Plumbing problems never strike at a convenient time — and in Boise homes, certain issues tend to come up more often than others. Whether you live in the historic North End, the foothills, or newer developments in Meridian or Eagle, understanding the most common plumbing repairs (and how to prevent them) can save you time, money, and frustration.

Here are the top 10 plumbing problems our technicians at Five Star Service Pros see in homes across the Treasure Valley — and what you can do to avoid them.

1. Clogged Drains and Toilets

What causes it:
Hair, grease, soap scum, food waste, and non-flushable items.

Prevention tips:

• Use hair catchers in showers and tubs.
  
• Never flush wipes, feminine products, or paper towels.
  
• Avoid pouring grease down the kitchen sink.
  

Pro Tip: Schedule routine drain cleaning to prevent buildup and unexpected backups.

2. Leaking Faucets and Fixtures

What causes it:
Worn-out washers, corroded valve seats, or loose parts.

Prevention tips:

• Replace washers and cartridges at the first sign of a drip.
  
• Don’t overtighten handles — this can accelerate wear.
  

Pro Tip: Even small leaks can waste hundreds of gallons per year — and increase your water bill.

3. Water Heater Issues

What causes it:
Sediment buildup, broken heating elements, or old age (10+ years).

Prevention tips:

• Flush your water heater once per year to remove sediment.
  
• Schedule annual inspections to check for rust, leaks, or corrosion.
  
• Consider upgrading to a tankless water heater for a longer lifespan and energy efficiency.

   

4. Low Water Pressure

What causes it:
Pipe corrosion, sediment buildup, faulty pressure regulators, or hidden leaks.

Prevention tips:

• Address minor pressure changes early.
  
• Install a whole-home filtration system to reduce mineral buildup.
  

Have your pressure regulator checked every few years.

5. Running Toilets

What causes it:
Faulty flapper valves, broken fill valves, or float issues.

Prevention tips:

• Replace worn-out internal components every few years.
  
• Don’t ignore phantom flushes — they waste water and indicate internal issues.

   

6. Burst or Frozen Pipes

What causes it:
Freezing winter temperatures, especially in poorly insulated crawlspaces or exterior walls.

Prevention tips:

• Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas.
  
• Let faucets drip during extreme cold spells.
  
• Shut off and drain outdoor spigots before winter hits.

   

7. Sewer Line Backups

What causes it:
Tree root intrusion, aging pipes, or blockages from non-flushable materials.

Prevention tips:

• Schedule a sewer camera inspection every few years, especially in older homes.
  
• Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper.
  
• Consider trenchless sewer repair to fix cracks and prevent future root intrusion.

   

8. Sump Pump Failures

What causes it:
Aging pumps, power outages, or clogs in the discharge line.

Prevention tips:

• Test your sump pump every season.
  
• Install a battery backup to prevent flooding during storms or outages.
  
• Clean out the pit and check the float switch regularly.

   

9. Dripping or Leaking Pipes

What causes it:
High water pressure, corrosion, shifting soil, or poor connections.

Prevention tips:

• Monitor your water bill for unexpected spikes.
  
• Have your plumbing system inspected annually.
  
• Use pipe insulation to minimize pressure and temperature fluctuations.

   

10. Garbage Disposal Jams

What causes it:
Improper use — fibrous vegetables, bones, grease, or large food scraps.

Prevention tips:

• Run cold water before, during, and after use.
  
• Never put grease, egg shells, or pasta down the disposal.
  
• Use citrus peels to freshen up and clean blades naturally.

   

How to Stay Ahead of Plumbing Problems in Boise

While plumbing issues can’t always be avoided, regular maintenance and early intervention can significantly reduce the risk of major repairs.

At Five Star Service Pros, we offer:

• Annual whole-home plumbing inspections
  
• Preventative drain cleaning
  
• Sewer camera inspections
  
• Water heater tune-ups
  
• 24/7 emergency plumbing services

From Eagle to Nampa and Meridian to Garden City, Five Star Service Pros is your trusted local plumber for fast, professional, and affordable repairs.

📞 Call (208) 260-1765 to schedule service.
💻 Or book online through our contact form