusting it up to this temperature could solve your heat problems. 

If you still don’t have hot water after these steps, it’s time to call in the pros. They can flush sediment out of your water heater or replace elements if necessary. Heaters older than 10 years, with rusty water, or with error codes should all be checked by a professional plumber.

Call Brothers at 704-620-6252 to restore your hot water. 

HOW TO ADDRESS A SEWER BACKUP 

Sewer backups are serious problems that can lead to severe property damage or even health issues. If you suspect a sewer backup, you should take these steps right away: 

1. Stop water use: Do not use any water in the home and don’t run fixtures. Avoid floor drains, as health hazards could be present. 

2. Identify symptoms: The symptoms of a sewer backup include multiple fixtures gurgling, sewage odor, and floor drain overflow. 

3. Call a plumber: As soon as you identify any symptoms of a sewer backup, contact a plumber right away. Only professionals should deal with the hazards of sewage. 

Sewage backup is the most urgent reason to call a plumber. Never handle waste on your own. Reach out to Brothers for any sewer line issues. 

WHEN TO CALL BROTHERS FOR PLUMBING SERVICES

If you’re still having trouble with your bathroom plumbing, or you don’t want to face repairs on your own, Brothers is here to help Charlotte-area homeowners. Whether you find water where it shouldn’t be or need a professional to repair your water heater, we’ll use our decades of experience to help you find the right solution. 

Schedule a service appointment today.