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.
| 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 |
