Why Is My Water Bill So High?

A higher than normal water bill could be a sign that you have a leak somewhere in your home. The problem could be something as simple as a leaky toilet that needs a flapper replaced or something more serious like a slab leak. Calling a plumber to inspect your home for a leak is not always an expense that you want to incur. Luckily, there are some things that you can do yourself to figure out the extent of the problem. Check Your Toilet: The majority of toilet leaks are not visible, meaning there is not water seeping from the toilet base. Instead, these toilet leaks are happening between the tank and the bowl. Check the flapper to make sure it is closing completely. Also, check that the flush valve assembly is not cracked or otherwise damaged. One of the easiest ways to check for a toilet leak is to add a few drops of food dye into the tank. Wait a few minutes and see if the toilet bowl water turns color. If it does, your toilet is leaking. Check Your Faucets:  A small, constant drip from a faucet can waste hundreds of gallons of water in a single month. It’s quite astonishing just how much the tiniest leak can cost. Indoor faucets and outdoor taps are exposed to exceptional amounts of wear and tear. Frequent usage leads to leaks around the stem, handle, and spout of these fixtures. Examine Walls and Flooring for Moisture: A common source of hidden water leaks are pipes buried in the walls or flooring. If you live in an older home, it’s likely that age may have played a role in the pipe’s deterioration. However, even newer homes can have problems with broken pipes, especially if a home has hard water, the piping was installed incorrectly, or there is constant fluctuation in water pressure. The tell-tale signs that something is amiss within your pipes is water spots and mold formation. Brown water marks on walls and ceilings, soggy flooring, warped baseboards, and mildew odors are signs of a water leak that needs your attention right away to prevent excessive water damage from occurring in your home.