How Do You Tell If You Have A Hidden Water Leak?
A rising water bill is an expensive mystery, and it isn’t always easy to solve. As your home ages, appliances, fixtures, and lines can all develop small issues that hit you in the wallet.
But a big bill may not be your system’s fault. There are dozens of potential culprits. A professional plumber can help address concerns at any stage, but you can begin the hunt – and sometimes solve the problem – on your own.
Hidden Leaks and Faults
Problem Fixtures and Appliances
The first port of call for any water-loss investigation is the fixtures. Does your bathroom faucet drip? Is the toilet running? Does an outdoor tap ooze?
These small problems add up. They’re common in older homes or communities dealing with hard water, and there could be an easy fix – like replacing the flapper in your toilet tank – or you may need a professional in the case of a broken tap.
Appliances may also be at fault. Water heaters, water softeners, and water purifiers continuously handle water, and small cracks or failing parts compromise their efficiency. Even if there isn’t an exterior leak, it’s worth having a professional check to ensure these appliances are working properly in the face of mysteriously high water bills.
Leaks in the House
Everyone knows a mysterious pool of water in the home signals a leak, but compromised pipes don’t always fail where you can see the damage. Listen for bubbling or gurgling in the walls when water’s running. It could be the song of air sneaking into the line. Other hits of leaky pipes include:
- Musty smells
- Mold or mildew growth
- Dark spots on walls and ceilings
- Cracks in the foundation
- Peeling paint
- Warped or swollen wood
Irrigation Leaks
While irrigation systems waste less water than conventional sprinklers, they can inflate water bills quickly once they spring a leak. Since they’re designed to blend into your landscaping, damage may be hard to spot. Keep a lookout for soggy areas in your yard, overwatered plants, and unusually bright patches of grass. Mushrooms, rotting mulch, and soil erosion are also clues.
Compromised Water Main
A leaky or broken water main is harder to notice than leaks in your home’s plumbing, but there are signs if you know where to look. One of the most common indicators of a water main issue is fluctuating water pressure or interrupted service. Water may also be discolored or carry visible sediment.
Ask neighbors if they have similar water bills, as water main issues can affect entire neighborhoods. If you suspect a water main issue, contact your municipality and file a report. Keep an eye on your local provider’s official accounts for updates about testing and repairs.
Rising Water Rates
Cities, towns, and other municipalities adjust the cost of water as needed to accommodate expanding infrastructure, make repairs, and maintain reserves. Inflation also impacts your water bill. Check if your provider has raised rates by going online or giving them a call. Bills should have contact information even if the rate isn’t listed, and you can ask about rates and individual charges directly.
Faulty Water Meter
No system is perfect, and even the best tools degrade over time. If you suspect your water meter is charging you for more gallons than you’re using, try these basic tests.
First, turn off your water (don’t forget the irrigation). Once you’re sure there is no water being used anywhere on your property, check the meter. If it shows water is being used, then it might be broken.
To double-check, get a gallon jug or bucket and fill a tub with a specific number of gallons. Make sure no other water is running during this test. Compare the number of gallons you measured with the meter’s reading. If the numbers don’t match, it’s time to get a replacement meter from your provider.
Increased Use
You may be using more water than you realize. Everything from guests to a new potted plant can hike your bill temporarily, but if your bill remains high without a change in your activities, you should check the usual suspects:
- Old, inefficient appliances
- High-flow showerheads
- Uncovered pools and hot tubs during the off-season
Small habits also have a big impact over time. These include:
- Running laundry and dishwashing machines with small loads
- Letting water run while brushing your teeth, washing your face, or cleaning your hands
- Leaving taps running until the water is hot or cold
- Fully flushing the toilet for liquid waste
Upgrading to newer appliances with improved water efficiency, checking fixtures like showerheads, and modifying a few habits creates a clear path to savings.
When Should I Call a Professional?
Anything that you can’t immediately fix validates a service call. There are many ways to stop a running toilet, and most homeowners can change a showerhead. However, many problems need an expert’s tools and insight. Professionals streamline the new appliance process, may be able to fix rather than replace leaky taps, and can help you find suspected leaks.
When you know there’s a problem, but you don’t know where, call in the plumbers. Indoor leaks lead to structural damage, rot, mildew, mold, and insect infestations. Outdoor leaks may compromise your foundation or erode your land. An expert can help find and address the problem quickly, minimizing damage and secondary costs.
The Benjamin Franklin Promise
Don’t wait for another big water bill. Our plumbers aren’t just experts, they’re professionals, so they’re on time and ready to tackle the problem. If there’s any delay it’s YOU we pay. Reach out to Pensacola’s punctual plumbers with Benjamin Franklin today.
