Are you suffering from water bill sticker shock? If your monthly water usage fee seems higher than it should be, there could be a problem with the plumbing in your home or on your property. Even small leaks can add up to a lot of wasted water over time (not to mention the damage they can cause to your home). Your water bill woes are most likely caused by one of these common culprits.
1. A Leaking Toilet
An improperly working toilet can cause an unduly high water bill. A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water every day it goes unrepaired. If you hear a hissing noise or another odd sound coming from your toilet, you could be dealing with a leak.
2. A Leaky Hose
Every time you water your lawn or garden, you might be wasting water (and money). Inspect the hoses and faucets around your property, along with any other related connections or components. If your faucet or hose is old, it might be time for a replacement.
3. Dripping Faucets
Leaky faucets inside the home are more than just the source of that annoying drip-drip-drip sound you may hear late at night. They can also be the reason for your scary water bill. Even a relatively small leak can cause serious water loss. According to EPA data, a one-drip-per-second faucet leak can waste over 3,000 gallons of water per year. For perspective, this is the equivalent of nearly 200 showers.
4. Broken or Damaged Pipes
Household leaks account for 900 billion gallons of wasted water each year. Keeping your plumbing in good repair helps preserve the planet's most precious resource and keeps your water bill low. Unlike faucet leaks, damaged pipes may not be as easy to detect. Regular plumbing inspections can help root out any errant plumbing components, stop water loss and prevent future issues.
5. Water-Wasting Habits
While leaky plumbing accounts for the majority of water loss issues, many of us could save money by improving our water use habits. Use water-wise tactics when planning and watering your landscape, and monitor the way your family uses water inside your home. For instance, don't leave the water running while you brush your teeth, and wait for a full load before doing dishes or laundry. Talk to your plumber about ways you can minimize water use, such as installing low-flow toilets.
For answers to your questions about leaks, home water conservation and other plumbing issues, contact The Pink Plumber today. Our experts are knowledgeable and friendly, and a portion of our profits go to breast cancer research.
