Plumbing issues don’t wait politely until you have the time or money to deal with them. They start small, stay quiet for a bit, and then strike when you least expect it.
One minute, it’s a slow drip. The next, you’re standing in a puddle wondering how it got this bad so fast.
Every “minor” plumbing problem has a timer on it. Ignore it long enough and it’ll find the worst possible time to explode.
Here are five plumbing problems you should never ignore if you’d like to keep your home dry and your repair bill small.
1. Leaking Taps
It seems harmless. Just a slow drip from the kitchen or bathroom sink. You tell yourself it’s not worth calling someone over.
But a dripping tap never stays small. The leak you see is only half the story. Inside the tap, a rubber washer or ceramic seal is wearing down. As it does, water starts seeping through parts that should stay dry. Over time that causes corrosion, swelling in fittings, and pressure problems through the rest of your plumbing.
A single dripping tap can waste thousands of litres of water a year. That’s not just bad for the environment, it’s literally money trickling out of your tap. And if the leak is caused by pressure or damaged pipework, the fix is no longer a quick one.
If you’ve got a leak that won’t quit, call a plumber before it becomes something bigger. They’ll fix the seal, test the pressure, and make sure it doesn’t come back.
2. Blocked Drains
Most blocked drains start out slow. The water drains a bit slower each day until one morning, it’s not moving at all.
What’s happening underneath isn’t pretty. Hair, grease, soap, and food scraps build up inside your pipes. The more they stick, the more they collect. Add a bit of water pressure and the blockage hardens like concrete.
You can pour all the supermarket drain cleaner you like down there, it won’t fix the real problem. Those chemicals can actually eat away at your pipes, making future blockages even worse.
A professional plumber can clear the drain safely using water jetting or a drain camera. That means a proper cleanout instead of a temporary bandaid. Once the blockage is gone, your pipes will flow freely again, and you’ll avoid a full pipe replacement down the track.
3. Running Toilets
A toilet that won’t stop running might not sound urgent, but it’s one of the most wasteful plumbing issues there is.
It usually happens when the rubber flapper inside the tank stops sealing properly, or the float valve is out of alignment. That constant trickle of water can add up to hundreds of litres a day. And because toilets draw straight from your mains, you’re paying for every drop.
There’s also the risk of an internal leak where water seeps from the cistern into the bowl or under the base. That can loosen seals, damage flooring, and lead to mould growth you can’t easily reach.
A plumber can replace the faulty parts, check the seals, and balance the water flow. It’s a simple fix that saves a lot in the long run.
4. Low Water Pressure
When your taps or shower start running weak, that’s not just an inconvenience, it’s a red flag.
Low pressure often means there’s a leak or blockage somewhere in the line. It could be mineral build-up in your pipes, a worn-out pressure regulator, or a burst underground connection. In older homes, corrosion inside the pipes is a common culprit.
The danger here is slow damage. When the pressure isn’t right, your plumbing system strains to keep up. Pumps work harder, seals wear faster, and weak spots start to show.
A plumber can test the water pressure and pinpoint exactly where the issue is. Fixing it early stops those hidden leaks from turning into an expensive repair job later.
5. Hidden Leaks
Not all leaks are visible. Some happen inside walls, under floors, or behind cabinets where you can’t see them. You might only notice a faint musty smell, damp patches on the wall, or small bumps in the paint.
These leaks are serious. They’re constantly feeding water into areas built to stay dry. Over time, that causes rot, mould, and structural damage that can cost thousands to repair.
If you suspect a hidden leak, don’t wait. Plumbers use specialised leak detection tools that can find the source without tearing up your walls or floors. Once they locate it, they’ll seal it properly so it doesn’t return.
Ignoring a hidden leak is like ignoring smoke in your kitchen. You might not see flames yet, but they’re coming.
Why Ignoring Plumbing Problems Costs More
Most plumbing problems follow the same pattern: small issue, slow damage, big bill. A dripping tap turns into a corroded fitting. A blocked drain becomes a cracked pipe. A slow leak becomes a soaked wall.
The longer you wait, the more damage water will do. And once it spreads, fixing it isn’t just a plumbing job anymore — it’s carpentry, plaster, flooring, and sometimes electrical work too.
The truth is, a good plumber doesn’t just fix problems. They stop them from spreading. The earlier they get involved, the cheaper the solution is.
The Smart Move
If you notice any of these problems, dripping taps, slow drains, weak water pressure, or unexplained damp spots, don’t brush them off.
Call a licensed professional before the situation gets out of hand. At Do Some Plumbing, we help Logan homeowners find and fix plumbing problems fast. Whether it’s a leak, blockage, or full-scale emergency, our local team handles it with care and proper know-how.
You’ll save money, protect your home, and get peace of mind knowing everything’s working the way it should.
Need help right now?
Call us on 07 5540 7337 or visit dosomeplumbing.com.au for reliable plumbing repairs across Logan and surrounding areas.