Homeowners, tenants, and commercial property owners and managers eventually get used to paying a specific amount each month for their different bills, typically staying within a reasonable range. However, if your water bill increases unexpectedly, it raises concerns regarding both potential resource waste and potential financial repercussions.
While some individuals have a tendency to disregard little leaks on their land or in their homes, data shows that 10% of residences leak about 90 gallons per day, and the typical household wastes roughly 10,000 gallons of water per year due to leaks. It's crucial to contact experienced plumbers when your water bill is higher than you thought so they can help you determine the source of the water waste and address it as quickly as possible.
Leaky or Running Toilets
About 30% of the indoor water supply in the average household is used for toilets. If your toilet is left running unattended, it can waste up to 6,000 gallons of water every month, which will raise your water bill by few hundred bucks.
If your toilet is left running unattended, it can waste up to 6,000 gallons of water every month, which will raise your water bill by few hundred bucks.
There are a few ways to confirm if the issue is present if you think your toilet is leaking:
- Dye testing
Just sprinkle a few drops of food coloring or a dye tablet into the toilet's cistern, then wait for around 15 minutes to see whether the color of the water in the bowl changes. If any dye is present, your cistern is probably dripping water into the bowl.
- The soundcheck
You must approach your toilet and conduct this easy test while listening. Look for a persistent, peculiar hissing noise that can indicate a damaged tank flapper, water line connection, or seal.
A malfunctioning flapper produces frequent leaks in the tank that can be remedied with just a few minutes of handy work. If not, you should call your plumber to make sure the issue is resolved properly.
Leaky Fixtures and Taps
About 15% of the water used in a household comes through the taps, whereas 13% comes from all types of leaks. Water bill increases are frequently brought on by leaking faucets. Did you know that a leaky tap wastes around 17 gallons of water every day at the rate of one drop per second?
Thankfully, leaky faucets and other fixtures are simple to identify and repair. Simply look for leaks in every faucet, showerhead, and other installed item. Some leaks are brought on by the tap, valve, or another component of the assembly needing to be replaced due to normal wear and tear. Your expert plumber might suggest an upgrade for outdated fixtures to save even more water.
Irrigation and Lateral Line Leaks
If there is a loose joint or break in one of the subterranean pipes bringing water into your home from metered connection, you could lose a lot of water. Numerous things, such as tree root incursion, animal activity, regular aging wear, or recent seismic activity, might result in this kind of damage. A loose joint or crack that permits water to leak even after turning off the irrigation system can cause a leak in your landscape or garden irrigation system.
Finding external leaks can be challenging, particularly if the pipework is deeply underground. Unusual moist spots or portions of your landscaping that are more lush than the surrounds are some indications of exterior leaks. Once you've located the leak, be sure to call a qualified plumber for assistance in fixing it.
Water Use Adjustments
Any changes to your household that have an impact on your water usage, such as the addition of a new family member or the purchase of new water-using appliances, can have a big impact on your utility bill. Seasonal variations in water use and associated practices might result in year-round variations in utility costs.
Plan ahead and allocate more money to cover the additional expenditures if you want to avoid or reduce a sudden spike in your water consumption. For instance, you should strive to reduce the impact by only buying the equipment that is marked as high efficiency if you intend to add new water-intensive equipment to the home, such as a washer, garden irrigation system, freezer, or even pool. Find additional ways to save water, such as trying to cover a pool when it's not in use to lessen evaporation losses.
You might also anticipate using more water throughout the festive seasons as well as other times when you anticipate entertaining family and friends.
Old Plumbing Fittings
Older homes and buildings may have outdated toilets and plumbing equipment that malfunction, leading to water leaks or, in extreme circumstances, flooding. From new-model aerators for faucets to water-saving showerheads, modern pipes and accessories exhibit a variety of features targeted at enhancing water efficiency. Low-flow toilets are just one example.
If you've just moved into a new house or building, the issue might not be immediately evident, resulting in an excessively high water bill right away. When purchasing a new home, you should first inquire about any recent or post-construction plumbing fixture upgrades. This knowledge would be available from the owner or real estate agency.
Call Order a Plumber Inc. at (631) 234-1687 or email us to learn more about the potential causes of your rising water bill.