Why Is My Water Bill Suddenly So High? Common Plumbing Issues That Are Affecting Your Water Bill | Insight from Your Trusted Tomball, TX Plumbing Service

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If you recently opened your Tomball, TX water bill and almost kneeled over in shock, then there is a good chance you need to call your local plumbing service. An extremely high water bill that can't be explained is usually an indication that there is a problem with your plumbing system. If you fail to fix the problem, you will have to deal with a higher than usual water bill every month until you do. This can get costly very quickly, which I'm s why it is important to call in a plumbing company to investigate the minute you think something may be wrong with your system. 

Depending on what is causing the problem, the actual issue with your plumbing system could even turn into an emergency. At this point not only would you have to call for emergency help from a plumbing service, but the cost of your repairs and water bill will jump exponentially. As with most home problems, the quicker you get help the better the outcome. Here are just a few of the most common reasons your water bill may be high in Tomball, TX. Keep in mind that there are dozens of other reasons which is why it is wise to get input from a plumber with experience.

Leaking Toilet Flappers

Toilets are often the culprits of a shockingly high water bill. If one thing is off in the cycle a toilet can easily keep running which means it is wasting water all day without anyone knowing. The flapper is a common issue with toilets that are not functioning properly. If you look in the toilet tank you will see a large rubber plug near the bottom. If it is doing its job you will not hear any dripping sounds. If you do hear these sounds, they are indicative of a failing flapper. Some people put a small amount of food coloring into the tank and then check the bowl thirty minutes later. Colored water indicates that the flapper is leaking. A plumber can also help you diagnose the problem.

Leaks in the Toilet Overflow

The flapper is not the only component of the toilet that can go bad and cause your water bill to spike. A leak in the toilet overflow can also cause problems. Sometimes the overflow pipe is not able to properly function because the water is leaking over top of it. In this case, the ballcock valve simply needs to be adjusted which is an easy fix, but an expensive one if you don't seek the help of a plumbing service. You can test for this by placing some pepper over the toilet tank. If the pepper moves towards the center then this is an indication that the overflow is leaking. Like the flapper you want to have a plumber look at this quickly because as your water bill demonstrates, the expense of wasted water adds up quickly.

Leaking Faucets 

Toilets are not the only cause of a high water bill, leaky faucets in your home may be slowly consuming water without your knowledge. Even a faucet that is only dripping a little bit can waste massive gallons of water each month. Believe it or not, a faucet that is leaking one drip per second wastes 21 liters per day. That is why it is a good idea to call a Tomball, TX plumbing serviceright away if you notice any of your faucets leaking. Quick attention can save you massive amounts on your water bill.

While some people try to repair leaky faucets on their own, sometimes the issue is larger than just a loose fixture. If your faucets are leaking due to pressure issues or improper installation a professional plumber is the best way to resolve the issue once and for all.

Leaks Under Your Home 

If your toilet looks okay and you can't find any leaky faucets, there is a good chance that you have a hidden leak. Leaks can occur out of sight either under your home in the foundation or buried in the walls. Either way you will need a professional plumbing service to diagnose the problem.

A good way to determine if a leak is present is by shutting off the water main in your home. Make sure every single sink and water source is off in your home. Then walk outside and take a look at your water meter. If the meter is still running (the needle is jumping) then this is an indication that there is a leak. If the meter is still than a leak is not the problem. Either way you will need a plumbing service to determine why the bill is high, but a hidden leak is a bit more emergent.

A plumbing service can use their diagnostic tools to isolate where the leak is so that it can be handled regionally. While a hidden leak may seem like a large repair, plumbing services have tools that make it possible to repair a leak with minimal disruption to your home.

Broken Meter

While it is not usually the case, sometimes a broken water meter may be the reason that your water bill reading is off. If you suspect this may be the case and a plumbing service has already checked out your home for leaks, and was unable to find one, then it may be time to call your local water authority.

Seasonal Changes in Water Use

Keep in mind also that during different seasons water use can vary in your home. During the summer for example you may water your grass, fill kids’ pools, or wash your car more all of which can affect your water bill. If you cannot account for the change in your water bill, then it is time to call bluefrog Plumbing + Drain.