In New York City and across Long Island – from Brooklyn brownstones to Suffolk County homes – plumbing problems often strike at the worst times. Whether it’s a dripping faucet, a clogged kitchen sink, or a malfunctioning water heater, the real challenge is knowing whether you can fix it yourself or need to call a professional.
This local plumbing guide breaks down the most common plumbing issues New Yorkers face, showing which ones are safe for a DIY attempt and which require professional plumbing service to avoid long-term damage.
DIY Plumbing Repairs You Can Handle (In Most Cases)
For small, isolated problems, you can often perform a simple repair yourself using basic tools. Here’s what’s generally safe to tackle:
1. Leaky or Dripping Faucets
What’s Happening:
A worn-out washer, O-ring, or cartridge can cause water to drip from your faucet continuously, wasting gallons and increasing your water bill.
Try This Fix:
Turn off the water supply under the sink. Disassemble the faucet carefully and replace the worn component. Most faucet repair kits are inexpensive and widely available at hardware stores.
Call a Plumber If:
The leak persists after replacement, the faucet is outdated, or the leak is part of a larger issue within the plumbing.
2. Minor Clogged Drains (Sink, Tub, or Shower)
What’s Happening:
Soap scum, hair, or grease may be slowing or blocking drainage. If it’s just one fixture, it might be a surface-level problem.
Try This Fix:
- Use a plunger or drain snake.
- For grease or soap buildup, carefully pour a pot of boiling water down the drain to help dissolve the buildup.
- Use a mix of baking soda and vinegar to help break things up.
- Clear the P-trap under the sink if you’re comfortable.
Call a Plumber If:
- Water backs up from multiple drains.
- The drain smells like sewage.
- You’ve used chemical cleaners, but the problem persists.
Professional Drain Cleaning is available from both Hardy’s Plumbing and Order A Plumber using hydro-jetting and sewer camera inspections.
3. Running or Noisy Toilets
What’s Happening:
The flapper or fill valve in your toilet tank may be loose, misaligned, or degraded – causing constant water flow and higher utility bills.
Try This Fix:
Open the tank and inspect the flapper and float. You can replace the parts using a toilet repair kit.
Call a Plumber If:
- The leak continues after replacing the flapper.
- The tank refills endlessly.
- There’s water pooling around the base of the toilet.
A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons each day. Call Order A Plumber to stop the waste and protect your bathroom floor.
4. Low Water Pressure (Single Fixture)
What’s Happening:
Mineral buildup is a common cause, especially in older NYC buildings or areas with hard water.
Try This Fix:
Take off the faucet aerator or showerhead. Soak it in vinegar to clean it. Remove any debris. Rinse it and put it back on.
Call a Plumber If:
- Low water pressure is happening throughout your home.
- You hear banging noises (water hammer) or notice dirty water.
- There’s a sudden drop in pressure – it could indicate a leak or burst.
Licensed NYC plumbers from Order A Plumber and Hardy’s Plumbing can inspect the lines and restore proper pressure without major wall damage.
When It’s Time to Call a Professional Plumber
There’s a limit to DIY – and pushing past it can make matters worse. These issues require licensed plumbing professionals immediately:
1. Burst or Frozen Pipes
- Water damage spreads rapidly.
- Only pros can fully stop the flooding, cut out damaged pipe sections, and prevent mold or structural decay.
- Emergency plumbing services are available 24/7 with Hardy’s Plumbing & Order A Plumber.
2. Sewer Line Backups or Multiple Drain Clogs
- Foul smells, bubbling drains, or recurring blockages?
- Likely a main sewer line issue.
- Call for sewer line inspections and expert clearing services to prevent potential damage and avoid costly repairs down the line.
3. Hidden Leaks or Wall Damage
- Brown stains, musty odors, warped flooring – signs of slow, internal leaks.
- Plumbers use acoustic detection, thermal imaging, and moisture meters to pinpoint and fix damage before it worsens.
4. Water Heater Issues
- No hot water, water puddles around the heater, or strange noises?
- A bad thermostat, mineral buildup, or gas line issue could be to blame.
- Professionals like Order A Plumber handle tankless water heater repairs and replacements safely and quickly.
Know When to DIY and When to Dial a Pro
If it’s a minor, surface-level issue, such as a slow drain or a dripping faucet, DIY fixes can be safe and cost-effective. But if your plumbing issue involves leaks, backups, gas lines, or water heaters, don’t risk it. Call a trusted local expert. Whether you’re in Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau, Suffolk, or East End, Order A Plumber and Hardy’s Plumbing are just a phone call away – ready to provide fast, professional plumbing service when you need it most.
Final Advice: Fix What You Can – Trust the Rest to the Professionals
While DIY plumbing fixes can save time and money, they’re not always the safest option. For hidden leaks, water heater issues, or anything involving your main line, rely on licensed professionals like Order A Plumber and Hardy’s Plumbing to get the job done right the first time.
FAQs – NYC Plumbing Guide
Q. Can I fix a dripping faucet myself?
A. Yes, in most cases. Replacing a worn washer or cartridge usually solves the issue.
Q. When should I call a plumber for a clogged drain?
A. If multiple drains are clogged or you notice foul smells, it’s time to call a pro.
Q. Is it safe to repair a running toilet alone?
A. Yes, if it’s just a flapper issue. Call a plumber if the problem persists after replacement.
Q. What does low water pressure in the whole house mean?
A. It may indicate a leak or issue in your main line – call a plumber immediately.
Q. Do plumbers fix water heaters?
A. Yes. Experts like Order A Plumber handle both tankless and traditional water heater issues.