Let’s be honest, how much do you think about your plumbing? It’s something that is hidden away and when it works, you don’t really know it’s there. All you have to do is turn on a tap, and you get water or flush the toilet and it removes waste. But the truth is that plumbing systems in the home are delicate, and they can often go wrong. It should be one of your biggest concerns when it comes to home safety.

I’ve had plenty of plumbing issues over the years, and now know that if you don’t get them looked at quickly, it can cost you a lot of money. So, today I thought I would look at four different signs that you have plumbing problems.

Damp

The smallest leak in a pipe hidden behind the wall can cause severe damage to your home. And the biggest problem is that it can be a long time before you spot it. By the time that you notice those damp patches on your walls, the leaking water may well have seeped into the framework of your house. Don't be surprised if this starts to cause structural damage. It can happen in your basement, around your water tanks, and in your bathroom amongst other places. If you see damp appearing, call a plumber if you can’t locate where it has appeared from.

Bad smells

If you have started to notice bad smells emanating from your kitchen, bathroom, or water areas, then it’s a good sign that something up. Blocked drains can affect sinks, toilets, and waste disposal units. Unless you get it cleared, you are going to face further problems. There are some ways of cleaning out a drain that you can try, but you will quickly realise if it is effective or not. But, again, it’s important to call in a professional if you can’t identify and get rid of the blockage yourself.

Dripping sounds

If you can hear your tap or toilet dripping, make sure you act fast. It may just be a washer that needs replacing, but it could be a sign that something more serious is on its way. You can also expect your water bills to shoot through the roof, so it makes financial sense to address the problem quickly.

Knocking sounds

If you are ever running a bath or shower and hear a knocking sound, then call in a plumber quick. It could be down to a number of serious issues, including loose pipes, high water pressure, or broken valves. Once your pipes start moving around, they will be more likely to bang against something and cause a leak. When that happens, you can expect a serious amount of damage if you leave it too long. So, if you hear that knocking sound, the quicker you do something about it the better.

These are just some of the issues I have experienced over the years. Luckily, I’ve managed to get things fixed with professional help, and have avoided any major catastrophe. As you can see, the most important thing to do is act quickly - any delay might end up costing you a small fortune.