Fix common water leaks yourself and save hundreds on plumber bills. Most repairs take under an hour with basic tools and cost less than $20 in parts.
That dripping faucet or running toilet isn't just annoying; it's draining your wallet daily. A single running toilet can waste over $40 per month, and a dripping faucet adds $20-50 to your annual water bill. The good news? Most common household leaks are surprisingly easy to fix yourself, even with zero plumbing experience.
Beyond avoiding plumber fees, you'll stop water waste immediately and gain valuable home maintenance skills. The repairs covered in this guide require only basic tools, take 15-60 minutes, and have success rates over 90% for DIY-ers. Even if you've never touched a wrench, you can handle these common repairs.
Not every leak should be a DIY project. Here's how to decide what to tackle yourself and what to leave to professionals.
| Repair Type | DIY Friendly? | DIY Cost | Pro Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toilet Flapper Replacement | ✅ Very Easy | $5-15 | $75-150 |
| Faucet Washer/Cartridge | ✅ Easy-Medium | $5-40 | $100-200 |
| Showerhead Replacement | ✅ Very Easy | $20-80 | $100-175 |
| Supply Line Replacement | ✅ Easy | $10-25 | $125-200 |
| Toilet Fill Valve | ✅ Medium | $15-30 | $150-250 |
| Hidden Pipe Leak | ❌ Professional Only | N/A | $300-1,000+ |
| Slab Leak | ❌ Professional Only | N/A | $2,000-6,000 |
| Main Line Issues | ❌ Professional Only | N/A | $1,000-4,000 |
The most common cause of a running toilet is a worn flapper valve. This rubber seal at the bottom of the tank deteriorates over time, allowing water to constantly seep into the bowl. It's the single easiest plumbing repair and saves the most money.
Dripping faucets waste over 3,000 gallons annually. The cause is usually a worn washer, O-ring, or cartridge depending on your faucet type. Cartridge and ball faucets are most common in modern homes. This repair stops the drip and often improves water flow.
If your toilet keeps running after replacing the flapper, the fill valve might be the culprit. Fill valves control the water entering the tank and can wear out over time, causing constant running or improper water levels. Replacement is straightforward and often solves persistent running issues.
A showerhead that drips after use wastes water and can cause staining. The cause is usually worn washers or thread tape. While you're fixing it, consider upgrading to a water-efficient model that saves even more. This is one of the quickest plumbing fixes.
You don't need a plumber's entire toolkit, but having these basics on hand makes DIY repairs much easier. Invest $50-75 in quality tools that will last decades and pay for themselves on your first repair.
An adjustable wrench (10-12 inch) handles most plumbing nuts and connections. Tongue-and-groove pliers (like Channellock) grip irregular shapes. A set of screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead) removes handles and fixtures. Teflon tape (PTFE) seals threaded connections. A plumber's wrench specifically for basket strainers is helpful but not essential.
A basin wrench makes under-sink faucet connections much easier to reach. A pipe wrench provides serious grip for stubborn pipes. A plunger (actually have two: one for sinks, one for toilets) clears clogs. A drain snake handles clogs beyond plunger reach. Flashlight and inspection mirror help see into dark spaces.
Keep extra toilet flappers, Teflon tape, and assorted washers and O-rings on hand. When something fails at 10 PM on a Sunday, you'll be glad you have parts ready. A tube of plumber's grease keeps rubber parts supple. Basic PVC cement and primer (if you have PVC drains) enables quick pipe repairs.
See exactly how much you'll save by fixing leaks yourself versus calling a plumber.
Water Savings Calculator ROI CalculatorIf the leak persists after repair, double-check your work. For toilets, ensure the flapper chain has proper slack and the flapper seats completely. For faucets, you might have the wrong size parts or multiple worn components. Sometimes mineral deposits on valve seats prevent good seals and need cleaning. If it still leaks, the problem might be deeper than the parts you replaced.
Corroded or stuck connections are common in older homes. Apply penetrating oil (like WD-40 or PB Blaster) and wait 15-30 minutes before trying again. Heat from a hair dryer can help by expanding metal. If still stuck, try tapping gently with a rubber mallet while applying torque. As last resort, cut off corroded parts (requires replacing more components).
Plumbing parts come in various sizes and styles. Always take old parts to the store for matching. If unsure, buy several sizes and return unused ones. For faucets, getting the exact brand replacement kit ensures compatibility. Universal parts work for most situations but brand-specific parts are more reliable.
Low pressure after repairs usually means debris in the aerator or cartridge. Remove and clean them. Air in lines after shutting water off causes sputtering, which clears after running water briefly. If pressure remains low throughout house, the problem is likely elsewhere in your system or at the utility level.
Generally no for simple repairs like those covered here (replacing valves, washers, fixtures). Permits are typically required for new plumbing installations, rerouting pipes, or major modifications. Rules vary by locality, so check with your local building department if unsure. For simple in-kind replacements, permits are rarely needed.
This is why you always turn off water before starting repairs. If something goes wrong, immediately shut off the main water supply. Have towels and a bucket ready. Most mistakes result in minor water spillage, not flooding. If water is actively spraying and you can't stop it, turn off the main valve and call a plumber.
If you're uncomfortable, hire a professional. Signs a job is too complex: involves pipes inside walls, requires soldering or specialized tools, involves gas lines, you can't identify the problem after research, or if water damage risk is high. There's no shame in calling a pro. Start with easy repairs and build confidence gradually.
Modern water-efficient parts perform excellently. WaterSense-certified products must meet strict performance standards to earn certification. In fact, new efficient toilets often flush better than old water-wasting models due to improved engineering. You save water without sacrificing performance.
Replace washing machine hoses every 5 years regardless of appearance, as they can burst suddenly with catastrophic results. Toilet flappers last 3-5 years typically. Water heater pressure relief valves should be tested annually and replaced every 5-7 years. Preventive replacement costs little compared to emergency failure damage.
Universal parts work for many repairs, but brand-specific parts often fit better and last longer. For faucet cartridges especially, match the exact brand and model for best results. For toilet parts, quality brands like Fluidmaster and Korky work with most toilets regardless of toilet brand. Don't buy the absolute cheapest parts; mid-range options offer the best value.