When winter hits in Australia, most of us are focused on keeping warm, staying dry, and avoiding the chilly mornings. But your home’s plumbing system also feels the cold, and ignoring plumbing issues during winter can lead to bigger, messier, and more expensive problems down the track.
Let’s talk about the most common winter plumbing problems Aussie households face and why it’s worth getting them sorted early, preferably by a licensed plumber you can trust. (Hint: they’re easy to find on ServiceSeeking.com.au.)
While most parts of Australia don’t see snow, some areas — especially regional towns and southern states — do get icy overnight temperatures. When the mercury drops, water inside exposed or poorly insulated pipes can freeze, expand, and cause the pipe to burst.
A burst pipe isn’t always obvious straight away. You might notice a sudden drop in water pressure, strange noises in the walls, or water pooling in places it shouldn’t be. Left unchecked, this can lead to serious water damage, structural issues, and a hefty repair bill.
What to do:
Insulate any exposed pipes around the home, especially outdoors or under the house. If you suspect a pipe has already burst, shut off your water and call a licensed plumber pronto.
During the cooler months, leaves and debris can build up in gutters and make their way into stormwater or sewer lines, especially after heavy rain or wind. This often leads to slow drains, gurgling sounds, and unpleasant odours, especially in older homes.
Blocked drains don’t just affect your showers and sinks. They can back up into toilets, laundry drains, or even flood your backyard during a downpour.
What to do:
Regularly clear gutters and drain covers, especially if your home is near large trees. And if water’s draining slower than usual, it’s time to call in a plumber with a jet rodder or CCTV camera — they’ll get to the bottom of it fast.
There’s nothing worse than a cold shower on a frosty morning. Unfortunately, winter is when hot water systems are most likely to fail — they’re working overtime, and older systems can struggle with the extra load.
You might notice inconsistent temperatures, strange noises coming from the system, rust-coloured water, or even small leaks around the tank. These are signs that your unit is under stress and may need repair or replacement.
What to do:
Don’t wait for the system to give up completely. If your unit is more than 8–10 years old, it’s worth getting a plumber to inspect it. They can recommend whether it’s time to service or upgrade, and help you choose an energy-efficient system for winter and beyond.
A small drip might not seem like a big deal, but in winter, it can be a warning sign. Colder temperatures can shrink washers and seals, making leaks worse. Plus, that dripping tap wastes litres of water — and adds to your water bill.
Worse still, leaks in outdoor taps can freeze, causing cracks in the fixture or connected pipes.
What to do:
Get leaks fixed before they turn into a bigger job. It’s usually a quick fix for a licensed plumber, and they can give your home a once-over while they’re there to check for other winter plumbing issues.
Gas plumbing might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to winter, but it should be. Your heater, stove, or gas hot water system gets a workout during the cooler months, and a faulty gas appliance isn’t just inconvenient; it can be dangerous.
Carbon monoxide leaks are rare but deadly. Symptoms are hard to detect and include dizziness, headaches, and nausea.
What to do:
Always have your gas appliances checked by a licensed gasfitter. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the supply immediately and get professional help. Don’t take risks when it comes to gas.
Sure, a bit of DIY can work for simple issues, but winter plumbing problems often need a trained eye (and the right tools). Licensed plumbers can:
Detect issues early
Prevent bigger (and costlier) damage
Ensure everything is up to code
Provide compliance certificates for insurance and safety
And if you’re not sure where to start, ServiceSeeking.com.au makes it easy to find trusted, local plumbers and gasfitters. You can post a job, compare quotes, and read reviews — all in a few clicks.
Plumbing isn’t something most of us think about until something goes wrong, but winter isn’t the time to ignore warning signs. A little bit of attention now can save you thousands down the line, not to mention a whole lot of stress.
So, whether it’s a dodgy drain, cold shower, or suspicious leak, get it sorted before the next cold snap hits. And when in doubt, let a qualified tradie from ServiceSeeking.com.au take the job off your hands. Easy as.