Your residential plumbing system comprises two main components — a water supply system that transports clean and safe water to the faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures that facilitate water flow in your home, and a drainage system that carries wastewater out of the building and sends it to a private or public wastewater treatment facility.
While problems occurring in any part of your domestic plumbing deserve attention, some are more urgent than others and therefore are the most pressing to solve. If you're experiencing a sudden increase in your water bill and you can't attribute the issue to seasonal factors like having guests over for the holidays, watering the lawn, or filling the pool, there's a huge chance you're having problems with your water supply system, plumbing fixtures, or both.
Read along to familiarize yourself with some common plumbing issues that can cause your water bill to suddenly go up.
Leaky Water Pipes
All of the different types of pipes used for delivering potable water to American homes can develop leaks due to incorrect laying or high water pressure. Incorrectly installed pipes won't be able to withstand even the normal water pressure recommended for your domestic water supply. On the other hand, increased pressure inside the pipes can put a strain on the pipe joints, increasing the risk of leaks even if your water supply line is installed correctly.
If you're experiencing reduced water flow in your home or can see the signs of water escaping from your water supply pipes, it's best to turn off the water at the main water shutoff valve and get the issue addressed quickly. Since your water supply pipes are usually out of sight, a leak detection service might be required to determine the location of the leaks.
Leaky Plumbing Fixtures And Water Valves
Before assuming that leaky water supply pipes might be to blame for your spiking water bills, it is important to rule out more obvious culprits like leaky fixtures and valves. These plumbing components are usually more easily accessible than your water pipes and can be inspected without the help of a plumbing professional.
If you see any dripping faucets, showerheads, or water valves, fix them before shifting your attention to your water pipes.
Running Toilet
Does water from your toilet tank go into the bowl nonstop? If left unchecked, a continuously running toilet can waste several gallons of water per day.
If you hear or suspect that you have a running toilet, it's best to have the issue fixed right away. Some common factors that can cause the problem include a disconnected toilet handle, a leaky fill valve, a broken flapper seal, a faulty flush valve, and many more.
Plumbing problems that lead to high water bills are a real pain because they waste both water and money. If you encounter the above-highlighted or other plumbing issues that result in a huge water bill, contact a plumber that serves residents in your area.