Are your water bills higher than you expected? Perhaps you have noticed a big increase in recent months, or you have moved property and can’t understand why your new bills are much larger than your old ones.
Don’t worry, you are not alone. Below we will cover some of the most common culprits when it comes to increased water usage.
Leaking Taps
Leaking taps are often the most obvious cause of water wastage. Whilst it might not sound like much, a leaky tap can waste lots of water over time, on top of being irritating. Besides the constant dripping sound, other signs of a leaking tap can include water droplets on the base of the tap itself and droplets in the sink.
Some common causes of leaking taps can include worn-out washers, corrosion caused by mineral deposits, and loose fittings.
Replacing a washer can be a DIY job; however, it is always recommended to employ a plumber for anything more complex or if you are unsure of what you are doing. Especially if the tap itself potentially needs replacing.
You can prevent issues with taps occurring by regularly checking your taps for signs of wear and tear, avoiding overtightening the tap, and ensuring you install quality tap fittings.
Issues with Toilets
Toilets can often be the unassuming culprit of increased water bills. Common issues include toilets that continue to run beyond the flush, a weak flush requiring more water from additional flushing, or water leaking into the toilet also requiring additional flushes.
Common causes can include issues with the tank itself, clogged jets or low water levels in the tank, and warn-out chains/flappers. You could also be using an old toilet that might need upgrading to a more environmentally friendly model.
A plumber such as Plumbers and Gasfitters Bunbury can assist in identifying the issue with your toilet and repair or replace the culprit parts, or the toilet itself.
Hidden Leaks
Often the most common cause of a sudden increase in a water bill, hidden leaks can be a serious issue. Often these leaks occur out of sight in places such as behind walls, under floors or in the roof.
You can often tell you have a link by ensuring all taps and appliances that use water are. If you can then hear water running, or if your outside water meter is still ticking over, then there is a high chance you leak. Other identifying signs are mould in walls or under flooring, or water itself coming out of walls. Causes of these leaks can include incorrectly installed plumbing systems or ageing systems that have resulted in corrosion and rusting of the pipes.
If you have identified a leak, you should immediately turn off the water to your property at the mains and contact an emergency plumber, such as Plumbers and Gasfitters Bunbury. We have specialised tools to detect hidden leaks and can then work on repairing the cause.
Outdoor Leaks
It’s not just internal leaks that can cause excessive water bills. With our heat, we often have water running to sources outside of our properties; this includes pools and reticulation.
If you are certain you have no leaks inside of your house, test your reticulation system to ensure there are no leaks or broken sprinkler heads. If you own a pool, it is recommended that you check that there are no leaks there too.
Other places to check also include any outdoor taps that you may have. There can also be issues with your hot water system, which will require a professional plumber to investigate.
Get Help ASAP
If your water bill has increased significantly, don’t waste time and get the assistance of an emergency plumber, such as Plumbers and Gasfitters Bunbury, right away. Leaving a leak can cause additional damage and cost you much more than an expensive water bill or the costs of a repair if left. Contact our team to help with your expensive water bill today!
