What should I know before I touch a pipe?
Find your main shutoff, and every fixture shutoff, before anything breaks. On a well system the main control may be at the pressure tank or at the pump, so find that too. Label each valve and make sure it actually turns, since valves that have not moved in years can seize or leak when first used.
Know where the water heater is and how it is switched off. If a leak is large, close the supply, drain the line by opening a low faucet, and then assess.
How do I find and fix a leaking faucet or supply line?
Most drips come from a worn internal part that can be replaced with a matching repair kit. Turn off the fixture supply, plug the drain so small parts cannot fall in, and photograph each step as you take the faucet apart. Take the old part to the supplier so you can match it.
Flexible supply lines and compression fittings can be tightened or replaced. Do not overtighten, because that cracks fittings and creates a bigger leak. If a threaded joint weeps, remake it with fresh sealing material appropriate for that fitting.
- Photograph each step during disassembly.
- Replace worn rubber parts and supply lines together.
- Dry the area and recheck after an hour and again the next day.
Why does my toilet keep running?
A running toilet is almost always a worn flapper, a misadjusted fill valve or a chain that is too short or too long. Lift the tank lid and watch. If water keeps trickling into the bowl, the flapper is not sealing. If water rises to the overflow tube, the fill valve needs adjusting.
These parts are inexpensive categories of replacement and are made to fit standard tanks. Match the part type to the toilet model, and turn the supply off first.
How should I handle a clogged drain?
Start with a plunger and a trap clean-out, which is often just a matter of unscrewing a coupling under the sink and emptying it into a bucket. A hand auger helps with deeper blockages. Skip heavy use of chemical openers, which can damage pipes and are hazardous to handle.
If you have a septic system, be extra careful about what goes down the drain. If several fixtures back up at once, the problem is likely beyond the fixture, and a septic or sewer professional should look at it.
When do well and septic systems change the answer?
On a well, plumbing symptoms may begin at the pump, pressure tank or pressure switch rather than at the faucet. Sputtering, short cycling and sudden low pressure can point to equipment problems. Those need a well professional, and the electrical parts are not do-it-yourself territory.
Also be careful with disinfecting, softening or changing the water chemistry in a way that could affect a septic system. Ask your county health department about private well and septic questions.
When should I call a licensed plumber?
Call a pro for gas lines, water heater problems, main supply breaks, sewer line trouble, anything that involves cutting into walls or changing pipe layout, and any job where local code requires a license or permit. Rules vary by state and town, so ask your building department.
Frozen pipes also call for care. Open the faucet, warm the area gently using a safe method, and never use an open flame. If a pipe has split, shut off the water and call a professional.
How should I prepare for a repair job?
Before starting, read the instructions that came with the fixture, gather the parts and tools, clear the workspace and put down towels and a bucket. Make sure you know how long the repair will take, and avoid starting one late on a Friday if you will need a store or supplier the next day. Having water off for a day is easier to manage if you filled a few containers beforehand.
Work slowly and test your repair carefully. Turn the water back on gradually, watching the joint for drips, and check again after a few hours. A slow drip left alone can rot a cabinet or floor, so a second look the next day is worth the minute.
Keep notes on what you replaced and where, including part types and sizes. Next time the same fixture acts up, you will not be starting from zero.
Key takeaways
- Learn where every shutoff is before you need it.
- Most drips, running toilets and clogs are simple fixes with matched parts.
- Avoid overtightening and avoid harsh chemical drain openers.
- Call a licensed plumber for gas, water heater, sewer and layout changes.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Homestead & Small Farm Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.