3 Small Leaks That’ll Raise Your Water Bill

Water leaks are disasters waiting to happen, both financially and property wise. What starts out as a small, unassuming trickle can lead to water damage, mold, higher utility bills, and even a flood of water if it’s not addressed properly and promptly.

When that day comes, full service plumbing repairs will be the only answer. In the meantime, it’s estimated that 10% of homes have minor leaks, and those “minor” leaks can waste 90 gallons or more water every day. On top of that, household leaks can cost 10% more in water bills, which can add up fast.

But how do you know if you have a leak in the first place?

You could call your local plumber and ask for a thorough plumbing diagnosis and inspection to check for any hidden plumbing problems. If any issues are found, then your local plumber will be able to tell you the estimated costs of repair. This is a good option if you know or suspect you have a leak already. But there are also easy ways to tell if you have leaks yourself.

Here are three common household leaks to watch for:

Leaking Toilet

To see if your toilet is leaking, simply add a few drops of food coloring to the tank. Leave it for several minutes, at least 10 or more, and then return to it. If any of the food coloring has moved to the bowl of the toilet, you have a leak. This is usually caused by a faulty flapper or rubber valve seal, which is an easy repair for a licensed plumber or DIY expert.

Leaking Faucet

This one is easy to spot. If your faucet is dripping or leaking water around the base of the fixture, then it’s leaking. And a leaking faucet can add up to a lot of wasted water. These common leaks are generally caused by a worn faucet washer or gasket. Another simple repair for your average licensed plumber.

Leaking Showerhead

This one is a little more serious. Depending on the cause of the issue, it might be best to just call in a professional right away. A good home-trick is to tighten the connection between the showerhead and the pipe stem, but if that doesn’t stem the flow, call your local plumbing company right away.

Many plumbing issues are rather simple and don’t require full service plumbing repairs, but for those that do, it’s best to catch them before they occur. Even a small leak can lead to mold or water damage that can cost a fortune to repair. Noticing small signs like leaks and a suddenly increased water bill can do wonders in preventing issues before they take a turn for the worse.

Remember: when in doubt, don’t hesitate to call your local plumbing company!