It’s cold. You’re busy. And that slow drip under the kitchen sink isn’t exactly flooding the house… yet. But as Albury plumbing experts, we know that even the smallest leak can cause big trouble if left unchecked.
We’ve seen time and again how a “minor issue” can suddenly turn into a burst pipe, water damage, or even a costly emergency callout.
So, if you’ve noticed a little leak, a wet patch, or something just seems off with your plumbing, this is your reminder to get onto it now, before it turns into a major (and expensive) hassle.
Why Leaks Are Worse in Winter
During winter, your plumbing system is under more pressure than usual. Pipes are working harder, water usage often increases, and colder temperatures can make things worse, especially for older systems.
Metal pipes contract in the cold. That tiny hairline crack you ignored last month? It can split wide open overnight. And flexible hoses under sinks and vanities can perish faster in cooler temperatures. Plus, because we tend to keep windows closed in winter, any moisture build-up from leaks is more likely to cause mould and mildew in your home.
Even if the leak looks harmless on the outside, the damage happening behind walls or under floors can be significant.
What Starts as a Drip Can Lead to Damage
Water always finds the path of least resistance. And that means even a small drip can quietly seep into places it shouldn’t damaging cabinetry, rotting floorboards, or even creating ideal conditions for termites.
If the leak is near electrical points (think dishwashers, hot water systems, washing machines), that moisture can be dangerous too.
It’s also worth remembering that undetected leaks often increase your water bill. So not only could you end up with property damage, but you could also be paying for water you’re not even using.
Common Winter Plumbing Leak Hotspots
We get a lot of leak repair callouts during winter and they’re not always where you’d expect. Here are some common places small leaks show up:
- Flexi hoses under sinks
Those silver braided hoses are used all over the house, in kitchens, bathrooms, laundries. Over time they wear out, and winter is when they tend to fail. - Leaking outdoor taps or exposed pipes
Outdoor plumbing that isn’t insulated properly can crack or drip once the cold hits. If you’re not using them often in winter, you might not even notice until it’s too late. - Hot water system leaks
Drips from the pressure relief valve, pooling at the base, or signs of corrosion around fittings are all red flags. - Toilet leaks
Running cisterns or slow leaks at the base can go unnoticed for months, wasting water and potentially causing floor damage. - Ceilings or walls
Water stains, bubbling paint, or musty smells could all point to a hidden leak. And once water gets into your ceiling space, it’s a whole different level of problem.
What You Can Do Right Now
If you’re not sure whether you’ve got a leak, there are a few easy checks you can do:
- Look under sinks, basins, and vanities for signs of moisture or corrosion
- Keep an eye on your water bill, if it’s unusually high, you might have a hidden leak
- Listen for running water or hissing sounds when taps are off
- Check for damp patches, stains, or mould on walls, ceilings, or flooring
- Inspect around your hot water system for pooling or rust
If anything seems off, give us a call. We can come out and take a look.
Local Plumbers You Can Rely On
When it comes to plumbing services in Albury Wodonga, you want someone who’ll turn up when they say they will, do the job properly, and not try to upsell you something you don’t need.
That’s how we work at Fletcher Plumbing and Co. We’re locals, and we’ve built our business on trust and reliability.
Our team of licensed plumbers in Albury handle everything from small repairs to complete system upgrades. And yes, we’ll fix that annoying drip under the sink too.
Don’t Wait Until It’s an Emergency
The reality is, most plumbing emergencies start with a small warning sign. And winter is when we get the most emergency calls, because those signs were ignored.
That’s why it’s important to book a trusted Albury plumbing service as soon as you notice something isn’t right.
So if you’re putting off a repair because it’s “not urgent,” take this as a gentle nudge to get it sorted now. A 30-minute fix today might save you thousands down the track.
Need an Albury Plumbing Expert?
If you’ve noticed a leak, or just want someone to take a proper look, Fletcher Plumbing and Co. is ready to help. Whether it’s a small repair, a system check, or general maintenance, we’ll get the job done properly, the first time.
Give us a call today. We’ll take care of it.
