10 Common Plumbing Problems and How to Prevent Them

Every year, plumbing issues cause billions in water damage across U.S. homes, and most of it starts with problems people thought were “no big deal.”

That small drip under the sink? It’s already weakening the cabinet. That slow drain? It’s building into a full blockage. That running toilet? It’s wasting hundreds of gallons a week. Plumbing systems rarely fail all at once. They fail quietly, in stages — until one day you’re dealing with soaked floors, mold, or a burst pipe at 2 a.m.

The frustrating part? Most of it can be prevented.

This isn’t a checklist for emergencies. It’s a list of problems we see over and over again, as plumbers, that could have been fixed early or avoided entirely. Here’s what to look out for and how to stay ahead of it.

1. Leaking Faucets That Slowly Rot Out Cabinets

That slow, steady faucet drip? It’s more than a sound. It’s a sign that a seal has failed, a cartridge is worn, or the pressure is off, and water is escaping every second of every day. You’re not just wasting water. You’re sending moisture down into places it doesn’t belong: under the sink, into the wall, through the counter.

Give it time, and that small leak becomes damage. Warped cabinets. Mold. A valve that no longer shuts off. All from a faucet that “wasn’t urgent.”

The fix: replace worn internal parts before the leak spreads. And if you’ve changed the washer and it still drips, the problem isn’t the faucet — it’s the pressure behind it. That’s when it’s time to have a plumber take a closer look at the system upstream.

2. Toilets That Run, Stall, or Flood

A running toilet isn’t just annoying; it can waste more than 6,000 gallons per month. In most cases, the culprit is a warped flapper or a misaligned fill valve. But sometimes the tank hardware has begun to break down entirely, especially in areas with hard water.

And when a toilet refills hours later, long after it was last used? That’s not normal. That’s water escaping through a worn seal or cracked overflow tube, and it’s happening all day, every day.

The fix: check inside the tank. The parts are simple, and if you catch it early, they’re cheap to replace. But if you’re replacing them often and the problem keeps coming back, the issue may be with water pressure or sediment inside the supply. That’s when it’s time for a plumber to step in before the repair becomes a complete replacement.

3. Drains That Keep Slowing Down

If water isn’t draining the way it used to, whether it’s your kitchen, tub, or bathroom sink, don’t assume it’s a small clog that’ll clear itself. Repeated slow drains are almost always a sign of a deeper issue. Grease, hair, soap, and debris build up inside your pipes over time, narrowing the flow. Eventually, it’s not just a drain problem. It’s a plumbing system that’s straining to keep up.

The fix: avoid chemical drain cleaners. They can damage pipe walls and make the problem worse. Instead, use physical strainers, clean trap arms where accessible, and if the issue keeps coming back, have a plumber inspect the drain line with a scope or snake to see what’s really happening inside.

4. Water Pressure Shouldn’t Fluctuate Without a Reason

One day the shower blasts, the next day it’s weak. Your sink runs fast, then slows to a trickle. Inconsistent water pressure isn’t just a nuisance — it’s often a symptom of something bigger. It could be mineral buildup in your pipes. It could be a leak. It could be corrosion. And in some cases, it’s a problem with your home’s pressure regulator or supply valve.

The fix: if only one fixture is affected, clean or replace the aerator. If the whole house is showing signs of fluctuating pressure, don’t wait. A licensed plumber can test the system, check for leaks or partial blockages, and restore balanced pressure before it becomes a full line failure.

5. Hot Water That Runs Cold Too Soon

Cold water when you’re expecting hot is an obvious red flag — but long before your water heater fails, it will show signs. You may hear a banging or rumbling sound when the tank heats up. You might notice rust-tinted water from your hot tap. Or you simply run out of hot water faster than you used to. These are all signs of sediment buildup, corrosion, or a failing heating element.

The fix: flush your tank annually, especially if you live in a hard-water area. Check the anode rod every few years. If your unit is over 8 years old and showing symptoms, it’s time to have a plumber evaluate whether a repair will hold or if a replacement is the better call.

6. Water Bills That Don’t Match Your Usage

If your water bill jumps but your usage hasn’t changed, don’t assume it’s a city error. It’s often a hidden leak, and those can cost you hundreds of dollars before they’re ever visible. The leak might be in a crawl space, under concrete, or running constantly through a malfunctioning appliance.

The fix: check for running toilets and dripping fixtures first. If nothing stands out, a plumber can shut off your home’s main valve and check your meter for movement. If it’s still spinning, water is escaping somewhere you can’t see — and needs to be found quickly.

7. Sewer Smells or Gurgling Drains

A sulfur-like odor near your sink, shower, or floor drain doesn’t mean the bathroom needs cleaning — it means sewer gas is leaking back into your home. This happens when traps dry out, when vent pipes are cracked, or when a sewer line is damaged underground. Left unchecked, it’s more than a smell. It’s a health hazard.

The fix: run water in unused drains weekly to keep traps full. If the smell persists, or if you hear gurgling after using the fixtures, call a plumber. They can test for vent blockages, inspect the main line, and ensure gas is flowing out — not in.

8. Water Stains or Sagging Ceilings

A slow ceiling leak often comes from a plumbing issue in an upper-floor bathroom or laundry area. Even a small drip can ruin drywall, flooring, and framing if left for weeks.

Prevention:
If you notice a stain forming, don’t just repaint it. Find the source. A reliable plumber will trace the leak, isolate the cause, and prevent rot or mold from taking hold.

9. Outdoor Faucets That Freeze or Crack

In cold climates, outdoor spigots and hose bibs are frequent sources of leaks in spring — caused by winter expansion that split the pipe.

Prevention:
Shut off and drain outdoor lines in late fall. If your region freezes, use frost-free hose bibs. If a faucet leaks from the wall connection, get it checked before it spreads behind the brick or siding.

10. Pipes That Burst from Pressure or Cold

While frozen pipes are a common cause of sudden bursts, they’re not the only cause. Older pipe materials, unregulated water pressure, or corrosion from inside can cause a pipe to give out at any time. Once it does, the water doesn’t trickle — it floods.

The fix: Insulate exposed pipes in attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Know where your home’s main shutoff valve is and how to operate it. And if your plumbing is several decades old, ask a plumber about the pipe material. Preventive replacement is far cheaper than emergency repair.

Small Plumbing Issues Don’t Stay Small

Most plumbing disasters don’t start as disasters. They start as warning signs. A noise, a smell, a change in pressure. If you ignore them, they escalate. But if you know what to look for — and you act early — you’ll avoid the mess, the stress, and the unexpected cost.

At Acacias Plumbing, we help homeowners spot problems before they turn into emergencies. Whether it’s a simple fix or a deeper inspection, we’ll give you honest advice, explain your options, and make sure the job is done right.

If something doesn’t feel normal, give us a call. It’s what we’re here for — and it’s always easier before it gets worse.