Plumbing repairs don’t have to be intimidating. In fact, most common plumbing problems are easier to fix than you think — and learning a few basic tricks can save you hundreds (or even thousands) over the life of your home.
Here’s a look at the simple plumbing repairs every homeowner should know, with real-world fixes you can tackle yourself — no expensive tools, no massive headaches.
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Must-Know Simple Plumbing Repairs
1. Fixing a Dripping Faucet
That slow drip adds up fast — in your water bill and your sanity.
✅ DIY fix: Replace the worn-out washer or cartridge inside the faucet.
✅ Tools needed: Adjustable wrench, replacement parts (based on faucet brand).
👉 Check out an affordable faucet repair kit here
2. Unclogging a Slow Drain
Before you dump chemicals down your sink, a simple mechanical fix usually works better (and protects your pipes).
✅ DIY fix: Use a sink plunger or a drain snake to clear the clog manually.
✅ Tools needed: Sink plunger, handheld drain snake.
👉 Grab a basic drain snake here
3. Replacing a Toilet Flapper
If your toilet keeps running after you flush, it’s probably just a worn-out flapper — one of the easiest fixes in home plumbing.
✅ DIY fix: Shut off the water, pop off the old flapper, clip in the new one. Done.
✅ Tools needed: No tools needed (maybe a pair of pliers if the chain is stubborn).
👉 See a universal toilet flapper replacement
4. Stopping Under-Sink Leaks
Tiny leaks under kitchen or bathroom sinks are usually caused by loose fittings or cracked washers — not major pipe failures.
✅ DIY fix: Tighten the slip nuts with a wrench, or replace cheap plastic fittings if cracked.
✅ Tools needed: Adjustable wrench, plumber’s tape (Teflon tape).
👉 View a simple plumbing wrench set here
5. Replacing a Showerhead
Upgrading a showerhead or fixing a leak is one of the fastest, most satisfying plumbing wins.
✅ DIY fix: Unscrew the old head, clean the threads, wrap them in plumber’s tape, screw on the new head.
✅ Tools needed: Adjustable wrench, plumber’s tape.
👉 Pick up a DIY-friendly showerhead upgrade
Bonus Tip: Always Shut Off Water First!
Before doing any plumbing work — even “simple” stuff — always shut off the water supply to that fixture.
(Pro tip: Know where your main shutoff valve is before you ever need it in an emergency.)
Final Thoughts: Basic Plumbing Skills Save Big Money
You don’t need a license to tackle simple plumbing repairs — you just need a little know-how and the right tools.
Learning a few basic fixes not only saves you money, it also makes you way more confident as a homeowner.
Want more easy wins?
Check out our guide to must-have DIY tools for first-time homeowners — and get your garage stocked the smart way.
