Unless you are part of the 13 million households that have a private well, you are likely paying a monthly bill for your home’s water usage. This monthly cost may range according to your family’s specific water use, but it is generally easy to budget for.
Unfortunately, certain plumbing issues can cause a spike in your average bill. Without diagnosing and repairing these issues, the monthly costs will add up, becoming an overwhelming waste of both water and money.
With this guide and your plumber’s help, you will learn a few possible reasons you are seeing an increase in your monthly water bill.
1. Hidden Leaks
An unexplained increase in your monthly water bill may actually be a sign that you have an underlying plumbing leak. Hidden leaks are difficult to find, so consulting a plumber may be best, but you can make an initial evaluation to locate the source.
If you notice one or more of the following in one location of your home, you may have found the location of your leak:
- Mildew odor
- Warped floors/cabinets/walls
- Peeling paint/wallpaper
- Water stains on ceiling/walls
The increase in your water bill and the above signs may not seem like an emergency, but the potential water damage to your home is definitely a problem that should be addressed quickly. Water damage is not only physically and emotionally overwhelming, but it can also be financially distressing. Repair the damage as soon as possible so it doesn’t become worse and thus more costly to repair.
If left un-repaired, the hidden water leak can also lead to mold growth, which will affect your home and health in dangerous ways. Exposure to mold can lead to respiratory issues, such as breathing difficulties and allergy symptoms. In addition, exposure to mold can irritate your skin and eyes.
2. Running Toilet
The toilets in your home can also be a cause of your water bill’s increase. If your toilet seems to be constantly running or cycling on and off, you may be surprised to learn it is affecting your household’s water usage. In most cases, repairing this issue will require adjusting or replacing a few parts of the toilet.
A damaged flapper is one of the most common reasons a toilet is running. This piece acts as a seal to your toilet tank, separating the tank water from the water in your toilet bowl. If it does not seal properly, water will run constantly, annoying you and the rest of your family while increasing your water bills.
Replacing the old flapper with a new one that is the same size and shape is your best option for stopping the running of water through your toilet.
3. Drippy Faucet
If you have seen a recent increase in your water bill, consider inspecting the faucets and shower heads throughout your home. While shocking to learn, small drips of water constantly coming out of one or more faucets or shower heads can add up to a big source of water waste.
For example, according to wisebread.com, 30 drops of water each minute from one faucet can add up to 2.85 gallons of water each day. So one drippy faucet could increase your water bill significantly.
Repairing the faucet or shower head is key to preventing further water waste. Fortunately, this repair is usually another simple project. Your plumber will most likely remove the faucet and inspect the interior for signs of distress. Replacing a worn nut or washer may be inexpensive, but these small parts will save you a great deal of water waste.
If your faucets and shower heads are older and outdated, consider replacing them with new water-efficient versions. These fixtures will not only stop the dripping, but they will also reduce your monthly water bills.
Any increase in your monthly bills should be a cause for concern. If you are dealing with a sudden increase in your water bill, contact Billy Bell Plumbing today.