Plumbing, Drain and Sewer Problems in a House
Plumbing symptoms are worth triaging by how many fixtures are affected. One slow fixture is a local clog; several fixtures at once, especially on the lowest floor, points at the building drain or sewer lateral. Normal residential supply pressure is 40–80 psi, and codes require a pressure-reducing valve above 80 psi.
Most-diagnosed plumbing symptoms
Two problems account for most plumbing calls homeowners make. Start with the exact symptom you can see or measure at the tap:
- Why Is My House Water Pressure Low? — Pressure testing, PRV failure, galvanized scale and municipal supply issues.
- Why Is My House Getting Brown Water? — Rust, water heater sediment, main breaks and when the water is unsafe to drink.
Toilets
Running, gurgling, clogging and rocking toilets.
Drains
Slow, gurgling, backing-up and smelly drains.
Sewer lines
Backups, root intrusion and lateral failures.
Water heaters
No hot water, noise, leaks and short showers.
Water pressure
Low, uneven or dropping pressure.
Water quality
Brown, cloudy, smelly or metallic water.
Plumbing, Drains & Sewer questions homeowners ask
How do I know if a clog is in one fixture or the main line?
Run water in a tub while flushing a nearby toilet. If the tub gurgles or backs up, the blockage is downstream in the shared drain or sewer lateral, not in the fixture trap.
What water pressure should my house have?
40–80 psi at a hose bibb. Below 40 psi feels weak at upper floors; above 80 psi damages fixtures and voids many water-heater warranties.