Plumbing Maintenance Guides

Plumbing problems tend to start small: a drip at a fitting, a faucet that slowly loses pressure, or a drain that starts to smell. These guides explain what’s usually behind each problem, the checks and fixes most homeowners can safely handle, and the signs that it’s time to call a licensed plumber.

Water Heaters

Why Your Water Heater Is Leaking (and How to Stop It)

How to make a leaking heater safe, find where the water is coming from (fittings, T&P valve, drain valve, or the tank), the fixes you can do yourself, and how to decide between repair and replacement.

Water Pressure

Why Is My Water Pressure Low? Causes and Fixes

How to narrow down weak pressure to one fixture, the hot side, or the whole house, plus aerator cleaning, pressure testing, leak checks with your water meter, and pressure-reducing valve basics.

Drains and Odors

Why Does My Sink Smell Bad? (and How to Get Rid of Odors)

What sour, sewer, and rotten-egg smells usually mean, how to clean the P-trap, stopper, overflow, and garbage disposal, and when a smell points to a venting or sewer problem.

Before You Start Any Plumbing Job

• Know where your main water shutoff is and make sure it turns.
• Turn off power or gas to a water heater before working on it.
• If you smell gas, leave the house and call your gas utility from outside.
• Our guides are general information for homeowners. When a job involves gas, electrical work, sewer lines, or permits, hire a licensed plumber.

Looking for heating and cooling help? Browse our HVAC maintenance guides.