Common Culprits Behind High Water Bills
If your daily water habits haven't changed, look for these common plumbing issues:
- Running Toilets: A leaking toilet flapper or fill valve is the number one cause of high water bills, wasting up to 200 gallons per day. Many toilet leaks are silent.
- Leaking Faucets & Showerheads: A slow drip (one drop per second) wastes over 3,000 gallons per year. Replacing worn washers or cartridges resolves this quickly.
- Slab Leaks: A leak in the copper pipes beneath your home's concrete slab foundation. Look for warm spots on the floor, damp carpets, or the sound of running water when faucets are off.
- Main Underground Water Line Leak: A leak in the line running from the water meter to your home. Watch for soggy patches in your yard or water pooling on the driveway.
How to Perform a Simple Water Meter Test
To check if you have an active leak, turn off all faucets, showers, and water-using appliances in your home. Locate your water meter box (usually near the street curb) and open the lid. Look at the flow indicator (often a small red triangle or star wheel). If that indicator is spinning while all water is shut off, you have an active leak. Call a licensed plumber to perform professional leak detection to pinpoint its location.