My Water Bill is High, How Do I Check for Leaks?
Another day goes by, just like any other and you go out to the mailbox to get your mail. Your water bill came so you opened it expecting to see your normal charge. Holy smokes, you can’t believe what you are seeing. Your water bill is four times higher than normal. What do you do?
Go out to your water meter and look for the the leak indicator on the dial. Check to see if it is turning. The leak indicator is the smaller dial in the meter face. If you have the newest water meter it will be electronic instead and it will tell you if there is water moving.
Make sure you are looking at your meter by opening a faucet or a hose bib and watch the leak indicator for movement. If any water moves, the leak indicator will show it.
Once you have established that you are looking at the correct meter and you see the leak indicator moving, you will know that the water company did not make a mistake reading your meter and that you have a leak somewhere.
The most common fixture in your house to cause a high water bill is your toilet. Put a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank of all your toilets and wait 30 minutes to see if any color shows up in the toilet bowl.
While you are waiting, try turning off the main house valve to see if the water line underground from the meter to the house is the culprit. Keep checking your leak indicator.
If the water in your toilet bowl turns color this usually indicates a flapper that is not sealing and will need replaced.
If your toilets are clear, you may have a leak under your floor. One you can’t see, but if you listen very closely, you may here the sound of water running.
If this is the case, you more than likely will need the help of a plumbing professional. If you live in the Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch area, Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air will send a Florida State Certified Master Plumber out to your home for a free consultation and evaluation of all of your options.
We are available 24/7 at www.Loveyourplumber.com or call 941-322-1911
