Quick answer
Damp patches, musty smells, a rising water bill, low pressure, noisy pipes, green or crusty joints and a stopcock that won't turn are all signs your plumbing should be checked. Problems caught early are usually cheaper to fix.
Common warning signs
- Stains or damp patches on ceilings, walls or floors.
- A musty smell in cupboards or under floors.
- Your water bill goes up but you aren't using more water.
- Low or changing water pressure.
- Banging, knocking or hissing pipes.
- Green, white or crusty build-up on pipe joints.
- Slow drains or gurgling sinks.
- A stopcock that is stiff, seized or hard to find.
Simple checks you can do yourself
- 1Find your stopcock and check it turns gently. Don't force it.
- 2Turn off all taps and appliances, then watch the water meter for 30 minutes. If it moves, you may have a leak.
- 3Look under sinks and behind the toilet for drips or damp.
- 4Check the ceiling below the bathroom for stains.
Why a full check helps
Many plumbing problems stay hidden until they cause damage. A full check finds small issues like a weeping joint, a seized stopcock or corroded pipework before they become an emergency or an insurance claim.
TraceFix offers a Whole-House Plumbing Check for £495 in Birmingham and London. It includes a written report with advice on anything risky.
When to call a plumber
- You notice more than one warning sign.
- The water meter moves when everything is off.
- Your stopcock won't turn.
- You've just moved in and don't know the plumbing's history.
Common questions
Whole-House Plumbing Check
Just bought a home? Get all the plumbing checked, with a report included, for £495
We check the stopcock, pipework, joints, taps, toilets, showers, hot water and signs of hidden leaks. If we find anything risky, your report explains it and tells you what to do next.