Have you ever looked at your monthly water bill and wondered, “Why is it so high?” Good news—you’re not alone. Many Pennsylvania residents have experienced the shock of receiving an unexpectedly high water bill. For some homeowners, the cause is a visible and easily fixable leak. However, for others, there could be no visible signs as to why their water bill has significantly increased.
If you’re unsure, one of our plumbing contractors in Philadelphia, PA, can help assist with determining what’s causing your high water bill and find the best solution. Do a visual check for these signs, then call us for more help!
Leaks
Leaks in your home’s plumbing system may not always be visible, and even small hidden leaks can lead to a high water bill. Undetected leaks can occur in areas where you use the most water, such as the bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, and where your outdoor watering system is located.
Small leaks can add up over time, wasting gallons of water without the homeowner ever noticing. Unaddressed leaks could waste up to 180 gallons per week, which equals almost 9,500 gallons of wasted water annually. This excess water could significantly increase your water bill without you ever seeing evidence of a leak.
If your water bill is high and you have not seen any evidence of leaks, speak with a plumber for assistance locating the leak and have it repaired.
Dripping Faucets
Each time the faucet drips, one more drop is added to an accumulation of drops that can significantly increase your water bill. Our plumbers can address dripping faucets and provide a quick solution to reduce your water bill and save you money.
Running Toilets
Sometimes, a continuously running toilet seems insignificant, but when this occurs, it can waste hundreds of gallons of water daily. Most high water bills with no visible water leaks often involve one or two running toilets.
To check your toilet, flush it, and time how long it takes to flush it. If the whooshing sound the toilet makes lasts more than 20 or 30 seconds, there is a chance it is over-running. Another sign your toilet is over-running is hearing a hissing sound coming from the toilet.
Another method to check for an over-running toilet is a dye test using food coloring. Put a few drops in the toilet’s tank and wait 15 minutes. If the color from the tank has made its way into the bowl, it could be a sign of a slow leak from the take into the bowl.
Faulty Irrigation System
A faulty irrigation system can cause excess water loss, resulting in a higher water bill. Signs your irrigation system is the cause of the high water usage may include over-saturated areas of the yard caused by underground leaks or large amounts of water spraying out of the sprinklers caused by a missing sprinkler head. A malfunctioning timer could cause excess water usage and a high water bill.
Changes in Seasons
Water usage varies from season to season, which can cause a sudden increase in your home’s water bill. For example, during the summer, you may use more water for outdoor activities, such as filling pools, running sprinklers, and gardening.
Contact Our Team For The Best Solution
Many factors can cause a high water bill, some of which may be visible while others remain hidden behind walls and underground. If your water bill is too high, it is crucial that you contact Gaceta Plumbing to speak with one of our plumbers about the cause of the excess water usage. We offer comprehensive services, from plumbing solutions to water heater repair in Philadelphia and everything in between. Call our office today to schedule a consultation with one of our plumbing professionals.
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