Has your water bill suddenly skyrocketed - and are stumped on what could be the cause?
A steep increase in water usage often points to underlying plumbing issues that could be growing your water bill.
Let’s dive into the 6 common culprits behind high water bills and what you can do to address them.
1. Hidden Leaks
This example may be obvious, but most leaks are not.
Leaks often go unnoticed until the water bill makes them quite noticeable.
Hidden leaks in walls, ceilings, or underground pipes can potentially waste gallons of water every day.
Look for subtle signs of hidden leaks like damp spots, mold growth, or a musty smell. And If you suspect a hidden leak, don’t wait. Call a professional plumber to diagnose and repair it quickly and properly.
Pro Tip: Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter changes, you may have a hidden leak.
2. Running Toilets
A running toilet isn’t just annoyingly loud — it is a major water waster. A faulty flapper valve, a broken fill valve, or an improperly adjusted float can cause your toilet to continuously run, using up to 1,440 gallons of water per day!
To put that into perspective, the average fire truck water tank holds 500-1,000 gallons of water.
Listen for the sound of running water or inspect your toilet tank for issues. Replacing a flapper valve or making a simple adjustment can often fix the problem, and save a lot of water.
Pro Tip: Add a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank. If the color shows up in the bowl without flushing, you’ve got a leak.
3. Dripping Faucets
That tiny drip you see from your faucet may not seem like a big deal, but even a slow drip can waste hundreds of gallons of water a month - those gallons add up!
Common causes include worn-out washers, gaskets, or corroded valve seats.
Fortunately for you, fixing a dripping faucet is often straightforward and inexpensive. Replacing a washer or tightening the fixture can stop the drip in its tracks.
Pro Tip: Don’t ignore outdoor faucets! A dripping garden hose connection can waste just as much water as an indoor faucet.
4. Faulty Sprinkler Systems
An inefficient or damaged sprinkler system can cause water to leak or spray where it’s not necessary. Broken sprinkler heads, underground pipe leaks, or a poorly calibrated system can waste water without you even knowing it.
Regularly inspect your sprinkler system for signs of damage and make adjustments to ensure water is only going where it’s needed.
Pro Tip: Schedule your sprinklers to run in the early morning or late evening to minimize water loss due to evaporation.
5. Water Heater Issues
A malfunctioning water heater can increase water and energy consumption.
Issues such as sediment buildup, a faulty thermostat, or leaks can make your water heater work harder than it needs too, ultimately raising your water bill.
Flush your water heater annually to remove sediment and check for leaks around the tank. If your water heater is over 10 years old, it may be time to consider a replacement.
Pro Tip: Upgrade to a tankless water heater for improved efficiency and lower long-term costs.
6. Old or Inefficient Fixtures
Older plumbing fixtures, like toilets, shower heads, and faucets, are often less water-efficient than newer ones. Replacing them with low-flow or WaterSense-certified options can significantly reduce your water usage.
Take a good look at your fixtures. If they’re over 10-15 years old, think about upgrading to more efficient models that use less water without sacrificing performance.
It could be worth the investment!
Pro Tip: Install aerators on your faucets to reduce water flow while maintaining pressure—this is a quick and affordable upgrade.
Stay Ahead of High Water Bills
Seeing a sudden spike show up on your water bill is frustrating, but addressing the root cause will save you money and prevent further damage to your plumbing system.
If you’re unsure what’s behind your high water usage, a professional plumbing inspection can identify and resolve hidden issues.
At Venture Plumbing, we’re here to help you tackle high water bills and always keep your plumbing running smoothly and efficiently.
Contact us today to schedule an inspection and say goodbye to unnecessary water waste!
(P.S. Make plumbing maintenance a yearly habit to catch small issues before they turn into big problems.)