Plumbing problems don’t always start with a burst pipe. In this advertising feature from CYBER PLUMBERS, they say problems creep in slowly. A tap begins to drip. A strange stain appears on the wall. A slight smell comes from under the sink.

At first, it’s easy to ignore. These little plumbing signs don’t seem urgent. But if left alone, they can lead to serious water damage. 

Catching problems early can save time, money and stress. Regularly inspecting your plumbing can help you catch leaks early before they turn into major problems

Small clues you should never overlook

Minor plumbing issues often point to bigger problems. According to Proximity Plumbing, burst or blocked pipes cause 46 per cent of household water damage claims. Another 27 per cent are linked to worn-out fixtures. That means most water damage comes from everyday faults that could have been prevented.

Five signs something is wrong

1. Water stains or patches
   Water stains or discolouration on ceilings or walls may seem harmless. But it often means there’s a leak behind the surface. “Water damage can weaken structures and encourage mould, posing health risks. Call a professional to identify and fix the source before it worsens”, says Cyber Plumbers.

2. A damp or musty smell
   A strong smell in the bathroom, kitchen or laundry can be a sign of mould. It grows in damp places and often appears where water is leaking slowly.
3. Low or changing water pressure
   A drop in water pressure could mean there’s a leak, a blockage or corrosion inside the pipes. Sudden changes are often a red flag.
4. Noisy plumbing
   If you hear knocking, humming or gurgling when using taps or flushing toilets, your pipes might be loose or under pressure. This is worth checking before something breaks.
5. A higher water bill
   If your usage hasn’t changed but your water bill has gone up, something could be leaking. Even a small, slow drip can waste thousands of litres each year.

Why early action matters

The longer a leak is left alone, the worse the damage becomes. Water can weaken walls, floors and ceilings. It can ruin furniture and carpets. Mould can affect your health.

QBE Insurance found that water damage is one of the most common reasons people make home insurance claims. Between 2018 and 2021, water problems made up 24 per cent of all claims.

Many of these started with a slow leak that could have been spotted sooner.

Quick checks you can do at home

You don’t need special tools to find early signs of plumbing trouble. Start with these simple checks:

• Look under sinks and behind appliances. Check for rust, moisture or cracked pipes. 
• Touch your flexible hoses. If they feel brittle, rusty or damp, they may need replacing. 
• Watch your ceilings and walls for bubbles, stains or peeling paint. 
• Run your taps and listen. Strange noises could mean a problem with water flow. 
• Try the water metre test. Turn off all taps and appliances, then check your water metre. Wait two hours and check again. If the reading has changed, water is leaking somewhere.

When to call a professional

Some signs need expert attention. Call a licensed plumber if:

• Water is pooling where it shouldn’t. 
• Mould keeps coming back. 
• Water pressure keeps dropping. 
• Pipes look damaged or corroded. 
• You hear regular banging or gurgling. 
• A drain smells bad or backs up. 
• You notice damp under flooring or behind walls. 

It’s better to act now than to wait until something bursts.

Simple habits to prevent big repairs

Good habits go a long way in preventing plumbing issues. These steps take little time but offer peace of mind:

• Get your hot water system and appliances checked once a year. 
• Replace flexi hoses every five years or sooner if they look worn. 
• Don’t pour fats or oils down the sink. 
• Use a drain strainer to catch food and hair. 
• Turn off the main water valve if leaving home for more than a few days. 
• Install basic leak alarms near the washing machine or under sinks. 

Many people only inspect their plumbing when something goes wrong. According to an Allianz research: 87 per cent of homeowners skip monthly checks. The survey also found that 13 per cent of people only look for issues when something has already gone wrong.

A quick look once a month can help avoid costly surprises.

What to know about insurance

Insurance may cover some types of water damage, but not all. It’s important to read your policy closely.

• Some insurers won’t cover damage caused by long-term leaks. If a leak was easy to spot and nothing was done, the claim may be refused. 
• Not every policy includes trace and access. This covers the cost of finding the source of a leak, such as pulling up floors or removing tiles.

Make sure your insurance has the right cover in place. It can make a big difference if something goes wrong.

Final thoughts

Plumbing issues rarely begin with a flood. They usually start with small signs. A stain. A smell. A sound you haven’t heard before.

These signals are easy to miss. But paying attention now can save you from serious damage later.

Take 10 minutes each month to check around your home. Trust your instincts. And don’t wait until a small leak turns into a disaster.