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Sold by ME. · David Thomas Mejia, Broker · CA DRE #01448424 · Veteran-owned · San Diego County
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Fix it: DIY or hire a pro

Plumbing leaks and backups

A slow leak can cost more than a burst pipe because nobody notices it. Knowing your shutoffs and reading your water meter catches leaks early.

Do it yourself Good, better, best
Know the signs

What to look for

Warning signs

  • Water meter moving with everything off
  • Running toilet
  • Hot spot on the floor (slab leak)
  • Low water pressure
  • Sewage backing up into a tub or shower

Do it yourself

  • Turn everything off and watch the meter for 15 minutes.
  • Fix running toilets and dripping faucets.
  • Replace old supply lines with braided steel.
  • Exercise and label every shutoff valve.
Shop the fix

Supplies for the DIY fix

Smart water shutoff

AmazonHome DepotLowe'sWalmart

Braided supply lines

AmazonHome DepotLowe'sWalmart

Quarter-turn stop valves

AmazonHome DepotLowe'sWalmart

Thread seal tape

AmazonHome DepotLowe'sWalmart

Pipe repair clamp

AmazonHome DepotLowe'sWalmart

Tools

Pipe wrench set

AmazonHome DepotLowe'sWalmart

Tubing cutter

AmazonHome DepotLowe'sWalmart

PEX crimp tool

AmazonHome DepotLowe'sWalmart

Amazon links are affiliate links; we may earn a commission. Store links are for price comparison.

From our job sites

What this looks like on a real job

New P-trapNew P-trap
Kitchen sink installKitchen sink install
Copper press fittings for a repipeCopper press fittings for a repipe
Water heater enclosureWater heater enclosure
Hire a pro

Good, better, best contractor options

Good

Fixture repairs

$

Flappers, cartridges, supply lines, wax rings and angle stops.

Better

Leak detection + spot repair

$$

Acoustic or thermal leak detection, then repair only the bad section.

Best

Repipe

$$$

Replace old galvanized or failing pipe with PEX or copper throughout the house.

$ under about $500 · $$ about $500 to $5,000 · $$$ over about $5,000. Rough guide only; every house is different. Get three written bids from licensed contractors.

Partner: Coastal Rooter

Calculators

Price the job with our calculators

Fix a running toiletFix a running toiletWeek 8 · February · 1 hourFix a dripping faucetFix a dripping faucetWeek 32 · August · 1 hourExercise and label shutoff valvesExercise and label shutoff valvesWeek 50 · December · 1 hourReplace a toilet wax ringReplace a toilet wax ringWeek 6 · February · 1 to 2 hours
Need help?

Get a licensed pro referral

Tell us what you are seeing. We will walk the property, tell you honestly if it is a DIY job, and refer licensed partners for the rest.

Jobs that require a contractor's license under California law are referred to CSLB-licensed contractors.

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Broker, not a contractor. David Thomas Mejia is a California real estate broker (CA DRE #01448424), not a licensed contractor. Work that needs a California contractor's license should be done by a CSLB-licensed contractor; check any license at cslb.ca.gov. Cost ranges on this page are general estimates, not bids.

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