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Common Plumbing Problems in Asheville: Simple Fixes and When to Call a Plumber

A dripping faucet, slow drain, or toilet that won’t stop running can turn an ordinary day into a frustrating one. Some plumbing problems have simple fixes you can try yourself. Others need a closer look before they lead to water damage.

Nick’s Plumbing, Heating & Cooling helps homeowners in Asheville and surrounding Western North Carolina communities troubleshoot plumbing problems and find practical solutions. Here are eight common issues, what you can check, and when it’s time to call your neighborhood plumber.

1. Why Is My Kitchen Sink Draining Slowly?

Possible causes: Food scraps, grease, soap residue, or buildup in the drain.

What you can try:

Remove visible debris from the drain strainer.

If no chemical drain cleaner has been used, try a sink plunger. For a double sink, seal the other drain opening to help build pressure.

Keep cooking grease out of the drain. Let it cool and dispose of it in the trash.

Avoid pouring boiling water or chemical drain cleaner down the sink. Never mix cleaning products, and don’t plunge a drain containing chemical cleaner.

When to call a plumber: If the sink repeatedly clogs, leaks underneath, or backs up when another fixture runs, professional drain cleaning or an inspection may be needed.

2. How Do I Fix a Running Toilet?

Possible causes: A worn flapper or flush valve seal, a stuck chain, or a fill valve that isn’t shutting off.

What you can try:

Carefully remove the tank lid and set it on a secure surface.

Check whether the chain is caught or keeping the flapper from closing.

Check the tank’s water level against the manufacturer’s marked fill line.

Put a few drops of food coloring in the tank without flushing. If color appears in the bowl after about 15 minutes, water is leaking from the tank into the bowl. Flush afterward to prevent staining.

A compatible replacement flapper may solve the problem. Shut off the toilet’s water supply before replacing parts, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

When to call a plumber: If the toilet still runs, its shutoff valve won’t work, or water appears around the base, schedule toilet repair. A leaking toilet base needs attention even if the toilet still flushes.

3. Why Is My Faucet Dripping?

Possible causes: A worn cartridge, washer, seal, or another internal component.

What you can try: Identify the faucet’s brand and model so you can find the correct replacement part. If you’re comfortable with the repair, shut off the water, cover the drain to catch small parts, and follow the manufacturer’s replacement instructions.

Don’t force a corroded shutoff valve or overtighten the faucet handle.

When to call a plumber: If you can’t shut off the water, the faucet is heavily corroded, or the leak continues after replacing the correct part, a faucet repair or replacement may be the better option.

4. Why Do I Have Low Water Pressure?

Possible causes: A clogged faucet aerator, buildup in a showerhead, a supply problem, a failing pressure regulator, or a hidden leak.

What you can try:

Check whether the problem affects one fixture or the whole house.

For one faucet, remove and clean the aerator according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Check for a local water-service interruption if pressure suddenly drops throughout the home.

Look for visible leaks, damp areas, or an unexplained increase in water usage.

Don’t adjust the pressure-reducing valve without checking the actual water pressure and identifying the cause.

When to call a plumber: A sudden whole-house pressure drop, recurring pressure problems, or signs of a hidden leak should be investigated. Nick can assess whether the issue involves a fixture, water line, or pressure-reducing valve.

5. How Do I Unclog a Shower or Bathroom Sink Drain?

Possible causes: Hair, soap residue, and debris around the stopper.

What you can try: Remove visible hair from an accessible strainer or removable stopper. A plastic hair-removal tool may help with shallow buildup; follow its instructions and don’t force it into the drain.

Use a drain screen to catch hair before it enters the piping. If chemical drain cleaner has already been used, don’t insert tools or plunge the drain. Tell your plumber what product you used.

When to call a plumber: If the clog keeps returning, several drains are slow, or wastewater backs up elsewhere, the blockage may be farther down the system.

6. What Should I Do About a Leak Under the Sink?

Possible causes: A leaking supply connection, worn drain seal, damaged trap, or faucet leak.

What you can try:

Remove stored items and place a container beneath the drip.

Dry the visible piping, then observe where moisture first appears without touching hot water or electrical equipment.

If a supply line is leaking, gently close the fixture’s shutoff valve.

If the drain leaks, stop using the sink until it is repaired.

If water continues leaking with the fixture valves closed, shut off the home’s main water supply if you can safely access and operate it.

When to call a plumber: Call for leaking pipe repair if the source is unclear, a valve won’t close, or water has reached the cabinet, wall, or floor. A bucket can limit the mess, but it doesn’t fix the leak.

7. Why Is My Outdoor Faucet Leaking?

Possible causes: A worn seal, loose packing, or freeze damage to the outdoor faucet or connected pipe.

What you can try: Disconnect the garden hose and check whether the leak occurs at the hose connection, handle, or wall. If water appears inside the home when the faucet runs, stop using it and shut off its water supply if accessible.

Before freezing weather arrives, disconnect hoses. Even frost-resistant outdoor faucets can be damaged when a hose traps water inside. Follow the faucet’s winterization instructions.

When to call a plumber: A persistent drip, damaged handle, or suspected freeze damage may require hose bib repair or replacement. Water leaking inside a wall or crawlspace needs prompt attention.

8. What Should I Do if My Pipes Freeze?

Possible causes: Freezing temperatures reaching vulnerable water lines in crawlspaces, garages, exterior walls, or other unheated spaces.

What you can try: If you suspect a frozen pipe, check for leaks and know where your main shutoff is. For an exposed, accessible pipe that appears intact, gentle heat from warm towels may help while the affected faucet is open. Never use a torch or open flame.

If a pipe has burst or water is escaping, shut off the main water supply if safe to do so. Stay away from water near electrical equipment.

When to call a plumber: Call if you can’t locate or safely reach the frozen section, can’t thaw it, or suspect a split pipe. A frozen pipe can begin leaking as it thaws.

Plumbing Problems That Shouldn’t Wait

Stop using affected fixtures and contact a plumber promptly when you notice:

Sewage backing up into a tub, shower, or floor drain.

Several fixtures backing up at once.

An active leak that you can’t stop.

Water coming through a ceiling or wall.

A suspected burst pipe.

For sewage backups, avoid contact with the wastewater. Don’t keep flushing toilets or running water to “test” the blockage.

Looking for a Plumber Near You in Asheville?

If a simple fix doesn’t solve the problem, Nick’s Plumbing, Heating & Cooling can help you figure out what’s happening and discuss the next steps.

From clogged drains and running toilets to leaking faucets, outdoor spigots, and water-pressure problems, we help Asheville-area homeowners keep their plumbing working the way it should.

Call or text 828-600-1266 to request a plumbing estimate. You can also email nicksdrains@gmail.com. Send your name, address, a description of the problem, and a few photos if available.

Nick’s your neighbor.