Plumbing Repair at Home: 8 Common Issues and When to Call a Pro
Plumbing Repair at Home: 8 Common Issues and When to Call a Pro
Plumbing problems are part of every homeowner’s life. While some are minor annoyances you can fix with basic tools, others hide deeper issues that can cause water damage, high utility bills, and health hazards from mould. Knowing the difference saves time, money, and frustration.
AM Handyman Service SG provides 24/7 plumbing services across Singapore. In this detailed guide, we walk you through eight frequent plumbing situations, how to troubleshoot them safely, and when it’s time to call a professional.
1. Dripping Tap or Mixer
A tap that drips once per second wastes over 3,000 litres of water a year. Often, the ceramic disc cartridge or rubber washer has worn out.
DIY steps: Turn off the angle valve, unscrew the handle, and inspect the cartridge. You can take it to a hardware store to find a match. Replace it and reassemble.
Call a pro when: The tap body is corroded, the screw is seized, or the tap is an expensive mixer model that requires special tools to dismantle. We also recommend professional installation if you want to upgrade to a water‑efficient PUB‑labelled tap.
2. Slow or Clogged Sink Drain
Kitchen sinks clog from grease, food scraps, and soap scum. Bathroom basins clog from hair and toothpaste.
DIY: First, try a plunger. If that fails, remove the trap (the U‑bend under the sink) and clean it manually. Boiling water can help dissolve grease.
Call a pro when: The blockage is beyond the trap—perhaps in the floor trap or main stack. You might notice water backing up in other fixtures. We use electric augers and high‑pressure hydro‑jetting to clear deep blockages without damaging pipes.