Common Plumbing Fixture Problems & Quick Fixes
Quick, practical answers to everyday fixture issues—each with a short recommended solution. Replace the [[INTERNAL_LINK_*]] placeholders with your site’s URLs.
Faucets & Sinks
Faucet drips after shutoff
Replace the cartridge/washer and O-rings; clean the valve body. Flush lines before reassembly. See Dripping Faucet Fix.
Very low flow at faucet
Unscrew and descale the aerator; clean inlet screens at supply hoses. Verify stops are open; check PRV setting. Guide: Aerators.
Temperature swings at sink
For single-handle, replace cartridge. Add/adjust point-of-use TMV and set hot-limit stop. Stabilize system pressure. See Tempered Water.
Leak under sink (P-trap or drains)
Hand-tighten slip nuts, align washers, and reseat the trap. Replace cracked trap or gasket. Test with a sink-full dump. See Drain Basics.
Undermount/vessel sink wobbles
Re-epoxy or reset clips to manufacturer spec; add support brackets if needed. Recaulk perimeter with mildew-resistant sealant. See Sink Mount Types.
Showers & Mixers
Weak shower spray
Descale head/handheld, clean valve inlet screens, confirm stops fully open. Check home pressure (45–60 psi ideal). For multi-outlet, upsize trunk or use volume controls. Flow Tips.
Shower temperature fluctuations
Replace worn cartridge. If pressure-balance struggles, upgrade to thermostatic valve. Set max temp stop and balance hot water recirculation. See Mixer Basics.
Stuck or leaking diverter
Remove trim, descale/clean the diverter cartridge, replace seals. If tub-spout diverter, replace spout. Match brand/series for compatibility. System Planning.
Valve trim won’t sit flush (rough-in depth wrong)
Verify rough-in plaster guard range. Use extension kit from the same brand or reset valve body to spec. Rough-In Checklist.
Banging pipes / water hammer
Install water-hammer arrestors near quick-closing valves; secure loose piping. Verify PRV not set too high; aim for ~60 psi. Pressure Guide.
Bathtubs & Waterproofing
Tub spout drips with shower on (crossover/bleed)
Replace tub-spout diverter or mixer cartridge. Ensure proper pipe routing; cap unused ports. Troubleshooting.
Leak behind tile / shower pan seepage
Recaulk surface joints, but address membrane: inspect/repair waterproofing and pan liner; flood-test. Consider liquid/sheet system redo. Waterproofing Primer.
Toilets
Toilet keeps running / ghost flushes
Replace flapper or canister seal; adjust chain length and water level. Clean fill-valve screen. Toilet Repair.
Weak or incomplete flush
Clear rim/siphon jets (descale). Verify tank waterline and flapper lift. Check trap or drain for partial blockage. Toilet Guides.
Toilet rocks or leaks at base
Replace wax/rubber ring, shim bowl to level, and torque closet bolts evenly. Inspect flange height/condition. Toilet Install.
Drains & Odors
Slow sink or shower drain
Remove hair/debris at strainer, clean trap, and flush with hot water. Use enzyme cleaner; avoid harsh acids. Snake if recurring. Drain Basics.
Sewer gas odor from a fixture
Refill dry P-traps, reseal slip joints, and replace cracked traps. Check venting and clean overflow. Venting Guide.
Pressure & Supply
Excessive water pressure (>80 psi)
Set/replace PRV to ~60 psi. Add expansion tank on closed systems to protect fixtures. Pressure Tips.
Hot water runs out during shower
Reduce simultaneous outlets, increase tank FHR, or upsize tankless capacity at winter inlet temps. Insulate and balance recirculation. Heater Sizing.
Finishes & Materials
Spots or staining on finishes (hard water)
Wipe after use; descale with diluted vinegar. Avoid abrasives and harsh acids. Consider whole-home softener in hard-water regions. Finish Care.
Moldy, cracked or peeling caulk
Remove old sealant, clean with isopropyl alcohol, dry fully, then apply mildew-resistant silicone. Tool smooth; cure per label. Caulking Guide.
Commercial Touchless Faucets & Soap Dispensers
Sensor faucet won’t activate
Check power (batteries/transformer), clean sensor window and inlet strainers, recalibrate range. Confirm solenoid click; replace if failed. Touchless Basics.
False triggers / faucet runs by itself
Reduce sensor range; adjust angle to avoid reflections. Improve lighting stability; set timeouts/lockouts. Shield from sunlight. Sensor Calibration.
Automatic soap dispenser not dosing
Reseat/refill cartridge, verify viscosity compatibility, clean nozzle and tube, replace peristaltic pump if worn. Check power. Soap Guide.
Accessibility & Safety
Scald risk at lavatory or shower
Install/adjust anti-scald TMV or thermostatic valve. Set max temp stop and verify outlet temp. Safety Guide.
Controls or dispensers hard to reach
Re-mount within reach ranges; add slide bar for handhelds; maintain knee clearance under lavs. Provide visual indicators for sensors. Accessibility.
Planning, Rough-In & Spec
Trim doesn’t fit the valve body (brand mismatch)
Match trim, valve, and diverter by brand and series. Use OEM adapters only if supported. Avoid mixing incompatible parts. Valve Compatibility.
Multi-outlet shower starves for flow
Sum gpm, verify valve capacity, upsize to 3/4″ trunk, and add volume controls. Limit simultaneous outlets or use digital control. Planning Guide.
