Plumbing problems are one of those things that never happen at a good time. Whether it’s a slow drain, a surprise water heater failure, or a pipe that decides to burst in the middle of the night, these issues can wreck your day fast.
Here at Call Smedley, we’ve spent over 20 years fixing plumbing disasters all over Kansas City, Missouri—so trust us when we say, we’ve seen it all. This guide will cover some of the most common plumbing problems homeowners in KC deal with, why they happen, and what you can do about them.
Understanding Your Home’s Plumbing System
Your home’s plumbing system is a complex setup. It includes pipes, fixtures, and appliances that work together. This system provides clean water and removes wastewater safely. Knowing the basics about this system is very helpful. It can help you spot and fix small problems before they become big issues.
The plumbing system has two main parts: the water supply system and the drainage system. The water supply system brings fresh water into your home. On the other hand, the drainage system takes wastewater away. It can be very useful to know where key parts are, like the main water shut-off valve, water heater, and shut-off valves for different fixtures. This knowledge will be important in a plumbing emergency.
Common Components and Their Functions
Water Heater
This appliance gives your home hot water for showers, dishwashing, and laundry. You should know how to care for it well. Flushing it every year to get rid of sediment can help it last longer.
Sump Pump
Usually found in the basement or crawlspace, a sump pump helps prevent flooding. It removes excess water that builds up around your home’s foundation and stops water damage. To keep it working well, check and clean the pump and its intake screen regularly.
Sewer Line
This important underground pipe takes wastewater away from your home to the city sewer system. Issues like tree roots, grease, and age can cause sewer line problems. It’s important to notice signs like slow drains or gurgling sounds. These signals mean you need to make repairs quickly.
Common Plumbing Problems & Fixes
Dripping Faucets: The Cost of a Tiny Drip
Causes
Dripping faucets often happen because of worn washers, O-rings, or corroded valve seats. Sometimes, high water pressure can also lead to leaks.
Signs
The steady drip-drip sound isn’t just annoying; it’s a sign something’s up. Plus, it can slowly raise your water bill.
Solutions
If you’re comfortable with DIY repairs, try replacing the washer. But if the problem seems more complex, like a corroded water valve seat, it’s probably time to call a plumber.
Leaky Pipes: A Hidden Menace
Causes
Corrosion, high water pressure, or pipe clogs can lead to leaky pipes, especially in older homes.
Signs
Look for water stains on walls, a musty smell, or that tell-tale drip from behind walls.
Solutions
Temporary fixes like pipe tape might buy you some time, but you’ll want a professional to assess the major damage and make repairs.
Low Water Pressure Problems: A Common, Frustrating Issue
Causes
Loss of pressure can result from mineral buildup, old or faulty fixtures, or issues with the main water line.
Signs
Weak flow from faucets or the showerhead.
Solutions
Clean faucet aerators and showerheads first. If the problem continues, it might be deeper in your pipes, or an issue with the main supply.
Running Toilets: Draining Water and Money
Causes
The usual suspects are flapper valves, chains, or floats that are worn or misaligned.
Signs
Constant running water or a water bill that’s suddenly higher.
Solutions
Replacing the flapper or adjusting the chain often does the trick. If not, it’s time for a professional fix.
Clogged Drains: Kitchen and Bathroom Issues
Causes
Hair, soap scum, grease, and food particles are the usual culprits here.
Signs
Slow drain, standing water, and unpleasant smells.
Solutions
Try a drain snake or plunger for minor clogs. For stubborn blockages, call a plumber who can use professional tools.
Prevention Tips
Use drain guards and regularly clean out your drains to keep things moving smoothly.
Hot Water Heater Problems
Common Issues
Lack of hot water, strange noises, or a leaky tank are all red flags.
Causes
Sediment buildup, a failing thermostat, or just an old heater can cause issues.
Solutions
Regularly flushing the tank, checking the thermostat, or replacing an older heater can bring things back to normal.
Sewer System Backups: A True Plumbing Emergency
Causes
Tree roots, blockages, or damaged pipes often cause sewer backups.
Signs
Multiple drain clogs, sewage odors, or water backing up in toilets or floor drains.
Solutions
Call a professional plumber immediately for drain cleaning, root removal, or pipe repair.
Prevention Tips
Regular sewer line inspections and keeping non-degradable items out of your drains can prevent this messy issue.
Sump Pump Failure: Flooding Risk During Heavy Rains
Causes
Power outages, clogged discharge pipes, or switch issues are the common causes.
Signs
A flooded basement or a sump pump that won’t kick on when it rains.
Solutions
Keep your sump pump clear of debris and check that the discharge pipe is unobstructed. For persistent issues, a replacement might be needed.
Prevention Tips
Test your sump pump regularly, and consider a battery backup in case of power outages.
Garbage Disposal Clogs or Malfunctions
Causes
Putting the wrong items down the disposal or letting grease build-up can cause issues.
Signs
Slow draining, a humming sound, or foul odors from the disposal.
Solutions
Avoid sticking your hand inside the disposal. If a reset or manual unclogging doesn’t work, it’s best to call a plumber.
Prevention Tips
Skip coffee grounds, egg shells, and fibrous veggies to keep your disposal in good shape.
Backflow Problems: Protecting Your Drinking Water
Causes
Pressure changes in the system, usually from broken pipes or blockages, can cause backflow.
Signs
Discolored or foul-smelling water is usually the big giveaway.
Solutions
Installing a backflow preventer or having one repaired can fix the issue and protect your water quality.
Frozen Pipes: Winter’s Sneaky Hazard
Causes
Freezing temperatures, especially in unheated spaces, can cause pipes to freeze and possibly burst.
Signs
Frost on exposed pipes, reduced water flow, or a burst pipe once it thaws.
Solutions
Carefully thaw frozen pipes with a hairdryer or heating pad. If you spot cracks, call a plumber.
Prevention Tips
Insulate pipes and let faucets drip a bit during extreme cold to prevent freezing.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
While some plumbing issues can be handled DIY-style, others call for professional expertise. Persistent or complex problems, like sewer backups or water heater issues, are best left to trained plumbers. Smedley Plumbing is here to help with any plumbing issues you face. Our team has years of experience to provide reliable solutions and peace of mind.
Quick Plumbing Tips for Preventing Issues
Routine Inspections
Annual plumbing checks can catch small issues before they grow into major repairs.
Regular Maintenance
Keep drains clear, inspect fixtures, and flush your heater to help avoid common issues.
Monitor Your Bill
A sudden spike can be a sign of a hidden leak or other plumbing issue.
Why You Should Call Smedley Plumbing Instead of DIY-ing It
We get it—when your faucet won’t stop dripping or your sink is draining slower than your Monday morning motivation, it’s tempting to grab a wrench and go full DIY mode. But here’s the thing: plumbing problems aren’t always as simple as they seem. Even small issues can be hiding bigger, more expensive problems—which is why calling a pro from Smedley Plumbing is usually the smarter move.
Get It Fixed Right the First Time
Sure, you might be able to temporarily fix a leak or unclog a drain, but what about the real issue behind it? Our plumbers don’t just treat what you can see—we dig deeper to find the root of the problem and fix it for good. That means no repeat issues next week, next month, or anytime soon.
Save Time & Money in the Long Run
DIY plumbing can be a time-consuming, frustrating mess. And if something goes wrong? It can cost way more to fix. Hiring Smedley Plumbing might seem pricier upfront, but with our years of experience and professional-grade tools, we’ll get the job done faster and more efficiently—saving you money, stress, and unnecessary trips to the hardware store.
Prevent Bigger Problems Before They Happen
When we fix a problem, we don’t just stop at the obvious issue. We check for hidden leaks, corrosion, and potential failures that could lead to major plumbing disasters later on. Think of it as future-proofing your home so you don’t end up dealing with a burst pipe at 2 AM.
Pro Tools = Better Fixes
Let’s be real—most homeowners don’t have high-resolution sewer cameras, hydro-jetting machines, or advanced leak detection gear lying around. Our team comes fully equipped with top-tier tools to diagnose and repair issues way more effectively than a DIY fix ever could.
Safety First—Always
Not all plumbing jobs are harmless. Gas lines, water heaters, and pressurized pipes? Yeah, those can be seriously dangerous if handled wrong. Our licensed plumbers know how to manage these risks safely—so your home (and family) stay protected.
Warranties = Zero Worries
When you fix something yourself, you’re on your own if it goes wrong. When Smedley Plumbing fixes it? We guarantee our work. If there’s an issue, we’ll come back and make it right—at no extra cost. That’s peace of mind you don’t get with a DIY attempt.
We Know the Local Codes (So You Don’t Have To)
Not sure if that repair you just did violates local building codes? No worries—we know Kansas City KS area regulations inside and out. That means when you hire Smedley Plumbing, your plumbing stays up to code, protecting your home’s value and keeping everything legally sound.
Need Reliable Plumbing in Kansas City? We’ve Got You Covered!
Fast service, fair pricing, and expert repairs—Call Smedley Plumbing today!
(816) 763-3539 or Book Your Service Online Now!
Frequently Asked Questions
Homeowners often deal with dripping faucets, leaky pipes, clogged drains, running toilets, and issues with water heaters. While these may seem minor at first, they can turn into big problems if left unchecked.
Keep an eye (and ear) out for things like strange sounds from your pipes, slow drainage, bad odors, inconsistent water pressure, or an unusually high water bill. These are all signs something might be wrong.
Drips are usually caused by worn-out washers, corroded valve seats, or high water pressure. Fixing it could be as simple as replacing a part or adjusting the water pressure.
Low water pressure can be caused by mineral deposits, an old or faulty fixture, or even an issue with the main water line. Cleaning or replacing the fixture or checking the supply line can often help.
To avoid clogs, don’t pour grease or food down the kitchen sink, and use drain covers to catch hair in the bathroom. Running hot water down the drain every so often can also help keep things flowing.
If your toilet won’t stop running, it’s probably due to a worn flapper valve or a float that’s out of place. Adjusting or replacing these parts usually does the trick and can help save water.
A yearly inspection is a good rule of thumb, especially in older homes. Regular check-ups can catch small issues before they turn into bigger repairs.
Popping or banging sounds from the water heater usually mean there’s sediment buildup. Flushing the tank can help, but if the noise doesn’t go away, it’s a good idea to have a plumber take a look.
If you have several clogged drains, it could point to an issue in the main sewer line. This often requires professional help to clear out and prevent further backups.
To prevent frozen pipes, make sure they’re insulated, keep the thermostat consistent, and let faucets drip just a little on very cold nights to keep water moving.
As a trusted plumbing company, we provide a full range of plumbing services for homeowners and businesses. Whether you need water heater repair, sewer line repair, leak detection, or fixture installations, we handle it all. We proudly serve the Kansas City community and surrounding areas with top-tier plumbing solutions.
We understand that plumbing issues can’t wait, which is why we work hard to address your plumbing needs in a timely manner. Whether it’s an emergency repair or routine maintenance, we make sure you get excellent service without long wait times.
Absolutely! We believe in honest and transparent pricing, so you’ll always know the cost before we start the job. No hidden fees, no surprises—just reliable plumbing work at a fair price.
