High Water Bills – Problems With Potential Leaks

What Are The Possible Causes Of A High Water Bills In Murrieta?

High water bills are unfortunately something that many of the residents have been experiencing, many unknown factors could be contributing to your high water bills, and depending on where you live could offer some insight. One of the best ways to curtail future high water bills is to check the outside meter while all the water is turned off in the house. The number one cause of excessively high water bills is leaked.

One of the biggest sources of high water bills is the use of an irrigation system and one of the biggest offenders of high water bills is the toilet. A leading cause of high water bills is a leak in the toilet tank, this typically results from worn parts or improper ailment of some part of the flushing mechanism.
Most of the time, the cause of such high water bills is a water leak and even a small leak in your garden hose can bump up the water billOne of the main causes of high water bills is a toilet that is not functioning properly and another cause of unexpectedly high water bills is leaking pipes and a toilet that is not functioning properly.

High Water Bill? Causes and Solutions

You need to consider the month and hot weather when you have a high water bill. If it is a summer month, then water usage is usually always higher. Is there more people in your home taking showers and washing clothes? Did you recently plant a garden that needs lots of water? Did you fill your swimming pool recently? Have you been watering your lawn excessively? Do you clean your porch or patio with the garden hose? Consider everything.

If your bill is over what it normally is for that particular month, you may have a leak. The best way to find out if you have a leak is by using your water meter. Meters have an indicator that shows when water is flowing. You will need to turn off every water source in your home to do this test. Turn off bathtubs, showers, faucets, etc. Be sure major appliances are not running while you do this test. That means do not use the dishwasher or washer at this time.

Possible water leaks could be:
1. Garden irrigation lines.
2. Water spigot valve on outside of house.
3. A leaking toilet valve.
4. A water line under or around your home.

The above types of water leaks are difficult to spot. (besides leaky toilet) Check everywhere possible and do your best to find where the water may be leaking. If you find the leak, repair it if possible or call the city or utility company if it’s a water line issue. Some city’s are responsible for this and some are not. If the water leak is under your home, a professional will need to access your situation. Read more here.

High water bills can be an indication of a leak in your plumbing system, leaks can waste hundreds of gallons per day if left un-repaired and fixing them is usually simple and inexpensive.

Managing Leaks & High Water Bills

Did you know that 90% of all high water bills are caused by a leak? Repairing simple household leaks could save you hundreds of dollars on your water bill every month.

• The average U.S. home can leak enough water in one year to fill a backyard swimming pool.
• Fixing easy-to-correct leaks can trim as much as 10% off of your water bill.
• Household leaks are the cause of 90% of high water bills.
• A toilet leak is the most common household leak; it is usually caused by a worn- out toilet flapper.
• A constantly running toilet can waste 200 gallons of water per day.

Remove the old flapper:

• Turn off the water supply to your toilet.
• Flush the toilet; the tank should empty and will not refill.
• Remove the lid from the tank, and gently place it on a soft towel.
• Remove the bowl refill tube (a) from the overflow tube.
• Remove the chain from the flush lever.
• Slide the old flapper (b) up and off the overflow tube (c). Note the toilet manufacturer and the model number to purchase the correct replacement flapper

Install the new flapper:

• Slide the new flapper down over the overflow tube until the ring touches the bottom of the tank; adjust the bulb of the flapper so that it is centered on the valve opening.
• Attach the chain to the flush lever; adjust the length if necessary. See more here.

You may think you have received a high bill when in fact your new charges are in line with your previous bills and many households have some kind of plumbing leak, which can waste a surprising amount of water.

Ways to Dispute High Water Bills

Water bills can fluctuate slightly from month to month, but a dramatic increase in your water bill over those of previous months warrants your attention. If your water usage has not changed substantially, you may choose to dispute the higher bill. Review your usage, check for leaks or meter problems and gather previous months’ bills to support your case. Work with your local water provider to resolve the discrepancy.

Rule Out Leaks or Plumbing Problems
A leak can cause your water usage to jump. Do visual checks of toilets, sinks, showers and outdoor water connections to rule out obvious leaks. Ask the utility for a kit to test for hidden leaks in plumbing, or purchase one at a hardware store. If no leaks are discovered, request a review of the bill. Have your previous months’ bills available for reference. Be prepared to request a specific action — such as a reduction of the excessive bill to your average rate or an investigation by authorized personnel.Review Monthly Usage
A jump in your water bill may reflect actual changes in usage. Your bill should return to normal when the usage drops back down. If the high bill does not coincide with a period of increased usage, work with the utility to resolve the discrepancy. Be prepared to show previous months’ bills, canceled checks and meter readings. Look at a recent bill to find the phone number and mailing address for disputed residential bills and follow the instructions for filing a complaint. You may be required to request an investigation in writing, describing why you think the bill is incorrect and providing documentation supporting your claim. Read full article here.

High Water Bills Can Be Caused By Many Different Reasons

High water bills can also indicate high water pressure because appliances in your home will be constantly running, and you will waste more water when your water pressure is excessive. Most high water bills are caused by service line leaks, faucet or toilet leaks, or outside use greater than previous years due to hotter or dryer weather. High water bills can be contributed to other things besides slab leaks.

High water bills can be caused by many things, but if there is a sudden lurch and nothing to explain it, you very well may have a problem with leaking pipes or fixtures. High water bills can be an accumulating problem, particularly if they are due to leaks. Residents with high water bills can turn to leak detection services to make sure home plumbing systems are leak-free and performing at efficient levels. You may contact us here: (951) 319-2353 for more information.

Related Articles:
Solving Low Water Pressure In Your Home
A Water Pressure Regulator In Your Home

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