If you have a sneaking suspicion something isn’t right and ask yourself, “do I need a plumber?” you’re not alone. Most homeowners don’t think about plumbing until something feels “off,” and that’s exactly why early clues matter. There’s the one obvious signal to call for plumbing services right away: water on the floor or a leak you can’t miss where water doesn’t belong. But many plumbing problems start quietly long before they turn into soaked drywall or a flooded bathroom.
If you notice a new smell, a strange sound, slower drains, or a sudden change in pressure, use the signs below to decide when to call. The 10 signs below focus on less-obvious warning signs. When you catch them early, you can often avoid more significant damage with some DIY effort or the help of a trusted local professional.
1) Sudden Low Water Pressure in the Whole House
One weak faucet often points to a clogged aerator. Low water pressure across multiple fixtures, however, usually signals a whole-home problem, not a faucet issue.
Try this first: unscrew one faucet aerator and rinse it. If the pressure drops across the house, or the flow dips hard when you turn on a second tap, call a pro. Hidden leaks typically don’t stay small for long.
2) Slow Drains in More Than One Sink, Tub, or Shower
A single clog can happen anywhere, but slow drains in two or more places at the same time signal a bigger problem.
Skip chemical drain cleaners. They can damage pipes and rarely solve a deeper restriction. If two or more drains act up at the same time, schedule professional drain clearing.
3) Gurgling or Toilet “Talk” After Running Water
If you hear a gurgling sound after a shower or laundry cycle, your plumbing may struggle to breathe or drain properly. You might notice toilet bubbles or a toilet that “talks” when the sink runs.
That sound often shows up as an early warning sign before a backup. If the gurgling repeats, call a plumber before the drain turns into a mess.
4) Sewer Odors That Keep Coming Back
Persistent sewer odors near a drain, basement, or laundry area deserve attention. Sometimes the fix is simple. Run water for 30 to 60 seconds in a dry or seldom-used sink or floor drain.
If the odor returns, or the smell is strong and makes you feel unwell, leave the area and call a pro. Cracked vents, broken seals, or more significant sewer issues can hide behind “just a smell.”
5) Water Stains, Damp Drywall, or a Musty Smell
A ceiling spot under a bathroom or a musty odor that won’t quit often signals a slow leak in a hidden spot.
Do a quick flashlight check under sinks and behind toilets. If you find moisture, close the local supply valve or the main shutoff and call for professional service. Don’t wait for the stain to spread.
6) A Surprising Spike in Water Bill
A spike in water bills often points to a leak you can’t see. Let your bill act like an early warning system.
Try the dye test: add a few drops of food coloring to a toilet tank and wait 10 to 15 minutes without flushing. If color appears in the bowl, you have a leak.
7) Running Water Sounds When Nothing is On
If you hear running water when no one is using water, trust your ears. A steady trickle sound usually means something running when it shouldn’t.
Here’s a simple check: turn off all fixtures and watch your water meter. If it continues to move, call for professional leak detection and repair.
8) A Running Toilet That Won’t Stop
A running toilet can waste a surprising amount of water. Sometimes a simple flapper replacement solves it. Sometimes the fill valve sticks or tank components wear out.
If you make adjustments and the toilet still runs more than once per hour, make the call. If the toilet keeps running day after day, a plumber can stop the waste fast.
9) No Hot Water, Rusty Hot Water, or Popping Noises
Lukewarm showers, “rusty” discolored hot water, or popping sounds signal a water heater problem.
You can check the thermostat setting and try a reset if your unit includes one. Avoid draining an older, corroded tank yourself. If you smell gas or find a leak at the tank, shut it down and call. A plumber can confirm the issue and walk you through repair or replacement options.
10) Frozen Pipes or a Leaky Outdoor Spigot in Winter
No flow on a freezing morning could mean a frozen line. If it thaws and you notice damp areas, you may have a split pipe.
Try warming exposed pipes gently with a hair dryer. Do not use an open flame. If you suspect a burst or see active leaking, shut off the main water valve and call right away.
Get Trusted Local Plumbing Help From Precision Comfort Systems
Most plumbing problems don’t announce themselves with a dramatic flood. They start with small clues like a faint smell, a quiet sound, a slow drain, or a rising water bill.
If any of these signs match what you’re experiencing, get a clear answer before damage spreads. Precision Comfort Systems serves Westfield, Carmel, Zionsville, Fishers, Noblesville, and the surrounding communities with leak detection, drain clearing, toilet and fixture repairs, and water heater and water softener service.
Our plumbing experts will respond fast, diagnose your home’s problems, and explain what we find with plain language, clear options, and transparent pricing—no pressure. Call (317) 867-2665 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today.