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Plumbing problems can strike at any time, and for many homeowners, bad habits are making things worse. Using survey data and online search trends, we uncovered the most common plumbing mistakes, how much emergency repairs really cost, and which states are searching for plumbing fixes the most. From clogged pipes to no hot water, here’s a closer look at how plumbing problems are piling up across the country.
Many people assume their pipes can handle just about anything, but bad flushing and drain habits can lead to serious plumbing problems. From paper towels to cooking grease, Americans are making some risky choices with their plumbing.
Nearly a quarter of Americans (24%) weren’t sure whether flushable wipes were safe for their pipes, while 14% wrongly believed they were. Despite being labeled “flushable,” these wipes don’t break down like toilet paper and can clog plumbing and sewer systems. They were the most commonly flushed item across all generations:
Beyond wipes, Gen Z was the most likely to report flushing condoms (9%) and pet fish (8%). As for sink habits, nearly half of homeowners (47%) said they pour cooking grease or oil down the drain at least occasionally, with Gen Z (54%) and millennials (49%) being the most likely to report this habit. One in nine admitted to doing it monthly or more often. Practices like these can lead to serious plumbing issues and costly damage.
Flushing the wrong things might not seem like a big deal until you’re stuck with a massive plumbing bill. Many homeowners have learned the hard way just how costly plumbing repairs can be.
Many homeowners (40%) have had to pay for an emergency plumbing repair due to improper flushing habits. On average, these repairs cost $671 out of pocket, with 1 in 12 homeowners spending over $2,000. A majority of homeowners (76%) underestimated the price of emergency plumbing repairs and assumed they’d pay less than $1,000.
When faced with an expensive emergency, 21% of homeowners turned to credit cards and 5% to personal loans to cover the cost, while 59% paid directly out of pocket. For nearly 1 in 4 homeowners, an unexpected plumbing disaster made them regret not having homeowners or plumbing insurance.
The high cost of repairs has led some homeowners to put off necessary fixes; 1 in 6 said they’re delaying a plumbing repair due to cost, with baby boomers (21%) and Gen Z (19%) being the most likely to say so, compared to 17% of Gen X and 16% of millennials.
Nearly 1 in 10 homeowners wouldn’t be able to afford an unexpected $500 plumbing repair today. While 57% of baby boomers could easily cover the cost with their savings, only 29% of Gen Z could do the same. Almost half of Gen Z (48%) said they could afford a $500 repair, but it would strain their budget — far more than millennials (33%) and Gen X (33%). Meanwhile, 13% of Gen Z wouldn’t be able to afford the repair at all, the highest of any generation.
Overall, 57% of homeowners have been shocked by the cost of a plumbing repair at some point, showing that even small plumbing issues can turn into expensive problems.
When a plumbing problem strikes, many homeowners turn to Google before calling a professional. By analyzing online search data over the past two years, we identified which states are dealing with the most plumbing issues and what problems they search for the most.
Based on Google search volume per 100,000 residents, the top 5 states with the worst plumbing problems were Nebraska, Missouri, Indiana, Vermont, and Maine. Mississippi had the fewest plumbing problems, followed by Arkansas, Louisiana, Idaho, and Alabama.
Across the U.S., clogged toilets, leaking water heaters, and freezing pipes were the most frequently searched plumbing problems. Interest in “no hot water” surged by 55% during the winter months, likely driven by cold temperatures and failing water heaters.
Many common plumbing issues — like clogged drains, freezing pipes, and water heater failures — can be prevented with simple maintenance and better habits. Avoid flushing wipes, keep grease out of your drains, and address small leaks before they turn into expensive repairs. With emergency plumbing costs reaching hundreds or even thousands of dollars, staying proactive can save you money and stress in the long run.
For this study, we collected Google Trends search volume data from the past two years on the most searched plumbing issues across all U.S. states. We also surveyed 1,007 homeowners to explore their habits related to flushing, plumbing issues, and unexpected repair costs. The generational breakdown was Gen Z (5%), millennials (47%), Gen X (34%), and baby boomers (14%). Survey data was collected in March 2025.
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