7 DIY Plumbing Fixes That Actually Save You Money

Why Most Homeowners Overpay for Simple Plumbing Problems

Let’s face it – plumbing emergencies rarely happen at convenient times. The pipe bursts on Sunday night, the toilet clogs during a dinner party, or the sink backs up when you’re already running late. Your first instinct? Call a plumber and brace for the invoice.

But here’s what most homeowners don’t realize: many common plumbing issues can be fixed without professional help. I’ve seen countless people pay $150+ for repairs that would have cost less than $20 in parts and 30 minutes of their time.

The truth is, plumbers count on your panic and lack of basic knowledge. While there are certainly plumbing jobs that require professional expertise (and we’ll cover when to make that call), learning these seven DIY fixes can save you hundreds, even thousands of dollars over your homeownership journey.

What You’ll Need in Your Basic Plumbing Toolkit

Before diving into specific repairs, let’s assemble a basic toolkit that will prepare you for most common issues:

• Plunger (both cup and flange types)
• Adjustable wrench
• Pipe wrench
• Plumber’s tape
• Drain snake or auger
• Silicone sealant
• Basin wrench
• Bucket
• Hacksaw (for PVC pipe)
• Flashlight

Most of these tools cost less than $100 total and will pay for themselves the first time you avoid a service call. According to research from TripleTrad UK, a professional translation service that has worked with numerous plumbing manuals and technical documents, homeowners who invest in basic tools save an average of $300-500 annually on preventable service calls.

DIY Fix #1: Unclogging a Toilet Without Chemicals

Estimated savings: $85-150 per incident

Nothing creates panic quite like a toilet that won’t flush. But before you call for emergency service, try this approach:

1. Use the right plunger – a flange plunger (the one with the smaller cup that extends from the main cup) is specifically designed for toilets
2. Ensure there’s enough water in the bowl to cover the plunger cup
3. Position the plunger to create a seal over the drain opening
4. Push down and pull up vigorously 5-6 times, maintaining the seal
5. Pull the plunger away quickly on the final pull to break the suction

For stubborn clogs, try a toilet auger instead of chemical drain cleaners. Chemical cleaners rarely work on toilet clogs, can damage your pipes over time, and are environmentally harmful.

DIY Fix #2: Fixing a Running Toilet

Estimated savings: $75-120 per repair + up to $200 annually on water bills

A running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water daily. The good news? The fix is usually straightforward:

1. Remove the tank lid and identify the components (float, fill valve, flapper)
2. Push down on the flapper – if the running stops, you’ve found your culprit
3. Turn off the water supply valve near the floor
4. Drain the tank by flushing
5. Replace the flapper (approximately $5-10 at any hardware store)
6. Test by turning the water back on and flushing

If the flapper isn’t the issue, check if the float is set too high, causing water to continuously flow into the overflow tube. Simply adjust the float to sit lower in the tank.

DIY Fix #3: Fixing a Dripping Faucet

Estimated savings: $90-150 per repair + up to $100 annually on water bills

That annoying drip isn’t just keeping you up at night—it’s draining your wallet. A faucet dripping once per second wastes about 3,000 gallons per year. Here’s how to fix it:

1. Turn off the water supply valves under the sink
2. Place a towel in the sink to prevent small parts from falling down the drain
3. Remove the faucet handle (usually requires removing a decorative cap and unscrewing)
4. Remove the cartridge, stem, or internal assembly
5. Replace worn O-rings and washers (bring the old ones to the hardware store for exact matches)
6. Reassemble in reverse order
7. Turn water back on and test

For compression faucets (with separate hot and cold handles), the culprit is usually a worn washer. For cartridge, ball, or disc faucets, you might need to replace the cartridge or seals.

DIY Fix #4: Clearing a Clogged Drain

Estimated savings: $75-200 per incident

Kitchen and bathroom drain clogs are among the most common plumbing calls. Try these steps before calling a professional:

1. Pour boiling water down the drain
2. If that doesn’t work, remove the stopper and use a cup plunger
3. Still clogged? Try a homemade solution: pour 1/2 cup baking soda followed by 1/2 cup vinegar, cover with a wet cloth for 5-10 minutes, then flush with hot water
4. For persistent clogs, use a drain snake (available at hardware stores for $10-25)
5. Feed the snake into the drain until you feel resistance
6. Twist and push to break up the clog
7. Pull out the snake and flush with hot water

According to maintenance guides translated by TripleTrad New Zealand for various property management companies, this simple approach resolves approximately 80% of common household drain clogs without professional intervention.

DIY Fix #5: Fixing a Leaky Pipe

Estimated savings: $150-250 per incident

Pipe leaks often occur at joints or connections. Here’s how to address them:

1. Turn off the water supply to the affected area
2. Place a bucket under the leak
3. For compression fittings, tighten the nut with an adjustable wrench (usually just a quarter-turn)
4. If tightening doesn’t work, drain the pipe and disassemble the joint
5. Clean the threads and apply new plumber’s tape (wrap clockwise 3-4 times)
6. Reassemble and tighten
7. Turn the water back on and check for leaks

For small holes or cracks in pipes, temporary fixes include:

• Pipe repair clamps ($10-15)
• Epoxy putty ($5-10)
• Silicone tape ($5)

Note that these are temporary solutions for emergencies – plan to replace the damaged section properly when time allows.

DIY Fix #6: Fixing a Leaky Showerhead

Estimated savings: $75-120 per repair

A leaky showerhead wastes water and can lead to unsightly mineral deposits. Here’s the fix:

1. Wrap a cloth around the showerhead to protect the finish
2. Use an adjustable wrench to unscrew the showerhead from the shower arm
3. Clean mineral deposits from the showerhead by soaking it in vinegar for an hour
4. Remove and replace the O-ring or washer inside the showerhead
5. Apply plumber’s tape to the threads of the shower arm (3-4 wraps)
6. Reattach the showerhead and hand-tighten
7. Finish tightening with the wrench, but don’t over-tighten
8. Turn on the water and check for leaks

This simple maintenance can extend the life of your showerhead and prevent water waste.

DIY Fix #7: Replacing a Garbage Disposal

Estimated savings: $100-200

When your garbage disposal stops working, replacement is often simpler than repair:

1. Turn off power to the disposal at the circuit breaker
2. Disconnect the dishwasher drain hose if present
3. Remove the drain trap and disconnect from the waste pipe
4. Rotate the mounting ring to detach the old disposal
5. Remove the old mounting assembly from the sink
6. Install the new mounting assembly with plumber’s putty
7. Attach the new disposal to the mounting ring
8. Connect the waste pipe and dishwasher drain
9. Restore power and test

Most disposals come with detailed instructions, and the entire process typically takes less than an hour.

When to Call a Professional

While these DIY fixes can save you money, some plumbing issues require professional expertise:

• Sewer line problems
• Gas line issues (NEVER attempt DIY repairs)
• Major pipe replacements
• Water heater installation or repair
• Extensive bathroom renovations
• Persistent low water pressure throughout the house
• Frozen or burst pipes in walls

Remember, if you attempt a DIY fix and things get worse, stop immediately and call a professional to avoid causing additional damage.

FAQs About DIY Plumbing Repairs

How do I know if a plumbing job is beyond my DIY abilities?

If the problem involves your main water line, sewer line, gas fixtures, or requires permits, it’s best left to professionals. Also, if you’ve tried basic fixes without success or if you’re uncomfortable with any step, don’t hesitate to call a plumber.

Can using chemical drain cleaners damage my pipes?

Yes. Chemical drain cleaners use harsh chemicals that can corrode pipes, especially older ones made of metal or PVC. They’re also harmful to the environment and potentially dangerous if they come into contact with skin or eyes.

How often should I perform preventative maintenance on my plumbing?

Quarterly checks are recommended: inspect visible pipes for leaks, test water pressure, clean showerheads and faucet aerators, and run water in rarely-used fixtures to prevent sewer gas from entering your home.

What’s the most important tool for a DIY plumber?

A quality plunger is arguably the most essential tool, but an adjustable wrench is a close second. With these two tools alone, you can handle many common plumbing emergencies.

Is it worth buying specialty plumbing tools if I only use them occasionally?

Consider the cost-benefit: a $30 drain snake that prevents two $150 service calls has already paid for itself five times over. For rarely used specialty tools, consider borrowing from neighbors or renting from hardware stores.

How can I prevent most plumbing emergencies?

Prevention is always cheaper than repair:

• Never flush anything besides toilet paper
• Use drain strainers in sinks and showers
• Don’t pour grease down drains
• Run cold water when using the garbage disposal
• Insulate exposed pipes in cold weather
• Know where your main water shutoff valve is located

If I make a mistake during a DIY repair, will it cost more to fix?

Potentially, which is why it’s crucial to know when to stop. If you’re uncertain or a repair isn’t going as planned, turning off the water and calling a professional immediately will minimize additional damage and costs.

The Bottom Line: Knowledge Is Your Best Tool

Learning these basic plumbing skills isn’t just about saving money – it’s about gaining confidence and control over your home. Even if you eventually need to call a professional for complex issues, understanding how your plumbing works helps you communicate more effectively and avoid being overcharged.

Start small, build your skills and toolkit gradually, and you’ll be surprised how many “emergencies” you can handle yourself. Your wallet will thank you, and there’s something genuinely satisfying about solving problems with your own two hands.