If you have a plumbing problem, handling it quickly can save you money and prevent property damage. Yet how do you know whether you have a plumbing problem if you don’t see a leak?

Less Water Pressure Could Indicate a Plumbing Problem

A drop in water pressure means something is going on with your plumbing. If water pressure drops gradually, there’s likely something blocking the pipes. A common culprit is lime scale, which can build up in pipes until it blocks the water flow.

If water pressure drops seemingly overnight, a large leak or break probably happened. By taking quick action, you can ward off water damage.

Whether your decrease in water pressure is sudden or gradual, it’s important to get it checked out. It can get worse — and cause more damage — until you are able to have your plumber inspect your system.

Higher Water Bills Suggest a Plumbing Problem

It’s natural for water bills to rise and fall over the course of the year. For example, you might use more water in summer from running a garden sprinkler than you’d use in winter. There is a difference between a natural increase in water use from one month to the next and a huge spike, especially if you don’t feel like you’ve increased water consumption.

If you notice the bill seems much higher than normal, you may have an undiagnosed plumbing system problem. Have it checked out to save money on your utilities.

If you see any of these signs of a plumbing problem, contact your plumber. They can check the full system, identify any problems, and fix them so everything works properly. Preventative plumbing maintenance like this saves you money in the long run and keeps everything in good shape.