Plumbing problems can creep up at the worst times, ranging from clogged drains to leaky pipes and low water pressure. While some signs might seem minor, ignoring them can lead to costly repairs or even major damage down the line. Understanding what these issues mean and when to call a professional is key to protecting your home. Here’s a breakdown of common plumbing problems and how to spot them before they escalate.

1. Clogged Drains

A clogged drain might start as a slow trickle, but left untreated, it can quickly turn into a bigger mess. From standing water to unpleasant smells, the signs are hard to ignore. Hair, grease, and even tree roots can be the hidden culprits lurking in your pipes.

Key Warning Signs:

Water pooling or draining slowly in sinks, tubs, or showers
Gurgling sounds when water is draining
Foul odors coming from the drain

What’s Causing It?

Hair and Debris: One of the most common causes, especially in bathroom drains, where hair and soap residue form stubborn blockages.
Grease Build-Up: Kitchen drains aren’t safe either—grease and food particles can harden inside the pipes, restricting water flow.
Tree Roots: In more serious cases, tree roots can invade underground pipes, causing persistent clogs and even structural damage.

2. Leaky Pipes

Leaky pipes are more than a nuisance—they’re a potential disaster waiting to happen. What starts as a small drip can lead to mold growth, water damage, and skyrocketing water bills if not addressed quickly.

Signs You’ve Got a Leak:

Yellowish or brown stains on walls or ceilings
Dripping sounds behind walls, even when fixtures aren’t in use
Musty smells or visible mold growth
Unexplained spikes in your water bill

Where to Look:

Under sinks and around toilets
Basement and crawl spaces
Behind walls near plumbing fixtures

If you suspect a leak but can’t find it, don’t ignore it—hidden leaks can cause serious damage over time.

3. Low Water Pressure

Struggling with weak water flow? Low water pressure can make simple tasks like rinsing dishes or taking a shower feel like a chore. This problem often points to something more serious lurking in your plumbing system.

Common Causes:

Mineral Buildup: Hard water can leave behind deposits that clog pipes and restrict flow.
Aging Pipes: Corroded or partially blocked pipes reduce water pressure across your home.
Hidden Leaks: A drop in water pressure could signal a leak somewhere in the system, especially if it’s sudden and widespread.

4. Running Toilets

A running toilet may seem harmless, but it can waste hundreds of gallons of water daily—not to mention drive up your water bill.

How to Recognize It:

A constant trickle of water in the bowl
The tank refills even when it hasn’t been flushed
Noticeably higher water bills

The culprit is usually a worn-out flapper or a faulty fill valve. Fixing these parts can stop the flow, but recurring issues may require a more thorough inspection by a professional.

5. Changing Water Color

Discolored water might catch you off guard, but it can reveal a lot about what’s happening inside your pipes.

What Different Water Colors Mean:

Brown or Rusty: Often a sign of aging pipes or iron rust in your plumbing system
Yellow or Amber: Typically caused by tannins from organic material in your water supply
Green or Blue: Indicates corrosion in copper pipes
Cloudy or Milky: Usually harmless air bubbles caused by pressure changes, but persistent cloudiness could suggest other issues

When to Call the Experts

It’s easy to think a plumbing problem can wait, but delays often make things worse. Persistent clogs, hidden leaks, and fluctuating water pressure are clear signs it’s time to call in a professional.

For homeowners in Evergreen, Adam’s Plumbing & Heating has been the trusted choice for over 30 years. Whether it’s a simple repair or a full system upgrade, our experienced team is ready to help.

Why Choose Adam’s Plumbing & Heating?

Family-owned with decades of experience
Reliable same-day estimates
Personalized service tailored to your needs

Protect your home by addressing plumbing issues before they escalate. Contact Adam’s Plumbing & Heating today for expert solutions you can count on!

Troubleshooting Common Plumbing Issues: A Homeowner's Guide