If there’s an unusual spike in your water bill, you may have a problem with your water or plumbing system. These issues need to be accessed immediately before they get worse or cause major damage to your home. Here are the most common causes of high water bills.

Running Toilets

Toilets use almost 30% percent of household water use. A leaking, running toilet can waste thousands of gallons of water per month and add to your water bill. Most leaks are caused by a loose balloon or flapper in the water tank. It is easy to detect if you can hear the water running constantly.

Dripping Faucets

Dripping faucets are the most common cause of higher water bills. The most common cause of a dripping faucet is worn rubber washer in the handle. This may start out as a drip and turn into a constant leak, which wastes even more water. A worn gasket can also cause faucet drips and leaks.

Leaking Pipes

Finding leaking pipes can be very hard, especially if the pipes are inside walls or underground and not visible. You can watch out for water stains or mold, but sometimes these areas are not always where the leak is coming from. Water can travel and cause major damage before becoming visible. One way to confirm a hidden plumbing leak is by inspecting the water heater when no one at your home is using any water. If the dial on the water meter is still spinning, it may mean you have a hidden leak.

Leaking Appliances

Your dishwasher or washing machine can leak without you noticing. This is because they are usually in closets or corners. You can check under or behind the appliances for leaks. If you have older appliances, keep in mind that newer models use up to 50% less water.
Consumer Reports Dishwasher Guide

Leaking Pool

Leaks in your swimming pool can waste thousands of gallons of water. You can watch out for reduced water levels or cracks on the sides or the bottom of your pool. You may also notice wet spots around your pool area. A professional plumber can find the leak of the source quickly and fix it.

Check hot to fix a toilet tank

10% of American households have common leaks that wastes almost 100 gallons of water every day. Fixing leaks right away can prevent major water damage later on. Here are some common causes of water leaks you need to watch out for.

Old Pipes

Older pipes are made from materials that may be prone to leaks or breaks. Build ups and movements can easily cause fissures. These become bigger and the leaks become worse over time so it is important to have it inspected immediately. Newer pipes are made to last longer and upgrading can prevent future damage.

Corrosion

Some chemicals can build up over time and cause corrosion. Corrosion eats away at the pipes and causes it to split or break. For exposed pipes, you can notice the discoloration, like rust, right away. Have a plumber assess the pipes right away. They will probably need to be replaced. There are newer pipes that are more resistant to corrosion.

High Water Pressure

Excessive water pressure can cause pipes to burst. This can be caused by a faulty regulator or reader. Everyone loves high water pressure in the shower, but pipes can only handle a certain amount of pressure. Older pipes are more susceptible to bursting. A professional can inspect and measure your water pressure.

Temperature Changes

Extreme changes in weather temperature causes pipes to contract and expand, especially in freezing temperatures. Water expands when it freezes and the pressure can cause cracks in your pipes. As the water thaws, it will leak freely and cause damage. There are ways to safely thaw frozen pipes. Let a professional help you.

Broken Seals

Pipes are seals when connected. But seals can break or degrade over time. If you notice mold or moisture near where your appliance, such as your laundry washer or dishwasher, is connected, it may be caused by a broken seal. The door seal on your laundry or dishwasher can also wear out over time and cause leaks from those appliances.

Tree Roots

Underground tree roots grow unnoticed. Condensation around water and sewer pipes attract roots and can invade inside those pipes. This will cause leaks that will cause more roots to grow. So it’s important to have an expert plumber check for tree root intrusion right away. The damaged pipes will need cleaning, repair or replacement.

Clogged Pipes

Clogs can cause slow drains and worse build up. Fungus or bacteria can build up, or even dangerous chemicals that cause corrosion. Clogs can even lead to burst pipes if not fixed immediately. This means more expensive repairs.

Loose Water Connectors

The hoses that supply your appliances with water can become loose due to age or movement. This causes a leak, as you might notice around the appliance.

Surprised by soaring utility costs during inflation? Even though your water bill may not be your highest utility cost, the savings on it will add up over time. And you’d be doing the environment a favor. Here are some easy ways to save money on your water bill.

Install aerators for your faucets

An aerator adds air to the water from your faucet. It makes the water flow feel stronger. It basically adds water pressure while reducing the amount of water flowing. You can save water by an average of 30%… and save money!

Use your dishwasher

Did you know washing by hand is actually more wasteful? An energy efficient dishwasher uses 6 gallons per wash while a faucet flows at 2 gallons per minute. On average, people use 5 times more water by hand than their dishwashers. Pro tip – scrape off food and skip the pre-washing by hand.

Upgrade your old appliances

Newer models can save up to 50% more energy and water. Replacing your dishwasher or washing machine with Energy Star appliances will cut both your water and energy bills. They even offer rebates and tax credits.

Take shorter showers

Showers use about 17% of water in your home. Cutting off your shower time by 1-2 minutes can add up to water bill savings over time. Pro tip – shut off the water while shampooing your hair or lathering up to save extra.

Take your car to the carwash

Just like with a dishwasher, a professional car wash uses up to 100 gallons less water compared to at home.

Load up the washing machine

Wait until you have a full load before running the washing machine. Washing smaller loads not only waste water, it wears out your appliance quicker. You can also skip the extra rinse, which adds 5 gallons of water.

Inspect your appliances

Small drips or running toilets can waste gallons of water every day. Fix leaks as soon as you notice them. Faucents, toilets and dishwashers are prone to leaks over time. Pro tip – add food coloring to your toilet and see if the water changes color after 10 minutes. If the water color is diluted, you have a leaking toilet.

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