Have your water bills been ridiculously high recently? Do you feel like you are trapped in a never-ending rotating wheel of high bills, leaving no choice but to live with and pay these incredibly high water bills? If this is something that resonates with you, don’t worry! Grove City Plumbing & Drain is ready and willing to help you understand and pinpoint 10 possible reasons why your water bill may be unseemly high. To help identify the culprit of your high water bills, here are some questions to help you:
DO YOU HAVE LEAKING A FAUCET OR VALVE?
We will start with those most common types of leaks first – faucets and valves. These are often left neglected and allowed to drip freely, resulting in raised water usage But did you know that a leaking water faucet with a drip of one drop per second can swiftly add up to about 20 liters of extra water consumption a day? Therefore, as a homeowner, you should make sure all faucets and valves can turn off completely, and none are able to drip when they are not being used.
DO YOU HAVE A LEAKING OR CONTINUOUSLY RUNNING TOILET?
Generally, a home’s toilet flushes take up about 25% of your home’s monthly water consumption. It makes sense since a single flush consumes around 1.6 gallons every time. But if you happen to have a leaking toilet, it might use up to 200 gallons daily! So, if your water bill is unreasonably high, it’s vital that every toilet in your house is checked and ruled out as a possible culprit.
DO YOU HAVE A LEAKING OR OLD WATER HEATER?
Thirdly, it would be wise to inspect the base of your water heater for puddles or leaks that may have accumulated around it. Furthermore, if your water heater is aged, it may be time to start considering upgrade options before it completely gives up and goes out.
DO YOU HAVE A LEAKING WASHING MACHINE?
Have you thought about your washing machine? If not, you should rule that out. Often, washing machines go overlooked – most especially if puddles have not formed in the front of the washing machine. Therefore, it’s wise to glance behind the washing machine. You’re looking for any previously unidentified leaks that may have gone unnoticed due to those notorious missing pairs of socks and other missing-in-action laundry items that may have soaked up any signs of your leaking washing machine, preventing you from spotting the issue in the process.
DO YOU HAVE A LEAKING DISHWASHER?
Now, on to the dishwasher. Dishwashers are tad bit trickier to pinpoint a leak as dishwashers are typically encased inside kitchen cabinets and counters. However, dishwasher leaks can be identified by recognizing where warping, discoloration, or water staining may have occurred. These will form on the surrounding floor, cabinets, or walls, in the nearby vicinity of the dishwasher.
DO YOU HAVE AN OUTDOOR LEAK?
Outdoor leaks – they too often go undetected for long periods of time. So, we recommend making sure all outdoor faucets and valves are turned off when not in use. Additionally, it’s also a good idea to confirm there are no holes or openings in your garden hose. And finally, you should scan your driveway and curb area to check if there is a steady stream of water or maybe a formed puddle that could potentially assist you in narrowing down the location of the outdoor leak.
DO YOU HAVE AN UNDERGROUND LEAK?
Don’t let the potential of an underground leak sneak past you. Just because you can’t see them, does not mean that they are not there. If you suspect that the source of your water problems lies underground, it’s time to call a licensed plumber for a professional assessment.
DO YOU HAVE A WATER SOFTENER THAT IS CHARGED TOO HIGH?
Next, let’s think about your water softener. If you don’t have one in your home, you can skip over this point if you’d like. However, if you do own one, you should check for leaks or overflow. In addition, the water softener’s settings should be inspected to ensure it is regenerating every week at a regular rate. Furthermore, if you feel like testing it more, try setting the water softener on “bypass” and then check your water meter to see if it stopped working.
DO YOU HAVE A FURNACE HUMIDIFIER ON A HIGH SETTING?
Though your furnace is HVAC related, it has a drain line that obviously connects to your plumbing system. It’s possible that this drain line may have become clogged and backed up as a result. Occasionally, loose debris, dust particles, or even mineral deposits can build up and accumulate. Keep this from reoccurring in the future by frequently confirming that your furnace’s drain line stays clean and clear of obstructions.
DO YOU USE ANY SEASONAL ITEMS THAT REQUIRE WATER?
Have you recently got a swimming pool in the past season? Maybe you use a jacuzzi, or you refill several kiddie pools often to keep your kids entertained or to provide a cool place for your pets. Maybe your family enjoys several outdoor water toys, like splash pads, slip n’ slides, etc. Seasonal water items are often the forgotten contributors to water consumption woes. But if this doesn’t apply to you and if you don’t own a swimming pool or use other water-related items, then it’s time to think over what other water sources may be a factor in your high water consumption. Another determining factor could be yard sprinklers, or maybe you water your garden and plants often. This can absolutely be the cause for the spike in your water bill!
High water bills can be overwhelming. But you don’t have to settle paying for your crazy high water bills without at least knowing the reason why. Bear in mind, that the average family of four usually consumes up to 200 gallons of water a day, which equates to an estimation of 50 gallons per family member daily. For this reason, reducing your overall water consumption and taking care of water leaks is crucial to reducing your water bill. If you have more questions, or perhaps you have a plumbing problem that needs our expertise, feel free to contact us. You Grove City & Drain local service experts can be reached at (614)-362-3345, or you can schedule an appointment online by clicking here! We would feel privileged to handle all your plumbing needs!