Were you shocked by the cost of your water bill this month? Staring at that number, you’re probably racking your brain trying to figure out what happened. Did the kids leave the sprinkler on all night? Did you somehow use that much water without noticing? If your usage hasn’t changed in any way, the reason for the high water bill may just be a plumbing leak somewhere on your property.
Even the smallest, most insignificant drip from a faucet or faulty pipe joint can have a massive impact, hiking up your utility bills and causing extensive and costly damage to your home’s structure, foundation, and furnishings.
The good news is that you can identify and address these issues before they get out of hand. Simply familiarize yourself with the most common plumbing problems that cause high water bills and know exactly when and how to take action.
A Constantly Running Toilet
A running toilet is a top contender for the plumbing problems that cause high water bills. This is because a constantly running toilet can waste over 200 gallons of water every single day (according to the EPA), which could mean an extra $50 to $100 on your monthly bill, depending on your local rates.
How do you know if you’re struggling with a running toilet? Perform a simple food coloring test. Remove the lid from your toilet tank and add a few drops of dark food coloring (blue or green works best) into the tank water. Do not flush the toilet. Wait for about 15-20 minutes, and then check the water in the toilet bowl. If any of the colored water from the tank has seeped into the bowl, you have a leak.
How to Fix It
A faulty flapper or fill valve is almost always to blame for a running toilet. Over time, these parts can degrade, warp, or become misaligned, preventing a proper seal and allowing water to continuously trickle from the tank into the bowl.
The good news is that replacing a toilet flapper is a fairly simple DIY project. It’s inexpensive and requires no special tools. Just be sure to turn off the water supply to the toilet, flush to drain the tank, and follow the instructions on the new flapper package closely.
If you replace the flapper and the toilet continues to run, the issue might be with the fill valve assembly. While this is also a manageable DIY task for some, it is more complex than a flapper replacement. If you’re not comfortable with the multi-step process or if the problem persists, it’s time to call a professional. A plumber can quickly diagnose if it’s the fill valve, the flush valve, or even a crack in the toilet itself and ensure the repair is done correctly.
Leaky Faucets and Fixtures
That incessant dripping sound you hear from your kitchen or bathroom sink is the sound of money going down the drain. In fact, a faucet that drips just once per second can waste several gallons of water in a single day. If you want to protect your bank account from an exponentially high water bill, make sure you repair leaky plumbing fixtures as soon as possible. And don’t forget to check your outside spigots from time to time!
How to Fix It
Most of the time, a dripping faucet is caused by a worn-out washer or O-ring. These small rubber components create a seal to prevent water from passing through when the handle is in the “off” position. Over time, the friction and pressure cause them to wear out.
For a simple compression faucet, replacing a washer is a straightforward DIY fix. You’ll need to turn off the water supply under the sink, use a wrench to disassemble the faucet handle, replace the old washer with a new one of the exact same size, and reassemble it.
Modern faucets, like ball, cartridge, or ceramic disk faucets, on the other hand, are more complex. While kits are available, taking them apart and putting them back together correctly can be tricky. If you have a more modern fixture, or if you’ve replaced the washer and the drip continues, a plumber is your best bet. They can find out if the issue is tied to a corroded valve seat or an internal component that requires a professional’s touch.
Hidden Leaks in Your Walls and Floors
The most concerning plumbing problem that causes a high water bill is the one you can’t see. Leaks within your walls, under your floors, or in the ceiling can go undetected for a long time, causing immense damage while running up your water bill. Even a small pinhole leak in a pipe can release a surprising amount of water over time.
Since these leaks aren’t immediately visible, you need to act like a detective and get down into the nitty-gritty details. One of the most definitive ways to know if you have a hidden leak is to check your water meter. First, make sure no water is being used inside or outside your home. Then, find your water meter and look at the leak indicator (it’s often a small triangle or star that spins). If that indicator is moving, even slowly, you have a leak somewhere.
In addition to testing your water meter’s movement, you can be on the lookout for discolored spots on the ceilings or walls, warped or stained flooring, peeling paint or wallpaper, and a persistent musty odor. These are all red flags of a hidden water leak.
How to Fix It
Locating and repairing a hidden leak is not a DIY job. It requires specialized equipment and expertise. So, if you suspect there’s a leak somewhere on your property, call a plumber immediately. A plumbing repair professional will use electronic leak detection equipment, such as acoustic listeners and thermal imaging cameras, to pinpoint the exact location of the leak with minimal disruption. Once located, they will make a precise opening in the wall or floor, repair the damaged section of the pipe, and then test the system to ensure the leak is resolved. This targeted approach is far more efficient and less destructive than guesswork.
Underground and Slab Leaks
Leaks in the underground water line that runs from the meter to your house are common in older homes with aging pipes. A slab leak, which occurs in the water lines running beneath your home’s concrete foundation, is one of the most serious and destructive plumbing problems that can raise your water bill. Make sure you reach out to a licensed plumber right away if you notice signs of an underground or slab leak, such as an usually lush or wet spot in your yard, a drop in water pressure, hot spots on the floor, or the sound of running water when no fixtures are in use.
How to Fix It
Underground water line repairs are another job exclusively for professionals. Excavating your yard or breaking into your home’s foundation is a complex and dangerous job that requires exact knowledge and state-of-the-art equipment.
For a mainline leak in the yard, a plumber will need to excavate the area to access and repair the pipe. For a slab leak, they may use electronic leak detection to isolate the spot and make a direct repair, which involves carefully jackhammering a small section of the slab. Alternatively, they might recommend a pipe re-route or a trenchless repair method like pipe lining, which can often fix the problem without the need for major demolition.
A Malfunctioning Water Heater
Your water heater is also a potential source of a high water bill. For example, the pressure relief valve, or T&P valve, could fail and allow water to continuously leak out. Alternatively, the tank itself could corrode and develop a leak over time.
If you’re curious to know whether your water heater is leaking, check around the base of the unit for any signs of moisture or puddles. Be sure to also look at the discharge pipe connected to the T&P valve; if it is dripping or steadily leaking, the valve may be faulty.
How to Fix It
Working on a water heating unit can be incredibly dangerous due to the risk of scalding and high pressure issues. For these reasons, it is highly recommended to call a plumber for any water heater repairs. A professional can safely diagnose the problem, replace the T&P valve if necessary, and advise you on the best course of action if you need a new water heater installation (as is often the case when the tank is leaking).
Take Control of Your Water Bill
If you’ve tried these DIY fixes for common plumbing problems or if you suspect there’s a more serious issue at play, know that our licensed and experienced plumbers are here for you. We will perform a thorough inspection of your entire plumbing system to pinpoint the exact cause of your high water bill. We will then provide effective, long-lasting solutions so that you don’t have to worry about further plumbing issues rearing their ugly heads.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward a healthier plumbing system and a lower water bill!