Have you noticed a dramatic spike in your water bill? There can be many common causes for this that are often easily avoided and repaired. At Mr. Plumber, we want to help you find practical reasons and solutions to all of your home’s plumbing needs.
First, let’s figure out where your leak might be occurring in your home and then consider solutions.
Especially during the summer months while kids are home more often, your water bill could inevitably increase because more water is being used. Some repairable problems include a leaking toilet, dripping faucet, filling up a swimming pool, or even watering the lawn. While all of these utilities need to be used in a home, there are solutions to decreasing your monthly water consumption.
Changes in home
If you recently had house guests, started watering your lawn more, or your kids are home for the summer then all of these could cause a significant spike in your water bill. An average family of four uses 160-200 gallons of water per day and the transition of seasons can affect it greatly.
Check for out of reach leaks
Leaks can occur in hard to see places of your home such as under your house in those difficult to reach crawl spaces. Parker & Sons understands the amount of damage that a home can sustain from undetected leaks, which is why we specialize in leak detection services. Outdoor irrigation systems and faucets can easily leak, so be sure to check that they are completely turned off after watering. Unusual wet spots in your lawn can also serve as an indicator for leaks in your sprinkler system.
Toilet and faucet leaks
If you notice your toilet or faucet making a constant dripping or running noise this could be a cause for concern. A dripping toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water a day which can significantly increase your water bill. There are also toilet leaks that cannot easily be heard, so pay close attention to any unusual behavior with your commode. In order to properly check if your toilet is leaking and not making noise, take the lid off of the toilet and flush it completely while waiting for it to refill with water. Drop a couple of food dye drops into the tank and wait 15-20 minutes, if there is any color in the toilet bowl after this time then you have a leak. Fixing toilet leaks on your own may seem like a simple DIY project, but it is always best to leave bathroom repair services to the professionals, to lower your chances of creating further damage to your plumbing system.
Irrigation Systems
A broken irrigation system can waste even more water than a leaky faucet or toilet. During the summertime, homeowners typically double the amount of time they water their lawn. If they use a programmed, automatic sprinkler system then damages to it could be even more costly. Overwatering and watering too often could lead to dramatic increases in your water bill. Regular reprogramming is necessary to ensure that unnecessary water is not leaking from the sprinkler heads or the underground system.
Water Softeners
Many people have water softeners to help purify their water and eliminate any impurities from their water, including magnesium and calcium. Water softener systems use water to clean the filter and then dispose of the wastewater in the ground next to the system. If this system gets into a backwards cycle then it could not only waste a lot of water, but also allow impurities through the water system and into your home.
Contact Us
When it comes to maximizing the efficiency of your home’s water use, don’t trust just anyone with your plumbing needs. Turn to the plumbing service company that San Antonio trusts.
Mr. Plumber prides itself on giving every customer the red-carpet treatment. We offer upfront pricing, free estimates, and prompt service for every customer needing assistance in the San Antonio area. Give us a call!