Plumbing problems can happen when you least expect them, and if left unchecked, they can turn into costly repairs. The good news? Some of the most common plumbing issues have quick fixes that can save you time and money.
At Anton’s Plumbing, Heating/Cooling & Energy Experts, we take pride in serving the St. Louis community with same-day plumbing service to keep your home running smoothly.
Here are 6 plumbing problems you can tackle yourself before they get worse—and when to know it’s time to call in the experts at Anton’s to get the job done right.
Did You Know? According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), household leaks waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water every year, costing homeowners hundreds of dollars on their water bills.
1. Running Toilet
A toilet that keeps running isn’t just annoying, it can waste hundreds of gallons of water every day, driving up your water bill. In most cases, the issue comes down to a worn-out flapper, misaligned float, or faulty fill valve.
Try this fix:
- Shut off the water supply behind the toilet.
- Open the tank and check the flapper—if it’s worn or not sealing properly, replace it.
- Adjust the float so it sits at the right level and allows the tank to fill properly.
Still running? If your toilet is still acting up, it might be time to call Anton’s for a same-day fix before your next water bill skyrockets.
2. Slow or Clogged Drains
Nothing’s worse than a sink or shower that drains too slow or not at all. In St. Louis, older homes often have decades of buildup in their pipes from grease, hair, soap, and debris.
Try this fix:
- Use a plunger—it works for sinks, tubs, and toilets.
- Snake the drain with a small drain auger to pull out hair and gunk.
- Flush it out with a mix of baking soda and vinegar, followed by hot water.
Still clogged? If you’re dealing with multiple slow drains, it could be a bigger problem, like a sewer line blockage. Anton’s offers drain cleaning services to prevent major backups.
3. Leaky Faucets
That constant dripping might not seem like a big deal, but a leaky faucet can waste thousands of gallons of water a year and drive up your water bill.
Try this fix:
- Turn off the water under the sink.
- Take the faucet apart and check the washer or O-ring—if it’s worn, replace it.
- If it’s a cartridge faucet, swapping out the cartridge can stop the leak.
Still dripping? Some older faucets are beyond repair, and in that case, Anton’s can install a new water-saving fixture that will help cut down on waste and lower your bill.
4. Low Water Pressure
Weak water pressure makes washing dishes, taking showers, and filling the sink frustrating. The problem could be mineral buildup, hidden leaks, or issues with your home’s plumbing system.
Try this fix:
- Unscrew the aerator from your faucet and soak it in vinegar overnight to dissolve buildup.
- If your showerhead is clogged, remove it and let it soak in vinegar.
- Check for leaks around your home—sometimes, low pressure means a hidden plumbing issue.
Still dealing with weak pressure? If the problem affects multiple faucets, it could be a pressure regulator issue, corroded pipes, or a city water supply problem. Anton’s can help pinpoint the issue and restore your home’s water flow fast.
5. Water Heater Not Heating
St. Louis winters can be brutal, and a cold shower on a freezing day is the last thing you need. If your water heater isn’t producing hot water, the issue might be sediment buildup or a pilot light malfunction.
Try this fix:
- Flush the tank to remove sediment that may be reducing efficiency.
- If you have a gas heater, check if the pilot light is out and relight it if necessary.
- Make sure your thermostat is set to 120°F—any lower and your water won’t get hot enough.
Still no hot water? If your water heater is more than 10 years old or the problem keeps coming back, Anton’s offers same-day water heater repairs and replacements to keep your home comfortable.
6. Burst Pipes (Emergency Fix!)
In St. Louis, freezing winter temperatures can cause pipes to burst, leading to major water damage. This can cost thousands in repairs if not handled quickly.
What to do immediately:
- Shut off your main water valve to stop the flooding.
- Use pipe repair tape or a clamp as a temporary fix.
- Turn on nearby faucets to relieve pressure in the pipes.
A burst pipe can cause serious damage fast, so don’t wait, call Anton’s for immediate plumbing service before it gets worse.
Need Professional Help? Anton’s Has You Covered
While some plumbing issues have easy DIY fixes, others require expert attention before they turn into expensive disasters. At Anton’s, we’ve been serving the St. Louis community for years with:
- Same-day plumbing service
- Licensed, experienced plumbers
- Affordable pricing and honest recommendations
If your plumbing problem is more than a quick fix, don’t wait.