Expert Tips to Addressing Common Plumbing Problems

Posted on August 29th, 2025.

Whether you’re moving into a new home in Pasadena or you’ve been living in Glendale for decades, water systems occasionally falter. While many of us wish for flawless plumbing, reality often involves drips, clogs, and unpredictable problems. Fortunately, knowledge makes these challenges less intimidating, giving you confidence when they happen. With a little preparation and the right resources, you can protect your home’s plumbing and avoid costly surprises.

A clogged drain after a busy weekend, a toilet that won’t stop running, or sudden low water pressure can disrupt daily routines. It’s tempting to try a quick DIY fix, and sometimes that’s all you need. But other times, problems hide deeper within pipes or fixtures and require professional attention. Understanding which repairs you can safely attempt—and when to call in experts—helps prevent minor problems from growing into emergencies.

Identifying and Resolving Common Plumbing Problems

One of the most frequent issues homeowners face is a dripping faucet. This not only causes annoyance due to the noise but can also increase your water bill. Often, the culprit is a worn-out washer or a loose valve. To tackle this, first turn off the water supply to the faucet.

Next, remove the faucet handle by loosening the screw underneath it, then replace the washer or tighten the valve as necessary. Make sure that you reassemble the faucet correctly to avoid leaks. While this may seem straightforward, if the dripping continues or you encounter more complex parts such as a cartridge valve, it’s a good idea to call in a professional to ensure it’s properly fixed.

Another ubiquitous plumbing challenge is the slow drain. In bathrooms, this is often due to a buildup of hair and soap scum, while in kitchens, grease and food particles are common culprits. To address this, try using a plunger to dislodge the blockage. For sinks, a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can also help break down minor clogs, followed by hot water to flush the pipes.

If the issue persists, a plumber’s snake or an auger might be needed to reach further down the drain. However, it’s crucial to avoid using chemical drain cleaners, as they can be harsh on pipes and potentially cause damage over time. When slow drains are recurrent or if multiple drains are slow within your home, this may indicate a more serious issue such as a mainline blockage, which would definitely require professional intervention.

Lastly, let's talk about running toilets. Not only is this a nuisance, but it can also lead to significant water wastage. Usually, this problem arises from issues with the flapper valve not creating a proper seal or a faulty fill valve inside the tank. For a quick DIY inspection, remove the tank lid and examine the components.

Make sure the chain isn’t too loose or tangled, which could prevent the flapper from sealing, and check the fill valve for any visible wear. Adjust or replace these parts as needed. However, if you're not comfortable working inside a toilet tank or if adjustments don’t resolve the issue, it’s wise to contact a plumbing professional. They can optimize performance and check for less obvious issues such as a leaking seal or pressure problems.

Preventive Measures for Seasonal Pipe Freezing

As winter approaches, one of the most critical concerns for homeowners is seasonal pipe freezing. Frozen pipes are not mere nuisances; they pose significant threats to your plumbing system and can cause long-term damage that is costly to repair. The key to avoiding these issues is prevention, which can be achieved with the right balance of preparation and awareness.

Insulating your pipes is one of the most effective methods of prevention. Focus particularly on pipes located in unheated areas such as basements, crawl spaces, attics, garage spaces, and even exterior walls. Pipe insulation products are readily available and are easy to install—you simply need to wrap the insulating material around the exposed pipes. This barrier helps to shield your pipes from the cold, reducing the likelihood of freezing and subsequent ruptures.

To further protect your system, keeping the heat on—even if you're away from home—is crucial. Maintaining a consistent temperature of at least 55°F inside your home is recommended. This ensures that the warmth permeates through all parts of your house, keeping those areas with vulnerable pipes warm enough to stave off freezing.

Yet, not everyone's familiar with these little-known expert plumbing tips that can make a big difference. If you have cabinet doors under sinks located near exterior walls, keeping them open during exceptionally cold nights allows warm air to circulate around the pipes.

Another practical tip is to allow faucets to drip slightly, which can relieve pressure build-up in the pipes and reduce the risk of bursting. Moving water, albeit slowly, is less likely to freeze. Remember to keep garage doors closed if you have water supply lines running through them, offering another layer of insulation at no extra cost.

The consequences of not addressing seasonal pipe freezing can lead to property damage. When water in the pipes freezes, it expands and can cause the pipes to burst, leading to flooding and significant water damage. This can also lead to structural damage, mold growth, and compromised water quality. There are several quick fixes you can attempt. Applying heat to the pipe can slowly thaw out the blockage; methods include using a hairdryer, heating pad, or even a portable space heater. Focus your efforts on the open faucet end, as this helps the melted water to escape, easing the pressure inside the pipe. 

When to Hire a Plumber and Avoid DIY Mishaps

Do-it-yourself repairs appeal to many homeowners, but not every plumbing issue is safe for amateur fixes. Knowing when to call a plumber can prevent small inconveniences from escalating into disasters. Hidden leaks, for example, may cause structural damage and mold if left untreated. If you notice water stains, pooling, or a constantly running meter, it’s a clear sign to call an expert. Specialized tools like leak detectors make the job safer and more accurate.

Toilets are another frequent challenge where DIY efforts may fail. A plunger often solves simple clogs, but repeated blockages or overflows suggest a deeper problem. Issues like sewer line intrusions or shifting pipes cannot be resolved without professional-grade equipment. Attempting to force the problem with plungers or chemicals risks damaging the system further.

Widespread drainage problems demand professional evaluation. If multiple sinks, showers, or tubs drain slowly, it points to a mainline obstruction. While baking soda and vinegar may provide short-term relief, they cannot clear major blockages. Chemical cleaners, though tempting, often corrode pipes and worsen long-term issues. Professionals use augers, hydro-jetting, and camera inspections to address these clogs effectively.

DIY mistakes can also void warranties or insurance coverage if mishandled. Attempting to replace major components without the right knowledge risks safety hazards and greater costs. Instead of gambling on complex fixes, trust plumbers trained to identify root causes and provide lasting solutions.

That doesn’t mean homeowners shouldn’t attempt small fixes. Replacing washers, tightening valves, or clearing minor clogs are useful skills that save time and money. But recognizing the limits of DIY protects your plumbing system from accidental damage. Partnering with professionals means you benefit from both their expertise and preventative guidance.

Ultimately, knowing when to hire a plumber preserves peace of mind. By combining your own maintenance efforts with timely professional support, you ensure your home remains safe, efficient, and comfortable. It’s not about avoiding DIY altogether—it’s about understanding where your role ends and expert care begins.

Related: What Are the Advantages of Using Pipe Lining Technology?

Keep Your Plumbing Flowing Smoothly

From clogged drains to seasonal pipe freezing, plumbing problems are part of homeownership—but they don’t have to disrupt your comfort. With a balance of proactive maintenance and professional support, you can address small issues quickly and prevent larger ones from developing. Partnering with experienced plumbers ensures long-term reliability, healthier indoor air, and reduced repair costs.

At Twin Pros Plumbing & Rooter, we’re here to provide Pasadena, Glendale, and Los Angeles homeowners with top-rated drain cleaning, seasonal maintenance, and emergency plumbing services. Whether you’re facing a stubborn clog, frozen pipe, or running toilet, our experts bring the right tools and knowledge to restore your system quickly.

Schedule your professional drain cleaning with us today.

For all your plumbing inquiries or to set up an appointment, feel free to email us or simply give us a call at (818) 472-9011.