7 Common Plumbing Issues Homeowners Overlook and Their Hidden Costs

Owning a home comes with enough surprises — plumbing problems shouldn’t be one of them.

Many of the most expensive plumbing repairs we see don’t happen overnight. They start as small, easily overlooked issues that quietly worsen over time. By the time they’re obvious, the damage (and cost) has already added up.

Here are seven common plumbing problems homeowners often ignore, and why it pays to address them early.

1️⃣ Slow Drains

A slow-draining sink or shower is often brushed off as “normal”, but it’s usually an early warning sign.

What it can mean:

• Partial blockages forming in the pipe

• Grease, soap, or hair build-up

• Tree roots starting to invade underground drains

  
  

Left untreated, slow drains can turn into full blockages — often at the worst possible time.

2️⃣ Running or Noisy Toilets

If your toilet refills randomly, runs constantly, or makes strange noises, it’s doing more than being annoying.

The hidden cost:

• Thousands of litres of wasted water per year

• Higher water bills

• Worn internal components that can suddenly fail

This is one of the easiest and cheapest issues to fix early.

3️⃣ Old Flexi Hoses Under Sinks

Flexible braided hoses under sinks, basins, and toilets don’t last forever — and they often fail without warning.

Why this is risky:

• Older hoses can burst suddenly

• Failures often happen at night or when no one is home

• Water damage can be extensive

If your hoses are more than 5–10 years old, replacement is cheap insurance.

4️⃣ Small Leaks You “Keep an Eye On”

A drip under the sink or a damp patch in the cupboard might seem harmless, but even slow leaks can cause major issues.

Over time, they can lead to:

• Rotting cabinetry

• Mould growth

• Structural damage

• Termite attraction

If you can see moisture, there’s usually more you can’t.

5️⃣ Ageing Hot Water Systems

Hot water systems rarely fail gracefully. They usually give subtle signs first — rust stains, temperature fluctuations, or unusual noises.

Ignoring these signs risks:

• Sudden loss of hot water

• Flooding from tank failure

• Emergency replacement costs

Knowing the age and condition of your system helps avoid nasty surprises.

6️⃣ Gurgling Sounds in Pipes

Gurgling noises from drains or toilets often indicate air trapped in the system.

Common causes include:

• Partial blockages

• Venting issues

• Sewer or stormwater problems starting to develop

These sounds are worth investigating before they escalate.

7️⃣ Stormwater That Struggles in Heavy Rain

If your gutters overflow or stormwater pits back up during storms, your system may be undersized or blocked.

This can result in:

• Water pooling around foundations

• Yard flooding

• Water entering the home

With Brisbane storms, stormwater issues only get worse if left unchecked.

Why Early Action Saves Money

Most major plumbing repairs start as minor, fixable problems. Addressing them early:

• Reduces repair costs

• Prevents water damage

• Minimises disruption

• Extends the life of your plumbing system

A quick inspection today can prevent a much bigger issue tomorrow.

Need Advice or Peace of Mind?

If something doesn’t look, sound, or feel right with your plumbing, it’s always worth getting it checked by a licensed professional.

At Howzat Plumbing, we help Brisbane homeowners identify and fix issues before they turn into emergencies.