Prevent Costly Plumbing Issues with Regular Inspections

Plumbing troubles often start small,  a drip, a slow drain, or a weird noise, and then suddenly you’ve got a much bigger mess (and bill) to deal with. Doing regular inspections, even simple ones, helps you catch these early before they turn nasty. 

Below, we’ll talk through some plumbing inspection tips, ways to prevent plumbing leaks, some common plumbing issues, when you need a pro, and habits to keep your plumbing healthy. 

A burst pipe or severe leak can cost hundreds or even thousands in repairs and water damage. 

Common Plumbing Problems 

Here are a few of the things I see most often in homes. You might recognise one or two: 

Leaks A tap that drips, a pipe joint that’s damp, or worse, leaks behind a wall. They happen because parts wear out, pipes corrode, joints loosen, or pressure is too high. Signs include water stains, mould, damp patches, or a spike in your water bill. 

Blocked drains Slow drainage is the warning sign. Hair, grease, soap scum, food scraps, they all build up. If your sink drains slowly, gurgling happens, or you smell something foul, those are red flags. 

Low water pressure You expect a decent stream from a tap. When it’s just a trickle, something’s off. It might be a build-up inside pipes, a leak, or a supply issue. If multiple taps are weak, that points to something more serious. 

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DIY Inspection Tips (Your Monthly Check) 

You don’t need fancy tools to spot trouble. Try these checks once a month: 

• Look under sinks and in cupboards for dampness or leaks 

• Inspect visible pipes (in basements, crawl spaces, or lofts) for rust, discoloration, or sticky spots 

• Run taps and showers, is the pressure okay? 

• Flush toilets to see whether they refill properly or keep running 

• Check ceilings or walls for new stains or discolouration 

• Sniff around drains, odd smells often mean something’s clogging 

• Check your water meter when everything’s off. If it’s still running, there may be a hidden leak 

These are simple checks. You’re not fixing things now, you're just catching signs early. 

When to Bring in a Plumber 

Some problems need a professional. If you spot any of these, don’t wait: 

• Burst or badly leaking pipes 

• Sewage backups or foul black/grey water 

• Low or no water pressure that affects the whole house 

• Leaks you can’t find or fix 

• Repeated issues, something keeps going wrong 

Also, even if nothing seems wrong, it’s smart to get a full inspection now and then. A plumber can spot things behind walls, test pressure properly, and use special tools you don’t have. 

Ways to Prevent Plumbing Issues 

Often, avoiding damage comes down to everyday habits. Here are a few: 

• Don’t pour grease or oil down the sink 

• Use strainers in sinks and showers to catch bits and pieces 

• Don’t flush wipes, sanitary items, cotton pads — only toilet paper 

• Use baking soda + vinegar every month, then hot water, to help keep drains clear 

• Insulate pipes in winter so they don’t freeze and burst 

• Know where your main shut-off valve (stopcock) is — in an emergency, turning off the water fast helps 

Wrapping Up 

Plumbing problems don’t usually announce themselves — they sneak in. But a few regular checks, smarter habits, and occasional pro inspections go a long way. If you notice anything weird, it’s better to act early. Get in touch or book a service with us today if you feel you may have a plumbing issue, or if you’d like some more information on the services we offer.