Common problems at a glance
| Fixture | Symptom | Usual cause | DIY or plumber |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toilet | Runs or refills on its own | Worn flapper or fill valve | Often DIY with the angle stop closed |
| Toilet | Water on the floor at the base | Failed wax ring or loose closet bolts | Plumber, since the toilet must be pulled and reset |
| Toilet | Rocks when you sit | Loose bolts or a damaged flange | Plumber if the flange is broken |
| Shower | Drips after shutoff | Worn cartridge or valve seats | Plumber or confident DIY; parts vary by brand |
| Shower | Stain on the ceiling below | Leaking valve, drain or failed pan | Plumber; may need leak testing |
| Disposal | Hums but does not spin | Jammed impeller | Often DIY with power off |
| Disposal | Leaks underneath | Failed seal or cracked housing | Usually replacement |
Fixing a running toilet
- Close the angle stop.The small valve behind the toilet. Turn clockwise; if it is stiff or leaks, leave it and call a plumber.
- Flush and look.Lift the lid. Water running into the overflow tube means the fill valve or float is set too high.
- Dye test the flapper.Food coloring in the tank that appears in the bowl without flushing points to the flapper.
- Replace the worn part.Flappers and fill valves are standard parts; take the old one to match it.
- Check for scale.North OC's hard water can crust fill valves and flush valves, which is a common reason parts stop sealing.
Showers in older North OC homes
Many original bathrooms in the area still have their first tiled shower or tub-shower combination. Behind the tile, the valve body and supply pipes may be original galvanized or copper, and the shower pan under a tiled stall can eventually fail. A leak that shows up as a ceiling stain in a two-story home, or as damp baseboards in a single-story one, needs testing to tell a valve leak from a drain or pan leak.
Replacing a cartridge is a small job. Replacing a valve body behind tile means opening the wall, and it is a good time to ask whether the supply piping in that wall should be replaced too.
Disposal do's and don'ts
- Run cold water before, during and after use
- Avoid fibrous scraps, grease, bones and large amounts of starchy food
- Never pour grease into the disposal or the sink
- Use the reset button on the bottom if it stops after a jam
- Do not use chemical drain openers in a disposal
- Replace a unit that leaks from its body rather than repairing it
What drives the cost
- Part versus fixture
- A flapper or cartridge is different from a new toilet or valve.
- Access
- Valves behind tile or a toilet with a damaged flange take more work.
- Water damage
- Repairing subfloor, drywall or tile is separate from the plumbing.
- Electrical
- A disposal without a proper outlet or switch may need electrical work.
Questions to ask a plumber
- Is this a part replacement or does the fixture need replacing?
- Is there any sign of water damage under the floor or behind the wall?
- Should we replace the angle stops while you are here?
- Is the shower leak from the valve, the drain or the pan?
Common questions
Is a running toilet worth fixing right away?
Yes. It can waste a surprising amount of water and shows up on the bill. The fix is often a simple part.
Why does my shower drip after I turn it off?
Usually a worn cartridge or seat in the valve. Hard water scale speeds up the wear.
Can I replace a garbage disposal myself?
Many homeowners do, but it involves both plumbing and electrical connections. If you are not comfortable with either, hire a licensed plumber.
General information for North Orange County, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.