We all depend so heavily on our appliances everyday. You do a load of laundry, wash some dishes, or turn the shower on without even thinking about it.
That is until you open the water bill and get sticker shock from looking at the price.
So, what changed if you haven’t increased your water usage?
If your bill is higher than normal, it probably means you’ve got a leaking, or malfunctioning appliance somewhere in the house.
A leaking appliance is bad for several reasons: you’re spending more money, wasting more water, and creating a recipe for water damage and mold.
According to the EPA, fixing household water leaks can save homeowners about 10 percent on their water bills.
In this article, we’re going to explain how you can check for leaks and identify the most common culprits behind them so you can avoid a surprise bill in the mail.
How to Check For Leaks
According to Regent Restoration, a Plano water damage restoration company, there are a couple of methods to identify if you have a leak in the event you can’t find the appliance or fixture in question.
- Turn off all water-based appliances, including irrigation systems, and jot down the number on your water heater. Wait an hour to take another reading. If the meter number has gone up, this means you have a leak in your house.
- If you still can’t determine if you have a leak, call a restoration company or a plumber. Most restoration companies have leak detecting equipment, like moisture meters and infrared cameras, that allow them to pinpoint where the leak is coming from.
Now, let’s talk about which fixtures are common causes for household leaks…
Culprit #1: Leaking Sink Faucets
Drip. Drip. Drip. We’ve all heard the annoying sound of a leaky faucet before, which is why it tops our list as one of the main causes of leaks.
A leaky faucet might seem like a minor inconvenience but it’s costly. According to the EPA, A leaky faucet can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year.
Old or damaged rubber faucet washers are often the cause behind leaking sink faucets.
Thankfully, this is a pretty easy fix. To fix it, shut off the water, unscrew the handle and replace the washer.
Culprit #2: Leaking Toilets
Do you hear a constant running sound coming from your toilet? That annoying sound that’s keeping you up all night is the sound of water trying to fill up in the tank, but it isn’t able to.
Experts have discovered that a continuously running toilet can waste up to200 gallons of water per day.
Not only will that cost you some peace and quiet, but an extra chunk of money when the water bill comes in!
Most often, a malfunctioning toilet flapper in the tank is the main cause of leaks. To fix this, go to your hardware store to find a replacement flapper piece and install it. There are plenty of easy-to-follow tutorials online.
Culprit #3: Shower head Leaks
A leaking shower head is another possible source for a high water bill.
Another not-so-fun fact from the EPA states that a leaky shower head wastes more than 500 gallons of water per day.
Make sure there is a tight connection between the shower head and the water pipe. If there’s not you’ll need to purchase pipe tape in order to secure it. Pipe tape can be easily found at any local hardware store.
Wrapping Up
When leaks go unnoticed they cost consumers in high utility bills, and sometimes, costly water damage repair expenses. For this reason, it’s important to make it a habit to regularly check your water-based appliances and fixtures.
Not only will you do your part to save water and the environment, but most importantly, save some cash!
