Is Your Home Plumbing at Risk? Here’s How To Tell

Your home’s plumbing system operates 24/7, ensuring water flows where it’s needed and waste is carried away. However, when something goes wrong, the damage can escalate quickly and become expensive. A small leak today can become a flooded basement tomorrow. Knowing the warning signs of hidden plumbing problems can save you from costly repairs, water damage, and even health hazards.

If you notice any of the following issues, it’s time to schedule a comprehensive plumbing inspection before minor inconveniences become major headaches.

1. Your Water Bill Is Increasing for No Reason

If your water bill has been creeping up despite no changes in usage, you may have a hidden leak. Many leaks occur behind walls, under floors, or even underground, making them difficult to detect until they cause serious damage.

Signs You Have an Undetected Leak:

• The sound of running water when no faucets are on.
• Water stains, damp spots, or warped flooring.
• Mold or mildew growth in unexpected areas.
• A water meter that keeps moving even when all water is turned off.

Next Steps:

• Perform a meter test: Turn off all faucets and appliances, then check your water meter. If it’s still running, you likely have a leak.
• Call a professional plumber for a leak detection test using advanced tools like thermal imaging and acoustic sensors.

2. Slow or Frequently Clogged Drains

A slow-draining sink or tub may seem like a minor issue, but if you’re constantly reaching for the plunger, it could indicate a deeper problem in your plumbing system.

What Causes Recurring Drain Clogs?

• Grease, soap scum, and hair buildup in pipes.
• Foreign objects blocking drainage (children’s toys, wipes, feminine hygiene products).
• Tree roots invading underground sewer lines.
• A partially collapsed or aging sewer pipe restricting water flow.

How to Fix It:

• If only one drain is slow, try using a drain snake or natural solutions like baking soda and vinegar.
• If multiple drains are slow or backing up, you may need hydro jetting to clear deeper blockages.
• For persistent issues, a sewer camera inspection can identify the exact cause and location of the problem.
• Call a professional for drain service or sewer service.

3. Water Pressure Drops Without Warning

Low water pressure is more than just an inconvenience—it’s often a sign of underlying plumbing issues. If your shower trickles instead of flows, or your kitchen sink takes forever to fill a pot, you may have a pressure problem.

What Causes Low Water Pressure?

• Hidden leaks reducing overall water flow.
• Buildup of minerals and sediment in pipes due to hard water.
• A failing pressure regulator affecting the entire home.
• Aging or corroded pipes restricting water movement.

How to Restore Water Pressure:

• Check for buildup in faucet aerators and showerheads—clean or replace them.
• Test your water pressure regulator (if applicable) or have it checked by a plumber.
• If pressure loss happens in specific areas, there may be a localized clog or pipe issue.
• If entire-home pressure drops suddenly, contact a professional to inspect for leaks or failing components.

4. Rusty, Discolored, or Foul-Smelling Water

Your tap water should be clear, clean, and odor-free. If it starts looking rusty, smells bad, or tastes metallic, something is wrong with your plumbing system.

Possible Causes:

• Rusty or corroded pipes releasing iron deposits into your water.
• Sediment buildup inside your hot water heater.
• Bacterial contamination in stagnant water lines.
• A breach in your city’s water supply or mainline.

What to Do:

• If only your hot water is discolored, you may need water heater servicing
• If all water is affected, you may need a plumber to inspect for corroded pipes.
• Installing a whole-home water filtration system can improve water quality and remove contaminants.

  Pro Tip: If your water has a rotten egg smell, it could indicate hydrogen sulfide gas, which forms in stagnant pipes or water heaters. A professional plumber can flush and sanitize the system.

5. Unusual Noises or Sewer Odors from Drains

Your plumbing should be silent and odor-free. If you hear strange noises or notice bad smells, something isn’t working properly.

Warning Signs of a Bigger Problem:

• Gurgling drains after using water (indicates venting issues or blockages).
• A sulfur or sewage smell coming from sinks, tubs, or floor drains.
• Banging or “water hammer” sounds when turning off faucets (could indicate air trapped in pipes).

What It Means & How to Fix It:

• If only one drain smells, clean the P-trap by running water through it or pouring a baking soda/vinegar mix.
• If the smell comes from multiple drains, there may be a sewer vent or mainline issue.
• Gurgling noises indicate negative air pressure—a plumber may need to clear vent stacks or check for blockages in your main sewer line.

Schedule a Plumbing Inspection Before It’s Too Late

Your home’s plumbing system works hard every day—don’t wait for a burst pipe or costly water damage to take action. A professional plumbing inspection can uncover hidden issues before they become expensive emergencies.

📞 Heart of Ohio’s licensed plumbers use state-of-the-art technology to detect leaks, clear drains, and restore water pressure. Call us or contact us today to schedule an inspection and keep your home’s plumbing in top shape!