As a professional plumbing company providing residential and commercial plumbing services to all of our neighbors in the McKinney community, we thought it might be fun to do a Top 9 Countdown of the most common plumbing problems we get calls about.
Why top 9? Well, everyone does a top 10, so we thought we’d change it up a bit.
So here’s our Top 9 most common plumbing issues. In this guide, we will list these frequent plumbing problems and provide some information on how to address them before they escalate into costly repairs.
Here’s a short video about common plumbing problems with a few quick fixes you can try:
Common Plumbing Problems: How to Fix Them | Plumbing Repair DIY

If you’re ready, here’s our Top 9 countdown of the most common plumbing problems in the McKinney area.
And now, for number 9…
#9: Most Common Plumbing Problem – Frozen Pipes
Winter is coming, Yep, even in Texas, and so are frozen pipes – a nightmare waiting to happen. To avoid this disaster, insulate your pipes and keep the thermostat at a consistent temperature.
- Insulate: Wrap exposed pipes with insulating material to keep them warm and cozy.
- Maintain Temperature: Keep your indoor temperature above freezing levels to prevent your pipes from turning into icicles.
- Sometimes you will need to reroute some of your pipes. This will require a professional licensed plumber.
- Contact Professionals: If you’re unsure how to handle frozen pipes, consult with an experienced McKinney plumber like Hackler for assistance.
#8: Definitely the Worst Common Plumbing Problem – Sewer Line Backups
Sewer line backups can cause significant damage to your property, leading to costly repairs and potential health hazards.
It is truly a nightmare come to life. We know all too well, as we’ve resolved this problem for many of our neighbors in the greater Dallas area.
Common causes of sewer line backups include tree root intrusion, grease buildup, and foreign objects lodged in the pipes.
But rather than worrying about all these problems, as this is a job too big for a DIY project, schedule regular maintenance with a professional plumber who can inspect your sewer lines for any signs of impending trouble.
If you have “waste water” (we will spare you all the details) running back into your home or business, give us a call. Our emergency service is here to help you! 214-585-1499
#7: Plumbing Problem – Water Heater Issues
Hot water heater problems are a pain in the drain, and a major inconvenience. Imagine, it’s a cold Winter morning, you step into the shower and…ice cold water!
Here’s a few things to consider with water heaters:
- No hot water? Check for power supply interruptions or pilot light failures.
- Hearing strange noises? Your unit may be in need of repair or maintenance.
- Leaking? This needs to be looked at right away.
Don’t suffer through cold showers with water heater woes, get your water heater issues resolved ASAP by calling in the pros at Hackler Plumbing.
Some plumbing problems are best handled by the licensed professionals, especially because of Texas plumbing code compliance.
#6: Common Plumbing Problem – Jammed Garbage Disposal
Unfortunately, these handy gadgets tend to clog up – and when they do, please don’t stick your hand down there to “unstuck” it.
Sometimes a simple flick of the reset button is enough to get things working again, but severe jams may require you to actually take the unit apart. If you follow the “user’s guide” that came with the unit, you might be able to fix it yourself.
Or, just call a licensed professional plumber.
#5: Plumbing Problem – Low Water Pressure
Don’t despair over low water pressure – it might be remedied with some simple troubleshooting.
First, check the shut-off valves to ensure they are fully open. If this is an intermittent problem, you might want to call your local water department to see if they are doing any work in your area.
If this doesn’t resolve the problem, it could be a bigger issue with the main water line, or even a clogged pipe.
It could also be a leaking pipe. And a leak costs you money and is bad for water conservation.
Calling a professional plumber is the best way to solve the water pressure issue quickly and easily.
Trust us, your water pressure (and your sanity) will thank you.
#4: Common Plumbing Problem – Leaking Pipes
A leaking pipe can be a real pain in the drain, causing major damage to your property if left unchecked.
And it also quickly racks up your water bill. Even a small drip can add thousands of gallons of water usage. Not to mention the environmental concerns.
- Regular inspections: Schedule routine plumbing inspections to nip any potential issues in the bud.
- Maintain water pressure: Keep your water pressure in check to avoid putting unnecessary stress on your pipes.
- Increase insulation: Add insulation around exposed pipes to keep them from freezing and bursting during cold snaps.
Don’t let a water leak turn into a flood – take action as soon as you notice a problem.
#3: Plumbing Problem – Running Toilets
A running toilet can be very annoying, and they also lead to higher water bills; the culprit is usually a faulty flapper valve, but other issues like an improperly adjusted float or fill valve can also be to blame.
Some of these problems can be a DIY fix.
Which brings us to…
One of the Grossest Plumbing Problems – Clogged Toilets!
Nothing ruins your day like a clogged toilet, caused by flushing too much toilet paper or foreign objects someone (we won’t mention who) accidently dropped into the toilet.
But before you start blaming the kids or your dog, sometimes it’s the poor design of your toilet that can cause this issue.
Either way, it does not make for a fun day. Here are some DIY suggestions:
- Try pouring some hot – but not boiling – water into the toilet and wait a few minutes.
- Grab a toilet plunger and get to work.
- Try a toilet auger.
#2: Most Common Plumbing Problem – Dealing with a Leaky Faucet
Leaky faucets are a common plumbing problem that can be frustrating to deal with, with that constant dripping faucet. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
- Shut off the water source to the tap.
- Next, dismantle the faucet to inspect its components.
- If you find worn-out washers, corroded valve seats, or damaged seals, replace them as needed.
Don’t feel confident in tackling this task yourself? Consider hiring a professional plumber for assistance.
And the number one all time most common plumbing issue we get calls for here at Hackler Plumbing – drum roll please…
#1: Plumbing Problem – Clogged Drains!
Got a slow drain? Don’t blame your hair, blame your habits. Pouring grease down your drain and letting debris slip through can cause clogs.
Prevent clogs by using drain screens and disposing of grease properly. If you’re already dealing with a clog or slow drain, try plunging or using a chemical drain cleaner.
For stubborn blockages, call in a pro. Don’t let a clogged drain ruin your day.
Final Thoughts On The Most Common Plumbing Problems
We thought we would throw in one more common plumbing problem, free of charge. But we realized that 9 is more than enough. So let’s review our list.
These top 9 most common plumbing problems can cause major headaches and damage to your property if ignored. So don’t ignore them.
- Clogged drains
- Leaky faucets
- Low water pressure
- Running toilets
- Sewer line backups
- Leaking or broken pipes
- Frozen pipes
- Garbage disposal issues
- Water heater problems
Don’t let these pesky problems get the best of you! Keep an eye out for any signs of trouble with your plumbing system and address them early on to save yourself time and money in the long run.
Give Hackler Plumbing a call. We are here to help! 214-585-1499
FAQs in Relation to the Most Common Plumbing Problems
What is the most common plumbing problem?
The most common plumbing problem faced by residential property owners is clogged drains. This can be caused by a buildup of hair, grease, soap scum, and other debris in the pipes. Regular maintenance and using drain screens can help prevent this issue.
What is the most important part of plumbing?
The most important part of plumbing is ensuring that all components are properly installed and maintained to prevent leaks, blockages, or any other issues that could lead to water damage or health hazards. A well-functioning plumbing system efficiently delivers clean water and safely removes waste.
What are the defects in plumbing?
A few common defects in residential property’s plumbing include improper pipe connections leading to leaks, inadequate venting causing slow drainage, incorrect slope in sewer lines resulting in backups, outdated materials like galvanized steel pipes prone to corrosion, and poor installation practices causing noise or vibration issues.