7 Signs You May Have a Plumbing Problem

When you’re a homeowner, there are plumbing problems that can occur that can be easy for you to identify. Clogged sink drains back up, plugged toilets don’t flush, and each of these are easy for you to notice. But there are many times plumbing problems are taking place in your home and they aren’t so easy to identify right away.



In this blog post, we’re discussing 7 signs you may have a plumbing problem and how you can identify them. Pay close attention, because it’s important to catch these plumbing issues early so they don’t cause long-term issues or cost you lots of money in the long run.

Water Leaks

Unless you see or feel water damage or discoloration on your walls, floors, or ceiling, it can be difficult to identify a water leak in your home. The majority of your plumbing is enclosed in the home and can’t be seen so it’s important you take note of any changes. Pay close attention if you hear water running or dripping and investigate accordingly. Follow the noise and track it down to see if you can locate a leak.

Another way to identify a water leak in your home is to pay close attention to your water bill. A sudden increase in your water bill can be an early sign that you have water running unnoticed.

Signs of Water Damage

As we mentioned above, changes in ceilings or walls are clear indicators you could have water damage. Early signs of water damage include peeling or bubbling paint, staining of wood or drywall, or mold or mildew inside your home. Water damage causes bad smells in your home and also exposes you and your family to health risks.

When suspecting a leak, be sure to also check your flooring for signs of water damage. This includes the corners of your home that can typically go unnoticed. Cracked ceramic tile or grout or peeling linoleum, warping or buckling wood or laminate, or wet carpet shows leaks that are reaching the flooring.

Sewer Line Backup

When you notice your shower drain is draining slowly, or there is residue left around shower or floor drains, this could be a clear signal of a sewer line backup. Some homeowners aren’t quick to act on slow-draining bath or shower drains, because they assume that hair or other debris is clogging the drain.



When you notice a slow drain in your home, it’s important you address the clog quickly and keep your drains clear to ensure you aren’t dealing with a bigger sewer line blockage. It’s easy to ignore a slow drain, but you shouldn’t.

Pressure or Buildup

Water pressure is a vital part of your plumbing system. When there’s too much pressure in your pipes, the pipe is under strain and can make a banging, whining or popping noise. This can occur in pipes or in the water heater and can typically be heard immediately after using the shower, sink or toilet. Pay close attention to any sounds that are unusual and call your trusted plumber to help.

Softener Failure

Water softeners purify and filter water in your home. Hard water has a high mineral content, and when your softener fails, you’ll start to see hard water build up on your fixtures. This could be because of a dirty filter, clogs, or the softener itself has failed. The softener could have a motor that’s stopped working and it may need to be replaced.

One way to avoid your water softener motor failing prematurely is to make sure you’re keeping your softener properly maintained and cleaned per the manufacturer’s instructions. It’s also important to empty it when necessary to keep it running the way its supposed to.

Service Line Break

Tree roots, extreme weather, and age are big reasons why service lines break or crumble. When a main service line (water or sewer) breaks, settling or sink holes that line up with the water main or the sewer lateral appear in the yard. If you notice the grounds around your home are uneven when they weren’t that way before, or you notice smells in your yard, you could be facing a line break.

These main line breaks should be reported to your local plumbing professional immediately, because they could require digging and heavy equipment. If you live in an older home, replacing older pipes may be necessary and an expert plumber can advise you on your course of action.

Bad Smells

If you notice bad smells coming from within your home, those smells certainly can’t be ignored. Sewer traps need a vent, and traps and drains are designed to prevent any sewer gas from entering your home. If you smell natural gas or burning rubber smells, these could indicate that your water heater thermostat could be overheating or you have a gas leak. Immediately turn off your power and/or gas and call your plumber for assistance.

If you’re experiencing any of these issues in your home, don’t panic. Once you discover the issue, it’s important that you call a trustworthy plumbing company like 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning at (801) 477-5818 to visit your home and inspect the problems.

Whether it’s water damage, clogged drains, a running sink, or a water main break, our professional service technicians are trained to identify your plumbing issue and assist you in preventing future issues that could be costly. Don’t wait, once you realize there’s an issue in your home, place the call.