Trouble Shooting Guide
Got a problem in your home but you're not sure what to do about it? Then take a look at this handy chart of the most common household problems. Click on a link below or scroll down to see all the solutions to your home dilemmas.
Common Household Problems
Garage Door
Toilet Runs
Water Stains - Ceiling
Water heater Leaks
Toilet Leaks
Shower or tub drains too slowly
Toilet Burp
Bathroom - Sewage odor
Water not hot enough
No Hot Water
Toilet Flush poorly
Water leaking under sink
Related Links
HomeOwner Tips
| Item | Symptom | Common Cause | Common Remedy |
| Garage Door | Keeps re-opening with no apparent obstruction | The travel setting is too high. Considers the floor as an obstruction | Adjust the travel setting Doors and Windows Forum |
| Water Leaking Under Sink | Bottom of floor or cabinet wet | Loose connections. Trap pipe corroded |
1. Check for and tighten any loose connections 2. Replace washers in trap 3. Replace trap Plumbing Forum |
| Water Drains too Slow From Shower or Tub | Water Drain slow from shower or tub | Drain stopper not fully open. Drain stopper clogged by hair Drain pipe clogged |
1. Adjust stopper to allow faster drainage 2. Remove hair from stopper 3. Remove blockage by plunging or snaking or remove, clean and remount trap Plumbing Forum |
| Toilet Burp | Air bubbles escapes after flushing | Improper soil venting or soil vent blocked | 1. Look for obvious obstruction 2. Try snaking the vent stack with hose pipe 3. Call a plumber Plumbing Forum |
| Toilet runs | Toilet runs constantly | Flapper not sitting properly or internal shut off valve is malfunctioning. Water level too high |
1. Replace toilet flapper or replace shut off valve kit 2. Reduce water level Plumbing Forum |
| Toilet Leaks | Floor around toilet wet | Wax ring faulty Crack in bowl |
1. Replace wax ring 2. Replace toilet bowl Plumbing Forum |
| Toilet Flushes Poorly | Toilet does not remove waste | Blockage in toilet bowl or drain Water level too low Rim holes blocked Wax ring faulty Crack in bowl |
1. Unclog bowl or drain 2. Raise water level in tank 3.Clear rim holes with a hanger Bathroom Forum |
| Bathroom Sewage Odor | Sewage odor comes out of tub drain | Drain(s) is missing a trap or water in P-trap has evaporated | 1. Add water to drain 2. Trap installation needed (serious DIY'ers only or call plumber) Bathroom Forum |
| Water Stains Ceiling | Water stain in ceiling where no plumbing or pipes exist | Improper attic ventilation - moisture accumulates and condenses then seeps through drywall | 1. Remove insulation blocking soffit vents or 2. Remove obstructions blocking gable vents and/or 3. Install attic fan Walls Forum |
| Water Heater - Water Not Hot Enough | Water not hot enough | Thermostat set too low Water heater too small for demand Heating element faulty Thermostat faulty |
1. Turn up thermostat on water heater 2. Install 2nd water heater or larger unit 3. Check and replace element 4. Test and replace thermostat Household Appliances Forum |
| Water Heater - No Hot Water | No hot water | Circuit breaker on service panel or heater unit blown or tripped. Thermostat Faulty Element Faulty Pilot flame out |
1. Replace fuse or reset breakers 2. Test and replace thermostat 3. Replace element 4. Re-light pilot or replace thermocouple if it won't stay lighted. Heating and Cooling Forum |
| Water Heater Leaks | Heater leaks from unknown cause. But not from valve | Tank in water heater corroded |
Replace water heater Heating and Cooling Forum |
