Why Is My Water Bill So High? Common Plumbing Issues That Could Be Costing You

No one likes to find a surprise bill coming through the door, especially one for the bare necessities of life. You take care to keep your consumption at a reasonable, affordable level and that makes it feel even more unfair when the utilities keep rising.

Keep an eye on these seven likely causes of water-waste in your home and you could make some serious savings.

Leaky Faucets: Small leaks, big costs 

Drip. Drip. Drip. That’s the sound of water and financial waste running down your sink. While you might think that a little dripping from a faucet doesn’t waste much water, it adds up a lot faster than you might guess. Put it like this: one little drip a second might waste anything up to 3000 gallons over the course of a year.

Luckily, most leaky faucets are fairly easy to fix. The most common problems are things like worn-out washers and faulty seals, both of which can generally be fixed after a quick visit to the hardware store. Simply turn off the water, dissemble the faucet and replace the worn parts before putting it all back together.

If you’re worried that it might be something more complex than replacing like-for-like, call a professional and licensed plumber.

Running Toilets 

A running toilet is probably the most common form of hidden water waste. It’s also potentially one of the worst: they can waste hundreds of gallons in a single day if not addressed.

There are a few potential problems that could cause water waste. A faulty flapper, problems with the fill-valve or a chain that’s been set too short or too long are all likely sources of waste.

Luckily, they’re generally easy to fix. Open your cistern and take a look at what’s causing the running water, replacing any parts which have become worn or loose and making any adjustments you might need.

Again, if you’ve taken a look and can’t work it out, reliable plumbing services are only ever a call away.

Hidden Pipe Leaks 

While the saying may go “out of sight, out of mind” a hidden leak should be at the forefront of any homeowner’s thoughts. This is especially true when water bills are spiking for no apparent reason.

Much of our plumbing is tucked away behind walls and under floors. This means that it’s not always immediately obvious when something has gone wrong.

Whether it’s a pipe that’s cracked after a freeze, a root finding its way where it shouldn’t or just old and corroded pipework, there will usually be signs. Be on the lookout for:

• Damp spots
• Reduced water pressure
• Mold growth
• Skyrocketing bills

If you suspect a leak has sprung up in an inaccessible location, call in a plumber right away. They’ll have the knowledge and equipment to narrow it down and fix it.

Irrigation System Leaks 

Sprinklers and underground pipes can help you get the lush garden you’ve always wanted, but they can also be a source of tremendous waste. While a leaky sprinkler head is probably pretty obvious (it’s the one sitting in the puddle), other problems can be hidden away underground. As these systems are designed to put out huge amounts of water, it’s no great surprize that they can also waste it when it goes wrong.

The more often your system runs, the worse the problem is likely to be too. That’s why it’s important to keep on top of the maintenance routine. Check for things like:

• Soggy areas along the length of any underground pipes
• Pooling water
• Signs of wear and damage to sprinkler heads

Scheduling a regular inspection from a professional will ensure you can enjoy that lush lawn without the unexpected bills.

Old or Faulty Appliances 

As technology advances, the tendency has been for appliances to get more and more efficient. Modern machines use less power and, crucially, less water to get the job done than their older counterparts. Dishwashers, washing machines and even water heaters have come a long way in recent years. If you decide that it’s time for an upgrade, Energy Star and WaterSense labels let you know what you’re buying will offer peak performance.

Even if you’ve got the latest model, efficiency can be fleeting. If you’re noticing longer cycles, slower performance or even puddles forming, something is going wrong and you’re paying for it. While some issues can be sorted by running a cleaning cycle or draining the tank, others will require professional intervention.

Water Pressure Problems 

It’s basic math: high pressure means high usage.

While higher pressure certainly has its benefits (no one enjoys an anaemic shower), it can also be a key source of water waste. Not only does it mean that more water than necessary is flowing when you turn on the tap, it can seriously damage your plumbing and appliances.

Signs like leaky faucets, banging pipes and toilets that seem to fill too quickly are all warnings of waste. If you’re experiencing any of these, it’s worth considering getting your plumber to install a pressure regulator. These will help you prolong the life of your pipework and appliances and save you some serious cash.

Worn-Out Fixtures 

Older fixtures like faucets, showerheads and toilets generally use a lot more water than newer models. Technology has advanced here every bit as much as it has with more complex appliances like washing machines and water heaters.

If you’ve got older fixtures and are looking to save on your utilities, upgrading can be a simple way to do it. Low flow faucets for example use about 1.5 gallons per minute vs the 2.2 common to standard models. Over the course of a year, this means you could save up to 700 gallons without using your faucet any less. Just like with appliances, it’s worth keeping your eyes peeled for WaterSense labelled toilets and showers.

Best of all, you should notice an immediate reduction in those nasty bills after the upgrade.