15 Little Signs Your House Has a Big Problem

Small annoyances around the house, like a leaky faucet or a creaky door, might seem minor, but they can be signs of more significant issues lurking beneath the surface. Addressing these little problems early can save you from more expensive repairs down the line. Check out these 15 signs that your house could be facing a major problem.

Dry Mud Tubes on Your Foundation

If you find small, dry mud tubes on your foundation, it’s a sign that termites might be eating away at your walls. Termites live underground and like to stay hidden as they move between their nest in the soil and their feeding spots in your house. They can build these mud tubes either outside or inside your foundation. If you have a crawl space, use a bright flashlight to check for these tubes twice a year.

Tiny Holes in Your Walls or Wood

These tiny spots might seem harmless, but they’re actually a warning sign. Even if they’re just small dots on your wall, each about 1/8 inch across—they’re not as innocent as they look. They could be exit holes made by flying termites. These termites chew through the drywall to let young termites out, and then others fill the holes with a mix of wood fiber and their own poop. 

Thick White Residue on Bricks

That white residue on bricks is called efflorescence. It happens when moisture pulls mineral salts from inside the bricks to the surface. A little bit of efflorescence is normal and not a big deal, but if you see thick, white patches—it means moisture is getting inside the chimney and coming out. This could be because of a cracked flue liner or an interior plumbing leak. Either way, it’s wise to have an expert involved.

Door That Won’t Close Right

If a door that used to close easily now sticks or won’t shut at all, it could mean something’s shifted in your home’s structure. This might be due to clay soil that expands when it gets wet, pushing against your foundation and making it move. It could also be just normal settling. Either way, if your door won’t close right, it’s a smart move to get it checked out.

Lights That Keep Flickering

Flickering lights are usually a problem unless you’re having a disco party. Start by checking if the bulb in the flickering light is loose and try swapping it with a new one. If the flickering keeps going or if several bulbs are acting up, it might mean there are loose wires somewhere in the circuit, or your home’s wiring can’t handle all the electricity you’re using.

Slow Drains in Every Sink

A slow sink or shower drain can be a pain, but it’s usually just a normal home maintenance issue. But if you’re seeing slow drains all over the house, you might have a bigger problem. When every pipe is draining slowly, it could mean there’s a clog in the main sewer line. That’s a plumbing emergency, so you should call a plumber to sort it out ASAP.

Weird Smell from an Outlet

If you notice a smell like burnt motor oil, similar to when a hand mixer overheats, it could mean there’s melted electrical wiring. Don’t ignore this smell. Unplug nearby lamps or appliances—sometimes new appliances can smell a bit when you first use them—and then check the outlets and switches. If the smell is coming from a specific outlet or switch, turn off the power at the breaker box and call an electrician right away.

Floor That’s Sloping

You might not spot a slight slope in your floor unless you drop a marble and it rolls off to one side or spill water that pools in a certain spot. If your previously flat floor starts sloping, it could mean that some of the joists underneath have rotted or broken. It’s a smart move to have a structural engineer check out your home’s support system and figure out how to fix it.

Washing Machine Hose Looking Puffy

Over time, high water pressure can cause the rubber in your washing machine hose to get soft and weak, creating a bulge that looks like a little balloon. This means the hose is about to fail and could burst anytime. If it bursts, it could flood your laundry room and cause water damage, so it’s best to replace the hose as soon as you see that bulge.

New Crack in Your Window

When you spot a new crack in one of your windows, it’s worth doing a bit of detective work. If it’s not from something hitting the window, the crack might be from structural shifts putting too much pressure on the glass. Take a look at your interior walls and exterior brick to see if there are cracks in the mortar joints, too. If you find more cracks—it’s smart to call in a contractor.

Windows That Stick

If your windows that used to open and close easily are now acting up, it might mean there’s an issue with your house’s foundation. If you’re also dealing with other problems—like doors that won’t close or floors that slope, it’s a smart move to get a pro to come and take a look.

Piles of Shredded Paper Around

Finding little piles of shredded paper is a big red flag. Those clumps mean rodents are moving in. Mice and rats use shredded paper, cardboard, or even fabric to make their nests. And don’t think it’s just a few mice: A female mouse can have up to five litters a year, so a couple of mice can quickly turn into a whole bunch, leading to health problems in your home.

Holes in Your Deck

It’s smart to check your yard every now and then in the spring and summer for carpenter bees. These bees look like bumble bees and dig their nests into soft wood. If you spot small piles of sawdust or holes in your deck, fence, or furniture, you’re probably dealing with carpenter bees. Give an exterminator a call to sort it out before they cause more damage.

Paint Peeling or Blistering

Before you start fixing peeling, cracking, or blistering paint, it’s super important to figure out what caused the problem. It might just be a bad paint job, but a leak could also be the reason. Check the wall area closely, and if you spot any moisture or water, call a plumber to sort it out before you grab the paint roller.

Toilet Making Gurgling Noises

If you hear a gurgling noise from the toilet, don’t ignore it—it’s a big sign something’s wrong. This noise means there’s negative air pressure building up in the drain line because of a clog. You can try fixing it yourself by watching some YouTube videos or just call your plumber to handle it (we suggest the latter).