Bad smells. This can be a sign of clogs caused by food, or mold growth from a leak somewhere nearby. If the water, drain, or general area has a strange smell to it, it's always worth an extra glance.

Slow drains. If water is taking longer than normal to drain from the sink or bathtub, don't assume the situation will resolve itself. A slow buildup of materials can effect more than just drainage, and if unresolved, can cause damage to your plumbing system.

Low water pressure. If you notice a change in your water pressure over time, check it out before the problem escalates.

Leaks. Where there's water, there's always a chance for a leak. While a simple tightening with a wrench might resolve the problem, it can be a sign of faulty pressure, or weakening pipes that should be replaced.

Check all exposed pipes regularly to detect leaks as early as possible.

Drain your water heater twice a year (once every 6 months).

Keep your pipes insulated to protect them from changing temperatures.

Protect your drains from large chunks of food or materials with drain catchers.

Visit our Emergency Plumbing page for more tips.