By GMC Heating and Plumbing Ltd
Published: August 27, 2025
Sometimes, a plumbing problem is obvious—a burst pipe or a blocked toilet. But often, the signs are more subtle, and ignoring them can lead to a costly disaster down the line. As your trusted local plumber in Stoke-on-Trent, we’ve seen it all. Our goal is to help you spot these five common plumbing signs so you can call a professional before a small drip turns into a major flood.
Catching these issues early is a smart way to protect your home and your wallet.
Sign 1: Unpleasant Smells Coming from Drains
If you notice a persistent sewer-like smell coming from a drain in your bathroom or kitchen, don’t just ignore it. This is a red flag that something is wrong. That odour could be a sign of:
- A blockage in your pipe, where food or waste is decaying.
- A dry P-trap (the U-shaped pipe under your sink), which is designed to hold water and block sewer gases.
- A serious problem with your sewer line.
Whatever the cause, a professional plumber near me needs to address this. Ignoring it can lead to harmful gases entering your home.
Sign 2: Dripping Taps or Leaky Faucets
A dripping tap seems like a minor annoyance, but it can be costing you a surprising amount of money on your water bill. That drip, drip, drip adds up to gallons of wasted water over a month. More importantly, it’s a sign of a failing washer, seal, or cartridge inside the tap itself. While the temptation is to DIY the fix, modern taps are complex and often require specialised tools and parts to fix correctly.
Sign 3: Slow Drains and Clogs
Have you noticed water draining sluggishly from your sink or shower? A slow drain is a definite sign of a blockage forming. While you might be able to temporarily clear a small clog with a plunger, the problem often lies deeper in your pipes due to a build-up of hair, soap scum, grease, or other debris. Without a professional plumber’s intervention, this can lead to a complete blockage or, worse, a sewage backup.
Sign 4: Low Water Pressure
Are your showerheads just trickling water, or is the kitchen faucet running weaker than usual? Low water pressure is a clear indicator of a plumbing issue. The cause could be anything from a partially closed valve to a more serious problem like a hidden leak in your main water line or a build-up of mineral deposits in your pipes.
Sign 5: Unexplained Spikes in Your Water Bill
This is often the sneakiest and most expensive sign of a plumbing problem. If your water bill suddenly jumps for no apparent reason, you likely have a hidden leak. This could be in a wall, under a floor, or in a pipe in your yard. A professional plumber has the tools to find these hidden leaks and fix them before they cause significant water damage.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Ignoring these signs can turn a simple, affordable repair into a costly emergency. If you’ve noticed any of these issues, it’s time to call a professional.
At GMC Heating and Plumbing Ltd, we are your local experts for plumbing problems in the Stoke-on-Trent area. We have the experience and tools to diagnose the issue quickly and provide a lasting solution.
For reliable, professional service you can trust, call GMC Heating and Plumbing Ltd today.
Call 07736937010 for help.
