Did you know that in some US cities, water and sewage bills have gone up by an average of 80% from 2010 to 2018? Austin, TX, tops the list, with the average yearly bill increasing from $566 in 2010 to a staggering $1,435 in 2018.

Regardless of where you live, though, plumbing woes are sure to raise your water and sewage costs.

For that reason, it pays to know the signs you need the help of a local plumbing company and which company in your area to turn to. This way, you can have them fix the issues before they turn into more costly plumbing repairs.

With this in mind, sites such as Rezigo can be useful, as you can get free plumbing quotes for your job from plumbers in your area, allowing you to compare the costs and choose the best one for your needs and budget. 

We rounded up the top indications of plumbing issues you need to be on the lookout for, so be sure to read on.

1. High Water Bills without an Apparent Reason

Suppose that your family is like the average US household, which uses over 300 gallons of water each day. If your bill shows a sudden rise in usage, but your consumption hasn’t changed, you may have plumbing leaks.

Before you call a professional plumber, though, be sure to check all your fixtures for drips first. If none leaks, you most likely have damaged hidden or underground pipes. In this case, it’s best to ring up a local plumber right away so that the pro can test your system for leaks.

2. Sewer-Like Smells Permeate Your Home

Hire a plumber if your kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, or any spot in your home with a drain smells like rotten eggs. Those odors are likely coming from decaying matter stuck in the drain pipes. A clog may be keeping the waste stuck in the drainpipe, sewer lateral, or municipal sewer. 

It’s vital to address the root cause of plumbing-related rotten egg smells, as they can be a health hazard. These odors usually come from hydrogen sulfide (H2S), also known as sewer gas. Exposure to H2S, even at low doses, can already cause mild eye irritation or headaches.

3. Several Clogged Drains and Toilets

If you only have a single clogged drain or toilet, try to remove the blockage with a plunger first. In many cases, this simple tool is enough to dislodge small individual clogs.

If you have several problematic drains and toilets, though, that’s a sign you have a clogged main drain. The main drain is a massive pipe where all your other drain pipes converge. A huge clog blocking the main drain can result in sewage or wastewater backups.

If that happens, filthy, germ-filled water can start gushing out of your sink, floor, or tub drains. Pick up the phone to call a pro, as wastewater backing up of drains is a plumbing emergency. You might also want to check out this guide, where you can read on and learn more about what else to do in such cases. 

4. Free-Flowing Water from a Burst Pipe

Old age, freezing temperatures, and high water pressure can cause a water supply pipe to burst. If that happens, water will continue to flow out of the damaged section, flooding your home. As with wastewater backups, burst pipes are also emergency plumbing problems.

However, before you call a pro, close your main water shutoff valve first. Doing so will cut off the water supply flowing to the shattered pipe. You can usually find the main valve in the basement, crawlspace, or along the wall facing the street.

Hire a Local Plumbing Company for These Plumbing Woes

If you experience any of the signs above, don’t delay calling a local plumbing company. This is especially important if you have multiple clogs, burst pipes, or backups. After all, they are plumbing emergencies that require on-the-spot repairs and solutions.

Want to stay up-to-date on the latest on home and real estate news? Feel free to take a look at our other recent blog posts for more tidbits of wisdom then!

Jane