Why is My Water Bill so High?

High Water Bills Can be the First Sign of Plumbing Problems.

Have you been getting seemingly high water bills lately? It could be a sign of an undetected pipe leak or issues with the faucets, toilets, and valves in your home. Being aware of your water usage is good way to monitor the health of your water supply pipes and fixtures. A high water bill is often the first sign that you have a plumbing problem.

Unusually high water bills are almost always an indication of undetected leaks in your water supply pipes, dripping faucets, or toilets that are slowly but constantly running. In addition, homes with concrete slabs may have pipes leaking under the foundation. Since, this can erode away the sub structure and cause extensive damage it should be addressed immediately.

Older properties with copper or galvanized steel pipes are especially susceptible to corrosion and failure. There are many instances where property owners have had this problem. They lose hundreds of thousands of gallons of water beneath the slab and don’t know it. As a result they receive a water bill in excess of $1000. The local water departments rarely have mercy in these cases.

Plumbing Inspections & Repairs

If you suspect you may have a leak contact a licensed local plumber to diagnose the issue. They can inspect your plumbing for obvious signs of failure. They can also pinpoint hidden leaks using ultra-sonic leak detection devices. After discovering the source of the leak the plumber can best advise on the method of repair. Based on the age and type of pipe, a whole water house re-pipe may be recommended.

Furthermore, it is a good idea to have a plumber inspect your home every couple years. This will help avoid problems that may cause costly damage to your home. Upon inspection the plumber will check the condition of your water supply pipes, drains, water heater, valves, and faucets. For a complete inspection they can also check the condition of your sewer lines via video inspection. Like they say: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. Remember to always hire a licensed, insured, and bonded plumber to have the peace of mind and guarantees your local “handy man” will not be able to provide.

Who’s Got Plumbing??? We all do! See ya soon.