A water bill that keeps going up without any changes to your water-using habits can be frustrating. Trying to pinpoint the underlying cause may require professional help. Here are some reasons your water bill is so high.
Leaky or Running Toilets
A toilet that leaks or constantly runs can waste hundreds of gallons daily. The problem could stem from a worn-out flapper or a seal that doesn’t form a water-tight fit. The fill valve or float could also be the culprit. Replacing these parts is usually easy and inexpensive.
Dripping Faucets
A faucet that drips, even one that only leaks occasionally, might not seem like a big deal. Over time, though, it can lead to thousands of gallons of wasted water each year. Most faucet problems are the result of worn-out washers, O-rings or cartridges. You can maybe replace a faulty part, but in some cases, you’ll need to upgrade the whole faucet to fix the leak.
Underground Pipe Leaks
Unexplained wet spots in the yard and cracks in the pavement are clear signs of an underground leak. You may also notice low water pressure due to water escaping before it reaches the fixtures. A plumber can check the main water line and the surrounding soil conditions to determine what type of repair to make.
Faulty Irrigation Systems
Sprinklers do a great job at keeping the lawn green, but when something goes wrong, they can waste a lot of water. Sprinkler heads with cracks or poor seals may leak water, even when the system is off. A plumber can look at the valve connections and control settings to determine what solution is best.
Overwatering Lawns or Gardens
You have to be very careful when watering the lawn or garden. You don’t want to use too much water because it will raise your water bills and also compromise root health. Using a rain gauge or moisture meter can help you decide how much to water.
Water-Using Appliances in Poor Condition
Outdated or faulty water-using appliances, like dishwashers and washing machines, can use much more water than needed. If either of these appliances starts having longer cycles or poor cleaning performance, it’s probably time for an upgrade. Many of today’s high-efficiency models use smart sensors and precision cycles to save water and help lower utility bills.
Broken Water Softeners
A lot of homes in Beckley, WV deal with hard water problems. This is especially true for homes in the Maxwell Hill, Harper Road or Mabscott neighborhoods. Using a water softener is an effective way to improve water quality and reduce mineral buildup. But if the softener malfunctions or gets stuck, it can waste gallons of water during its regeneration cycle. Pooling water and inconsistent softening are warning signs that something is wrong. A plumber can inspect the softener to decide whether it needs a repair or replacement.
Leaking Water Heaters
Water leaks are common when a unit has a cracked tank or worn-out seals. These leaks not only waste tons of water but also cause severe property damage, especially to flooring, drywall and nearby fixtures. Replacing the tank or worn seals will usually fix the problem. In some cases, it might be best to replace the whole water heater. If you upgrade to a tankless unit, this decreases the risk of leaks because these models don’t store water in a tank.
High Water Pressure
You might like having high water pressure in the shower, but this can damage the rest of your plumbing. It can also cause fixtures to leak and banging pipes. Installing a pressure-reducing valve may fix the pressure issue.
Running Water While Brushing Teeth or Washing Dishes
You might find it tempting to leave the water running while you brush your teeth, but this habit wastes water. So does running the water in between rinsing the dishes. Keeping the water turned off during these times may save you several gallons of water each day. Over the period of several months, the savings can be quite noticeable on your water bills.
Extra Guests or Household Changes
Have you recently had guests over or added a new member to your household? If so, you must take into account all of the extra water they use. This will, of course, add to your water bill. Teaching everyone simple water conservation habits can help ensure your water costs stay manageable.
Filling Pools or Hot Tubs
Having a hot tub or swimming pool offers a lot of fun and relaxation throughout the year. Filling either of these features even once, though, can use thousands of gallons of water. If you recently filled one and your water bill jumped, that was likely the cause. Splashing and the evaporation of water may also result in having to do more refills, further driving up your costs.
Neglected Seasonal Maintenance
One of the worst things you can do if you’re trying to save water is neglect regular plumbing maintenance. There are several things you should check for as the seasons change. If you notice any leaks during the spring, you’ll need to act fast so the problem doesn’t worsen. Seeing signs of corrosion on exposed piping or outdoor spigots as the seasons change could point to aging pipes. With regular seasonal checkups, you’ll catch problems early before they turn into expensive leaks and repairs.
Improperly Set Timers on Sprinklers
Make sure to double-check the timer settings on any sprinklers or irrigation systems that you have. Setting them to run for too long or at the wrong times will waste water. You should never water after a heavy rain because it oversaturates the soil and needlessly uses water. Power outages can cause timer issues by resetting the schedule. Checking them every month will help prevent unnecessary water usage.
Hidden Leaks in Walls or Ceilings
A lot of leaks can occur in spots that you don’t immediately recognize. In fact, leaks under flooring and hidden behind walls can go on for months before you spot them. These types of leaks waste a lot of water and often cause major property damage. Checking for hidden leaks once a month will help you catch problems early. You can do this by looking for bubbling paint, mold spots, musty odors and soft drywall, or call a leak detection service.
Malfunctioning Water Meters
Sometimes, rising water bills have nothing to do with you or the home at all. The water meter may be giving inaccurate readings and charging you for water you didn’t use. Any time you think this might be what’s wrong, you’ll need to let your water company know. They can test the meter using flow rate comparisons and diagnostic equipment. If it turns out there’s an error with the meter, you may be able to request a billing adjustment or refund.
Childers Air Plumbing & Electric offers a variety of plumbing solutions to keep your home leak-free and energy efficient. We specialize in leak detection, pipe repairs, bathroom plumbing and more.
Contact Childers Air Plumbing & Electric now to schedule professional plumbing services in Beckley.
