Not all plumbing problems are obvious. Some start small—like a minor leak or slow drain—but can quickly turn into costly disasters if left unchecked. Wellington homes, especially older ones, have their own set of plumbing challenges. Pipes wear out, leaks form in places you can’t see, and over time, small issues become big, expensive problems. This guide covers common hidden plumbing dangers, how to spot the warning signs, and what you can do to avoid massive repair bills. Leaks You Can’t See – But Your Wallet Will FeelLeaks aren’t always obvious. Some drip away quietly behind walls, under floors, or in the roof cavity. You might not notice them—until the damage is done. Why Hidden Leaks Are a Big ProblemWater damage doesn’t muck around. It weakens floors, walls, and ceilings. Mould loves damp spots. Once it takes hold, it’s a nightmare to get rid of—not to mention bad for your health. And let’s not forget your water bill. Even a small, slow leak adds up fast. You could be paying for litres of water that never even make it to your taps. Early Warning Signs
How We Fix ItWe use advanced leak detection tools to pinpoint exactly where the problem is—no guesswork, no unnecessary damage. Once we find the source, we get it sorted quickly to stop the leak before it leads to bigger (and costlier) repairs. Slow Drains? That’s a Clog Waiting to HappenEver noticed the water in your sink or shower draining slower than usual? That’s not just annoying—it’s a warning sign. A blockage is forming, and if left too long, it could lead to an expensive plumbing fix. What’s Happening Behind the ScenesDrains aren’t built to handle everything we throw at them. Grease, soap scum, food scraps, and hair stick to the inside of pipes, narrowing the passage. Over time, that build-up leads to a full-blown clog. Before you know it, water’s backing up, and you’re dealing with an overflow. Why Blocked Drains Are Bad NewsA blocked drain isn’t just about slow-moving water. If pressure builds up too much, it can crack pipes, leading to leaks and water damage. Worse still, bacteria thrive in stagnant water, causing nasty smells and potential health risks. A blocked kitchen sink can become a breeding ground for mould, while a backed-up shower drain can push dirty water right back into your home. Spot the Early SignsIf water takes longer than usual to drain, that’s your first clue. Gurgling noises after flushing the toilet mean air is trapped in the pipes—another bad sign. Unpleasant smells coming from the drain suggest food scraps or grease have started decomposing inside the pipes. How to Keep Drains FlowingThe best fix is prevention. Avoid tipping grease down the sink, as it cools and sticks to the pipes. Strainers in the kitchen and bathroom help catch food scraps and hair before they cause blockages. If water is already backing up, don’t wait—give us a call before a small issue turns into a major repair job. Water Pressure Problems – Too High or Too Low?A decent shower starts with good water pressure, but too much or too little can spell trouble. In some Wellington homes, water pressure fluctuates, which can cause long-term damage to your plumbing. What Happens When Pressure’s Off?If pressure is too high, pipes take a beating. Over time, joints and seals weaken, causing leaks or even pipe bursts. On the flip side, if pressure is too low, everyday tasks become a hassle. Showers trickle instead of flow, taps take ages to fill the sink, and your washing machine struggles to do its job. Signs You’ve Got a Pressure ProblemBanging pipes when you turn the taps on or off mean your system is under stress. Weak water flow in the shower—especially when no other taps are running—suggests something is restricting the supply. Small leaks appearing around pipe joints could be a sign of excessive pressure slowly wearing out the system. What We Can DoWe test your home’s water pressure to make sure it’s within a safe range. If pressure is too high, we install a pressure-reducing valve to prevent long-term damage. If it’s too low, we find out why and fix the issue. If your water pressure is giving you grief, don’t wait until a pipe bursts or your shower turns into a dribble. We can sort it before it becomes a bigger problem. Your Hot Water Cylinder: Is It Costing You More Than It Should?Hot water cylinders work hard every day, but they don’t last forever. An old, inefficient system can quietly drain your power, rack up your bills, and leave you with lukewarm showers. Worse, when they fail, they can flood your home in no time. What’s the Issue?Older cylinders wear out. Over time, rust and sediment build up inside, affecting water quality. Small leaks might go unnoticed until they cause real damage. If your cylinder isn’t heating properly, it’s working harder than it should, chewing through power. Spot the Warning Signs
What We Can DoWe check your cylinder for leaks, efficiency, and performance. If it’s on its last legs, we can replace it with a modern, energy-efficient system. That means better water pressure, lower power bills, and no nasty surprises. Old or Failing Pipes – Is It Time for an Upgrade?Not all plumbing problems are visible, and old pipes are one of the biggest culprits. Many Wellington homes still rely on aging galvanised steel or copper pipes, and they don’t last forever. Corrosion, leaks, and pressure problems all start behind the walls, where you can’t see them—until something goes wrong. Why This MattersOld pipes don’t just drip and leak—they rust from the inside out. That means discoloured water, poor pressure, and the risk of hidden damage. Weak pipes can burst when you least expect it, leading to expensive repairs. Signs You’ve Got a Pipe Problem
What We Can DoIf your pipes are past their prime, we can replace them with modern, long-lasting materials. That means cleaner water, stronger pressure, and a plumbing system that won’t let you down. Tree Roots and Your Pipes – An Underground ProblemTree roots and underground pipes don’t mix. Roots are always hunting for water, and if there’s even the smallest crack in a pipe, they’ll find a way in. Once inside, they grow, spread, and choke off the flow, leading to serious blockages and damage. What Can Go Wrong?It starts with slow drainage and a few backups, but left unchecked, roots can break pipes apart. This can lead to nasty sewage overflows, costly repairs, and even a collapsed pipe system. Some signs to watch for:
What We Can DoWe use specialized cameras to check what’s happening inside your pipes. If roots have invaded, we’ve got ways to clear them out and prevent them from coming back. For serious damage, we can repair or replace underground pipes using trenchless technology—so we don’t have to dig up half your lawn. Your Plumbing Questions AnsweredGot a plumbing problem or just want to avoid one? Here are some of the most common questions we hear from Wellington homeowners. How Do I Know If I Have a Hidden Leak? Not all leaks are obvious. If your water bill is climbing, you hear water running when nothing’s on, or you spot damp patches on walls or ceilings, there’s a good chance water is escaping somewhere it shouldn’t. Another trick—check your water meter before bed and again in the morning. If it’s changed overnight, you’ve got a leak. Why Does My Drain Keep Blocking Up? If you’ve had to clear the same drain more than once, the problem’s deeper than just a bit of buildup. Tree roots, collapsed pipes, or grease and debris further down the line could be stopping the flow. Store-bought drain cleaners won’t fix these—proper drain inspections and cleaning will. What’s the Best Hot Water System for My Home? That depends on your household size and how much hot water you use. Older cylinders can be inefficient and expensive to run. If yours is struggling, upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient system could save you money long-term. Gas, electric, or heat pump—we can walk you through the options and find the right fit. Should I Be Worried About Low Water Pressure? If your shower feels more like a dribble than a rinse, low water pressure could be the culprit. It might be caused by corroded pipes, a faulty pressure-reducing valve, or even a hidden leak. But don’t ignore it—low pressure can point to bigger problems in your plumbing system. When Should I Call a Plumber Instead of DIY? There’s nothing wrong with sorting out a minor issue yourself, but some jobs need a professional. Leaks, blocked drains, water heater problems, and anything to do with gas should always be handled by a certified plumber. A quick fix now can save you a costly mess later. Prevention is Cheaper Than Repairs – Don’t Wait Until It’s Too LateMost plumbing disasters don’t happen overnight. A small drip, a slow drain, or an old, worn-out pipe might not seem like a big deal—until it suddenly is. Regular maintenance and early detection can save thousands in repair bills. Fixing a small leak is a quick job. Dealing with water damage, mould, or a flooded home? That’s a whole different story. At Maxey Plumbing & Gas, we help Wellington homeowners stay ahead of plumbing problems. If you’ve noticed any warning signs, don’t put it off--contact us today. Get In TouchComments are closed.
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