In today’s economic environment, there are financial stressors as grocery prices rise and filling your gas tank weekly hurts. Inflation is upsetting even the most carefully thought-out budgets, so when a sky-high water bill appears in your inbox, you have every right to shudder.
In this article, we will examine water bills and uncover why yours may suddenly be higher than normal. We then offer some practical steps homeowners can take to reduce their water consumption and how a yearly plumbing inspection could save you from unusually high water bills.
What Is A Water Bill?
Every month your water supplier sends you a bill charging you a certain amount for the water you used the previous month. If you have a private well rather than a public water supplier, this does not refer to you.
The usage is billed by the number of gallons that enter your home, and that amount is recorded by your water meter. Water meters are located where the municipal water line connects to your home and, assuming it works properly, will record the water you use.
Reasons Why Your Bill May Be High
There are many reasons why a water bill may suddenly skyrocket. Perhaps your water company increased the money they charge you per gallon, or your meter is malfunctioning. Assuming these two causes are not to blame, we will look at other causes of high water bills.
Leaks
Leaks are the number one cause of suddenly increasing water bills, and these leaks can be difficult to detect. Here are places you can inspect when looking for leaks.
Running Toilet
After you flush your toilet, the water inlet valve refills the tank preparing it for future flushings. If the watertight seal between the tank and the bowl is compromised, the water can continuously run, wasting water. It is estimated that 30% of a homeowner’s water usage comes from flushing toilets, so wasting water here is serious.
Dripping Faucet
A slow dripping faucet may seem inconsequential, but over time this minor drip can accumulate into big losses. There are online drip calculators, and you would be shocked to see the water waste result of a slow drip.
Pipes
Pipes that leak are the biggest wasters of water mostly because the majority of plumbing pipes in your home are hidden from view. This means a small leak, such as a pinhole leak frequently associated with copper piping, can release water into the substructures of your home for a long period of time. This can lead to costly repairs and a threat to the health of your family.
You Are Wasting Water
Unknowingly people waste water in subtle ways that never cross their awareness. Here we will list ways we see customers waste water in their homes.
Outdoors/Landscaping
Poorly maintained water features such as spas or pools can cause homeowners to use more water than normal. Irrigation systems that are allowed to run on a predetermined schedule may lead to watering flower beds in the rain and those not properly controlled can leave the majority of the water landing on driveways and patios.
Bathroom
Besides the already discussed running toilet, there are other ways people waste money in the bathroom.
Running water until a hotter temperature is reached, taking longer showers, using the toilet as a trash can and frequently flushing it, and running water while brushing your teeth or shaving are all common ways we unknowingly waste water while using the bathroom.
Kitchen And Laundry
Improper food waste disposal often leads to clogged pipes. These clogs prevent the passing of wastewater, so excess pressure builds up inside the drain pipe, stressing the pipe connections. Loose joints lead to leaking, and we know the damage a leaking pipe can cause.
Prerinsing dishes before they go into the dishwasher is another waste of water since modern machines are designed to remove food particles from even heavily soiled dishes. Also, running the dishwasher when partially full is just as bad as running the washing machine with only a few items to be cleaned.
Hot Water Heater
Water heaters are prone to corrosion and rusting, and it is essential to maintain these to ensure good water pressure and consistent water temperatures and to keep them from leaking.
Old Appliances And Fixtures
Outdated appliances and fixtures are energy wasters and can use more water than is necessary. Newer models use state-of-the-art technology to reduce water usage and protect our limited natural resources.
What You Can Do
High-Efficiency Appliances
Upgrading your fixtures and appliances to high-efficiency models will help. Look for those with the EnergyStar rating to ensure your new products are as effective as possible.
Tankless Water Heaters
Consider replacing outdated tank-style water heaters with energy-efficient tankless models. Not only do they supply unlimited hot water using far less floor space, but they also eliminate the energy waste from heating standby water.
Low Flow Or Dual-Flush Toilets
Low or dual-flush toilets use less water per flush and dual-flush allows the homeowner to decide when a more robust flush is necessary.
Smart Irrigation
These systems allow for remote operation and monitor moisture to ensure no water is wasted. The improved nozzle coverage allows for precise coverage with no water being wasted on hard surfaces.
Water Detection Devices
Installing water detection devices alerts homeowners when a possible water emergency is occurring. This allows them to respond quickly to reduce water loss and damage and
Can be preprogrammed to turn off the water supply in the event of a disaster.
Enroll In Yearly Maintenance
There is no better way to monitor your plumbing system and look for ways you may be unintentionally wasting water than enrolling in a yearly maintenance plan. Ongoing inspections guarantee you are doing your part to prevent waste and excess expenditures.
Looking To Reduce Your Water Charges?
We offer yearly plumbing inspections to help you reduce water usage and stop contributing to environmental conditions that compromise our future.
We are the plumber recognized for eco-friendly tips and support to help you make your home energy-efficient and up-to-date and to provide outstanding and reliable plumbing services.
We care about our customer’s safety and comfort and know how to help them maintain a home that is in great working order while participating in water conservation efforts. Give us a call to learn more!
Need an emergency plumber in Orange County? Contact us today!
