Water can be a vital resource that can prove costly for homeowners and renters. Not only is it annoying financially, but it also means that precious water is being lost. Environmental Protection Agency states that residential plumbing leaks can cause water losses of approximately 10,000 gallons per year and that 10% of homes lose more than 90 gallons every day. It is important to quickly identify the cause of a higher water bill. Here are some ways to reduce your water bill.
Ten Reasons to Pay a High Water Bill
Toilet Leaks
American households consume 31% of their water daily. It is not surprising that toilets account to a large portion of this consumption – 6,000 gallons per month and hundreds of dollars on the water bill.
Two ways can you detect a leaky toilet:
- Look out for an unusual sound. You can check for a leaky pipe by going up to the toilet and looking for a hissing sound . You should inspect the tank flapper, connections to water lines, and seals if you hear this noise.
- You can use a powdery dye to detect a leaky toilet tank. You will need to add a few drops food coloring to the tank. After that, wait 15-20 minutes for the dye to dry on the bowl. Leakage will cause water to flow into your bowl from the tank. This indicates that the trapway is not sealed properly.
These leaks can be caused by a damaged flapper in your toilet tank. This simple fix is easy and takes only a few minutes.
Fixtures and Leak Faucet
Leaky fixtures and faucets can lead to significant increases in your water bills. The severity and rate of leakage will determine how much water is wasted. For example, a leaking faucet that leaks approximately one drop per second could waste 17 gallons of water each day. It is easy to repair a leaking faucet. Turn off the water and inspect for leakage.
You can find a leak by inspecting your shower-heads and faucets. Faucet leaks are most commonly caused by a defective rubber washer on the faucet handle. Turn off water supply to leaky faucet. Unscrew the handle and remove the bad washer. This will usually stop leaks.
Dishwashers and washing machines that leak
It may be in your best interests to have your washing machine repaired if it is leaking. Many homeowners don’t know that the washers are leaking because they are often hidden in corners and closets. Look for evidence of water leaks under your washer. High-efficiency washers can be a great option. They use half the water of previous models and require less water.
Irrigation Water Leaks
Leakages can occur indoors in many cases. A line break or weak junction could cause water to escape from a landscaping irrigation system even though it is off.
It can be difficult to find leaks in irrigation systems, especially if they are underground. To identify leaks, look for areas of your lawn that appear particularly moist or lush compared to the surrounding area. These leak indicators are similar to lateral line signs. This type of leak can be repaired by hiring a professional Long Beach Plumber. He will locate the leak and replace or repair the damaged irrigation lines.
Lateral Line Leaks
If one of your metered connections to water has a crack, or lose joint, it is possible for pipe leaks or cracks to develop. This can happen for a variety reasons including pipe age, seismic activity and tree root penetration.
Although it is similar to an irrigation leakage, this problem is often far more serious. Your utility bill may indicate excess water consumption. This could help you determine if the leak is in your irrigation pipe or your lateral water supply pipe.
Calling a professional Long Beach Plumber is the best way to fix these leaks. A professional plumber in Long Beach, CA will be able to provide the best solution for you, including a standard trench or replacing trench-less pipe liner, or pipe burst.
Toilets and Fixtures
Many homes are rich in history. This is evident in many plumbing fixtures. Recent innovations in water fixtures include new models of aerators for faucets and low-flow toilets that save water, as well as water-saving shower heads. It’s not usually an issue right away; it is more often an issue with the house that makes you pay more water than you originally intended.
Ask the seller or agent when you are considering purchasing a property. Find out if the plumbing fixtures were updated since the building of the property.
Seasonal changes and water consumption
Increased water consumption can be caused by seasonal changes, particularly in summer. Summer vacation is when more family members are active and sweat more. This will mean more watering of lawns and plants, as well as more children playing at home. They may be cooled by air conditioners; they may also need to be drained.
Visitors to Your Home
Even though you may not be aware of it, a small change in your home can make a big difference in how much your utility bills will go down. Consider inviting a guest or family member to your home. This is particularly true during holidays when children are away on vacation and return home or when their friends or relatives are visiting them.
You can prevent or reduce a significant increase in water use by planning ahead and budgeting for increased water consumption in specific months or as long as you have an extra person living in your home.
Bad Water Habits
Overconsumption of appliances and household utilities is often a reason for an increase in water bills. These are some examples of such practices:
- Top-loading washing machine use up to 200% less water than front-loading machines.
- Overwatering lawns, overusing potable water, and using unmonitored recreational equipment and toys.
- Showers lasting more than five minutes can lead to water waste of up to 2.5 gallons per minute.
- Use running water to remove frozen meats and goods from the freezers, rather than using hotter, more appropriate periods.
- It is wasteful to leave the water running while you are shaving or brushing your teeth.
Defective Water Softener Systems
Water softener system should be washed with fresh water regularly to allow them to regenerate. The backwash valve could become stuck in an open position and water can be squandered in the sewage system indefinitely. What was the end result? The end result? You should contact a professional if you suspect that your water softener is having problems.