With most plumbing lines tucked away in walls and under sinks, it’s easy to take your home’s pipes for granted until something goes wrong. Recognizing the warning signs of serious plumbing problems can help you avoid major repairs and costly water damage. 

Clogged drains are a common plumbing problem caused by food scraps, coffee grounds, hair, and grease. Regularly checking and cleaning your drains can help prevent clogs. 

Frozen Pipes 

Frozen pipes are a common household plumbing problem during cold weather. If you turn on your shower and only get a trickle out of it, it’s likely that your pipes are frozen. If left untreated, those frozen pipes could burst and cause serious water damage to your home. 

Pipes are most susceptible to freezing when they run through unheated areas, such as basements, crawl spaces and attics. They can also freeze when they're located outside of the house, especially when temperatures dip below freezing for prolonged periods. When a pipe freezes, it expands, creating increased pressure that can lead to a rupture. If you have suspicions that your pipes are frozen, call a plumber to help thaw them safely. They will also be able to identify any other issues that could arise from the frozen pipes. 

Clogged Drains 

Clogged drains happen when soap scum, hair, or debris build up inside pipes. They can get worse in colder weather because they solidify more quickly, forming stubborn clumps that trap more waste. This is why it's important to be mindful of what you put down your drains. Avoid pouring grease or oils down your drains and use a mesh strainer or drain cleaner in your kitchen sink to catch food scraps and other items. 

Regular maintenance and routine inspections are also key to preventing drain issues. Keep an eye out for reduced water flow, gurgling noises, or unpleasant odors as these are all signs that your plumbing needs attention. The sooner a problem is addressed, the easier and less expensive it will be to resolve. 

Leaky Pipes 

Pipes that leak aren’t just a nuisance, they can cause damage to your home and lead to expensive repairs. Leaks typically happen at the joints where pipes join with walls, appliances, or other structures in your home. Often, a simple tap compound or filler is all that’s needed to fix a leaky pipe, but if left unchecked, they can worsen over time and result in extensive water damage. 

Whether it’s a clogged toilet, a slow draining sink or shower, or a dripping water heater, you need to address these problems quickly. Ignoring them can lead to a burst pipe, which can be extremely damaging to your home and costly to repair.

Here are some signs you should watch for that indicate it’s time to call in a plumber.

Water Hammer 

Water hammer is the banging sound that happens when your home's pipes stop suddenly, like when you shut off a tap or a water appliance (washer or dishwasher). This is due to water pressure changing suddenly, causing water supply pipes to slam into other plumbing components. The noise can be heard inside the walls of your home and isn't good for your pipes. 

You can avoid this problem by securing and insulating your pipes. Also, make sure to regularly check the condition of your plumbing system and remove foreign objects from drains before they cause a blockage. If left unaddressed, these problems can lead to serious leaks, structural damage, and monetary hardship for homeowners. But if caught early, these issues are easy to fix. 

Sewer Smells 

The sewage line’s job is to transport toxic waste to the septic tank, but if this process isn’t working properly, sewer smells can leak into your home. This is a problem that can be caused by clogged drains and things that shouldn’t be poured down the drain, as well as a lack of proper ventilation. 

A P-trap, the U-shaped pipe beneath most sinks and shower drains, holds water to create a barrier that keeps sewage gases and odors from entering the bathroom. However, if the trap dries out (usually in infrequently used fixtures), this barrier disappears, allowing sewage odors to enter. 

You can avoid these odors by keeping drains clean with white vinegar, baking soda or natural cleaning products like tea tree, eucalyptus or lemon oil. You can also open windows frequently and use exhaust fans throughout the house to ensure adequate venting. If you have issues with your plumbing system, sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-melbourne/ can provide a lot of solutions and help