diagnosing-plumbing-issues

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---
name: diagnosing-plumbing-issues
description: Systematically diagnoses plumbing problems through observation, testing, and troubleshooting. Use when experiencing water leaks, pressure issues, drainage problems, or fixture malfunctions.
---

# Diagnosing Plumbing Issues

## Quick Start

**Basic leak diagnosis:**
1. Turn off water supply at main valve
2. Check water meter - if still moving, leak is between meter and house
3. Turn water back on, check visible pipes, joints, and fixtures
4. Listen for running water sounds in walls/floors
5. Use flashlight to inspect under sinks, around toilets, basement pipes

## Workflow

**Complete diagnostic process:**

Progress:
- [ ] **Safety first**: Turn off electricity to affected areas if water present
- [ ] **Gather information**: When did problem start? What changed recently?
- [ ] **Visual inspection**: Check all visible plumbing fixtures and connections
- [ ] **Water pressure test**: Turn on multiple faucets simultaneously
- [ ] **Drainage test**: Run water in all drains, note backup or slow drainage
- [ ] **Isolation testing**: Test each fixture individually
- [ ] **Hidden leak detection**: Check water meter, listen for sounds
- [ ] **Document findings**: Note location, severity, and probable causes

## Examples

**Example 1:**
Input: "Toilet keeps running"
Output: Check flapper chain length (should have slight slack), ensure flapper seals completely, adjust float level to stop fill valve at proper water level, replace flapper if warped.

**Example 2:**
Input: "Low water pressure in kitchen sink only"
Output: Remove aerator and clean debris, check shut-off valves under sink are fully open, inspect supply lines for kinks, test pressure at other nearby fixtures to isolate problem.

**Example 3:**
Input: "Water backing up in basement floor drain"
Output: Main sewer line blockage likely. Check other drains in house - if multiple affected, call for sewer line cleaning. If only basement drain, snake the floor drain specifically.

## Best Practices

- Always shut off water supply before major repairs
- Take photos before disassembling anything complex
- Keep basic tools handy: plunger, snake, adjustable wrench, pipe tape
- Test repairs thoroughly - run water for several minutes
- Know location of main water shut-off valve
- For gas water heaters, never skip safety checks

## Common Pitfalls

- Don't overtighten fittings (causes cracks and leaks)
- Don't use chemical drain cleaners on completely blocked drains
- Don't ignore small leaks - they always get worse
- Don't attempt gas line work without proper certification
- Don't forget to turn water supply back on after repairs
- Don't mix different pipe materials without proper fittings