Paying the water bill is a part of life, especially if you own or rent a house. Although you may expect some fluctuations during certain seasons, you probably have a general idea of your average monthly water bill.
If you get mysteriously high water bills with no changes in your monthly activities, how do you deal with it? A sudden increase in your water usage could mean that you have a serious problem with your home plumbing system.
Here are some possible reasons why your water bill is going through the roof:
*Hidden Pipe Leaks – Unexplained increases in residential water bills is often caused by an undetected leaking pipe. Leaking pipes can be difficult to locate, especially when they are hidden beneath the floorboards or behind drywall. Pay attention to any signs of water stains, mould, and mildew growth, as well as the presence of any water-loving insects.
*Running and Leaking Toilets – When flushing the toilet, you can use up to 6 litres of water with each flush. This accounts for over 25 percent of your total monthly indoor water use. However, with an undetected toilet leak, you could be wasting hundreds of litres a day.
*Leaky Faucet or Fixtures – The greater the leak, the more water gets wasted, which can drastically increase your water bill. While a leaky faucet or fixture is easy to detect, the rate of the leak is approximately one drip per second. This can reach up to 20 litres a day. A worn out washer is a common cause of a dripping faucet.
*Busted Water Main – When your monthly water use seems inexplicably high without signs of leaking pipes or faucets, the problem may be caused by a broken water main. Water mains deliver fresh water from the municipal supply straight to your home, and are essential for healthy water consumption. Broken water mains can result in large volumes of wasted water. A strong indicator of damaged water mains or a slab leak are puddles appearing on your lawn. However, these problems can be difficult to detect, and they may require an excavation to properly repair the issue.
*Sprinkler System Leak – Leaks can occur anywhere in your sprinkler system and can be a source of a surprisingly high water bill. Be on the lookout for an unusually damp area or a sudden, lush growth in your yard.
High monthly water bills can be stressful and costly, especially when a problem is not immediately detected. If you notice an unusual spike in your bill, contact a professional plumber immediately.
Plumbing Authority Inc. in Nobelton, Ontario provides 24 hour emergency plumbing and drain services to the surrounding areas. Call us today at (647) 992-7473, or email us at plumbingauthoritygta@gmail.com for a free onsite estimate.