8 Reasons for a High Water Bill
Have you noticed your water bill starting to rise? While it may be easy to assume that it is your personal water use, sometimes there are other issues at hand that could be causing a high water bill. From leaks to fixtures, there are many explanations for a high water bill. This is why it is easiest to hire a professional plumber to find out why your water bill is rising. Continue reading for eight reasons why you may be experiencing a high water bill.Â
To schedule plumbing leak repair or service, give our team at Strittmatter Plumbing, Heating and AC a call at 940-246-2075.
Running Toilet
You have probably noticed that after you flush the toilet, the bowl begins to refill again. When the toilet continues to run without effectively filling the toilet bowl, it’s because there is something keeping it from filling.Â
All you have to do is put the flapper back into place or replace it. You can purchase a toilet flapper at your local hardware store for less than $20. If replacing the flapper does not fix the problem, then you may have a leak within your toilet plumbing. Give your plumber a call so that they can diagnose the problem and provide leak repair.Â
New Water Using Fixtures
Sometimes the reason for a higher water bill is the installation of a new, additional fixture. Have you recently installed a freestanding ice maker or a new washing machine? New plumbing fixtures and equipment can cause an increase in your water bill.Â
While this increase may be unexpected at first, it is reasonable that a new fixture or piece of equipment can cause this. Even a plumbing equipment replacement can use more water than the previous piece of equipment. Give your plumber a call to get more information on your new fixture.
Hidden Leak
Hidden leaks can occur in walls, underneath floors, in ceilings and underneath slabs. Because of the location of these leaks they can be almost impossible to detect. These leaks are especially dangerous because they can cause mold, structural damage, mildew, pests and more.Â
One of the reasons that homeowners are able to detect a hidden leak is through high water bills. Another reason is when signs of mold or water damage begins to show through the walls, ceiling or floor.Â
If you believe that the reason you have had high water bills is a leak then you should give your plumber a call. Plumbers have the equipment and technology to detect hidden leaks in a variety of ways. Once they have identified the location of the leak, they can help you to find a solution.
Water Wasting Habits
While this is more often seen in long-term high water bills rather than sudden increases, you may want to reexamine your water usage habits. Things such as top-loading washing machines, overwatering lawns, lengthy showers and washing dishes by hand can all contribute to higher water bills. If you believe that this may be the reason for your high water bill then you may want to consider reducing your water use.Â
Leaking Faucet
One of the most common reasons for a high water bill is a leaking faucet. Depending on the drip frequency you may even lose gallons of water a day. It’s important to get the leak fixed as soon as you can. You may be able to do this yourself just by twisting the aerator or tightening the handle.Â
If this doesn’t fix the problem then you should give your plumber a call. In some cases the solution may be as simple as tightening a handle, you may have to replace the entire faucet. Be sure to schedule plumbing services to find out what kind of solution is best.Â
Water Use Changes
You may have changed the way that you use water lately. Try to consider any changes that may have prompted you to use more water. Things such as new additions to your household or a change in the season can often cause an increase in water use.Â
Try your best to plan ahead so that you can avoid an unexpected cost or to avoid higher water use. For example, if you are having long-term guests over then you can assume that your water bill will be higher and budget for that increase. Talk to your plumber to find out ways that you can prepare for or avoid an increase in water use.
Irrigation Leaks
It’s easy not to notice a leak in your sprinkler system. However, if you do happen to have a spike in your water bill and cannot find another reason, check your irrigation. Take a look at your sprinkler heads to see if any of them are leaking water.Â
You can also look for unexpected puddles of water or unusually green patches of grass. If you suspect that you may have an irrigation leak, give your plumber a call so that they can identify the location and cause of the leak.
Outdated Fixtures
If you have a fixture that’s over 10 years old then it’s possible that it could be using more water than the fixture used when it was first installed. For example, if your toilet was installed before 1995 then you should consider installing a new one. This is because before 1995 toilets used about five to seven gallons of water to flush waste. Now, modern toilets use 1.6 gallons or less to flush waste.Â
Other older plumbing fixtures and equipment may have the same kind of issues. Some fixtures also become less efficient, causing them to use more water. If you would like to update your fixtures and equipment, give a professional technician a call for plumbing service.
Highland Village Plumbing Service You Can Trust
For dependable plumbing leak repair in Highland Village, call Strittmatter Plumbing, Heating and AC. Our team of highly trained plumbers are ready to take care of all of your plumbing problems. We provide installations, replacements, maintenance and repairs for all kinds of systems. Our technicians highest priority at Strittmatter Plumbing, Heating and AC is providing quality customer service and workmanship.
To schedule a plumbing appointment with our team, give us a call at 940-246-2075 or email us online.Â