Not every plumbing issue is obvious. These warning signs indicate problems that will get worse — and more expensive — if left unaddressed.
A single slow drain is usually a localised blockage. But when multiple drains in your home are slow simultaneously, or a cleared drain blocks again within weeks, you have a systemic problem — typically tree root intrusion, a collapsed section, or a main sewer line issue that requires professional diagnosis.
DIY drain cleaners provide temporary relief at best and can damage pipes at worst. If a drain blocks more than once in 12 months, book a CCTV inspection to identify the root cause.
Brown or yellow stains on ceilings and walls indicate water is travelling where it should not be. This could be a leaking pipe in the wall cavity, a roof leak tracking along a rafter, or condensation from an uninsulated pipe. The stain you see is often not directly below the leak — water travels along surfaces before dripping.
Do not paint over water stains without finding the source. The leak will continue, causing structural damage, mould growth, and eventually ceiling collapse.
If your water bill has increased significantly without a change in usage, you likely have a hidden leak. Common culprits include a running toilet cistern (can waste 30,000+ litres per year), a leaking pipe under the slab or in the wall, a dripping tap that runs continuously, or an irrigation system leak.
To test: turn off all water-using appliances and check your water meter. If the dial is still moving, you have a leak that needs professional location and repair.
Sudden loss of water pressure can indicate a burst pipe, a partially closed valve, or a blockage in your supply line. Gradual pressure loss often indicates mineral build-up inside galvanised pipes (common in homes built before 1980) or a deteriorating pressure-reducing valve.
If only one fixture is affected, the issue is likely localised (aerator blockage or fixture valve). If the whole house is affected, call a plumber to diagnose the supply-side issue.
Gurgling from drains, toilets, or pipes indicates air being displaced in the drainage system. This typically means a partial blockage is restricting flow and creating air pockets, a vent pipe is blocked (preventing proper air circulation), or a main drain is partially obstructed.
Gurgling that occurs when you flush a toilet or run a basin often indicates the problem is in the shared drain downstream. This will worsen over time until it becomes a complete blockage.
Sewer smell inside your home means sewer gas is escaping through a break in the drainage system. Common causes include a dry trap (the water seal has evaporated in an unused drain), a cracked or broken pipe allowing gas to escape, a displaced joint in the sewer line, or a blocked or damaged vent pipe.
Sewer gas contains methane and hydrogen sulphide — it is not just unpleasant, it is a health hazard. Do not ignore persistent drain odours.
Green staining around copper pipes or fittings indicates active corrosion. Flaking or discolouration on galvanised pipes indicates they are deteriorating from the inside. White mineral deposits around joints suggest slow leaks that have been evaporating and leaving mineral residue.
Corroded pipes do not get better — they get worse. A pipe showing visible corrosion today will likely fail within 1–3 years. Proactive replacement during a planned appointment is far less expensive and disruptive than emergency repair after a burst.
Urgent issues include: active water leaks you cannot stop, sewer backing up into your home, gas smell, no hot water in winter, and burst pipes. These require same-day or emergency service.
Simple blockages (hair in a basin) can be cleared with a plunger. But recurring blockages, multiple slow drains, or gurgling sounds indicate a deeper issue that requires professional equipment to diagnose and resolve.
A standard diagnostic/assessment visit typically ranges from $80–$150. This includes inspection and a quote for any required work. Emergency and after-hours rates are higher.
Book a Plumbing Inspection
Catch problems early before they become expensive emergencies.