After being steady for months or years, your water bill suddenly jumped for no apparent reason. This bizarre occurrence can often cause people to look suspiciously at their neighbors, but high water bills are not always the result of theft. Before you begin questioning neighbors, here are some common causes for high water bills.
Water Changes
Water usage can cause many changes in your water bills. Recent house guests may have increased water usage in your home by as much as three times. You might have started watering your lawns and flowerbeds again in the spring. You might have filled up your swimming pool more often or run water-cooled air conditioners frequently in the summer.
Faucet Leaks
Leakage from the faucet or toilet is another common reason for higher water bills. A continuously running toilet can actually waste up to 200 gallons of water per day. It should be a top priority. If you need help, we can provide Long Beach, CA plumbing services. Another issue that can lead to higher water bills is faucet leakage.
You should inspect the plumbing fixtures for any signs of mold, dampness, or deterioration. Check your hot water heater to make sure there are no leaks. Experts in plumbing agree that hot water heaters can be a source of potential leaks and should be inspected regularly.
Underground Leaks
Hidden water leakages can happen in hard-to-reach places like under your home or in your yard. You will need to inspect crawl spaces and outdoor spigots to find unusual wet spots in your yard. Our Long Beach plumbers are trained in water line inspection and repair. This is something you don’t want to do on your own.
Other Causes
Sometimes, there may be other causes that cause a spike in water bills. A water meter that is older may not be as reliable as one that is more recent. If you are unsure of the accuracy of your readings and have exhausted all other options, ask the water company for an inspection.
Leaks can lead to high water bills that accumulate. A dripping leak can use 450 gallons per month. Even a 1-inch leak can take over 114,000 gallons every month. We’re happy to help you if your water bill is on the rise and you have questions.