A bathroom sink is one of those things you only notice when it stops working. One morning you turn the tap and—drip, drip—or the water won’t go down the drain. Suddenly your routine is disrupted. The good news: most sink problems are fixable, and fixing them sooner usually saves time, money, and headaches.
Snapshot — Quick Facts (Houston, TX)
| Typical cost: | $150–$450 depending on parts and labor |
| Most common issues: | Leaks, clogs, dripping faucets, low pressure |
| Repair lifespan: | 5–10 years for replaced parts; fixture replacement may last longer |
| Local note: | Houston’s hard water causes mineral buildup, which speeds wear on faucets and aerators |
| DIY vs pro: | DIY is tempting — but pros find the hidden stuff DIYers usually miss |
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Small Sink Problem
That tiny drip you think is “no big deal”? It isn’t. Over weeks or months, a slow leak can warp cabinet bottoms, stain floors, and invite mold. Slow drains that sit for a while usually mean buildup further in the line; ignore that and you might be looking at a bigger clog or a sewer smell. And in humid Houston, those small issues get worse faster.
Fixing things early saves you money and stress. It keeps your bathroom usable and your home healthier. Simple as that.
What Usually Goes Wrong (and Why)
Most sink problems fall into a few predictable buckets:
- Leaks: Could be a worn washer in the faucet, a loose supply line, or a failing seal at the drain.
- Clogs: Hair, soap, and toothpaste get stuck and form stubborn clumps.
- Dripping faucets: Annoying and wasteful — usually a worn cartridge or washer.
- Low water pressure: Often mineral deposits in the aerator or partially clogged supply lines.
- Cracked basins or loose hardware: Happens over years, or after a heavy knock.
The tricky part: the visible symptom is rarely the whole story. A drip at the spout might mean a leak behind the wall or a failing valve under the sink. That’s where a pro’s experience matters.
The Human Side of Choosing DIY vs Hiring a Pro
I get it — watching a five-minute repair video makes some fixes look doable. And if it’s a small washer swap, sure, you might handle it. But plumbing is a system; one tweak in the wrong place can cause leaks later, or create code issues that affect resale or insurance.
Hiring a licensed plumber isn’t just about fixing the problem today. It’s peace of mind — the right parts, tested work, and someone who can spot the little things before they become big things. Think of it as paying a bit now to avoid paying a lot later.
A Simple Plan for How Pros Approach Sink Repair
- Look — don’t guess: A pro will check under the sink, test the faucet, and sometimes use a camera if the clog seems deep.
- Explain what’s wrong and why: You get a clear estimate before any work starts. No surprises.
- Fix it properly: That could mean replacing a cartridge, resealing the drain, or swapping supply lines.
- Test everything: They’ll run water, check pressure, and make sure there are no leaks.
- Leave you with tips: Small things—like how to clean an aerator—cut future visits in half.
This method keeps things efficient and avoids repeat trips.
Quick Maintenance Tips You Can Actually Use
- Use a drain strainer — it catches hair and gunk before it goes down.
- Clean the aerator once or twice a year — you’ll be surprised how much better the water flows.
- Don’t pour grease, cotton swabs, or wet wipes down the sink. They clog fast.
- If you see moisture under the sink, act on it. Even small puddles signal trouble.
- Avoid chemical drain cleaners — they can damage pipes.
A few minutes of care now usually means no emergency call later.
When to Call a Professional — Plain Signs
Call a pro if you notice any of these: water pooling under the cabinet, a persistent drip you can’t fix, very slow drainage even after you use a plunger, or foul odors that won’t go away. Also call if your water bill spikes for no obvious reason — leaks can hide.
Why John Moore Services (in a Sentence You Can Trust)
John Moore Services has been helping Houston homeowners for decades. Our plumbers are licensed, work cleanly, and explain what they did and why. If you want the job done right and want to understand the fix when we leave, that’s us.
Ready to stop the drip? Schedule a service with John Moore Services — we’ll come out, fix it, and leave your bathroom working the way it should.
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FAQs
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How much will a sink repair cost?
Usually $150–$450 in Houston, depending on parts and how involved the job is.
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Can I use store-bought drain cleaners?
Not recommended — they can damage pipes. A pro will clear clogs safely.
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How long does a typical repair take?
Minor fixes often take under an hour; more complex jobs can take a few hours.
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Why is my water pressure low?
Check the aerator first — mineral buildup is a common culprit in Houston.
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How do I prevent future problems?
Use strainers, avoid pouring grease or wipes down the sink, and inspect under-sink areas occasionally.
