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Most homeowners don't give a second thought to the state of their home's plumbing system until something goes wrong. Usually, when this happens, it is a catastrophic failure that can cause extensive water damage and eat away at your savings. If you want to save money on Pittsburgh plumbing repairs, stay alert for these 5 signs that something isn't quite right with your residential plumbing system. Higher than Normal Water Bills Your monthly water bill may fluctuate slightly from month to month. For example, the bills may be larger during the summer months because you're running the sprinkler or filling the pool. While slight changes in usage may not be cause for concern, if you notice a huge spike in usage, this could be a sign that one of the following problems may be happening with your home's plumbing system: • Leaky pipes • Broken pipes • Slab leak • Running toilets • Main line leak The longer you wait to call a plumber to investigate the problem, the greater the chances are that the repairs will not be minor or inexpensive. Water or Sewage Backing Up in Your Home When you flush the toilet, do you hear gurgling sounds coming from your bathtub, bathroom sink, or your shower drain? Is raw sewage backing up into your toilet, tubs, or sinks (either in the bathroom or kitchen)? If you answer yes to either of these questions, you need to call a plumber right away. This is a sign that something is wrong with your property's sewer line. Raw sewage in a home is not only smelly, but it is a health hazard that needs to be addressed right away. Mold Forming on Your Walls or Baseboards Mold forms when moisture is present. If you've noticed this substance on baseboards or walls in your basement and cannot find the source of the moisture, it's quite possible that you have what is called a slab leak. Slab leaks are leaks that form beneath the foundation or concrete slab of your home. This type of leak occurs in homes with or without basements and is usually the result of a main line that has cracked, has corroded, or was possibly installed incorrectly in the first place. Slab leaks are often referred to as hidden leaks in the plumbing industry. Because these leaks are not immediately noticeable, they can do quite a bit of damage. It isn't unusual for a slab leak to go unnoticed for weeks. In some cases, it can take months or years. The moment you suspect a slab leak, call for professional leak detection services to prevent further damage and expensive repairs. Chronic Clogs Do you have a toilet or two in your home that continuously clog? Are you constantly reaching for the plunger to relieve the congestion? Maybe it's your kitchen and bathroom sinks that are backing up time after time. While most people do not think of clogs as serious plumbing issues, they can be. If you live in an older home, there could be years of dirt and debris coating the insides of the pipes that is creating pressure. As the pressure builds, the pipes can develop cracks or suddenly burst. If a clog doesn't respond to normal unclogging methods and returns again and again, call a plumber for a video camera inspection to see what's going on inside the pipes. Low Water Pressure Water pressure can vary due to how much water is being used at one time by various plumbing components. However, unusually low water pressure is a sign that you could have a leak or clog in your main water line. If low water pressure is making it difficult to take a shower, wash clothes, or even flush the toilet, call a Pittsburgh plumbing expert to investigate the problem for you.
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