Is your water bill unexpectedly high? In this blog, we’re going to look at some of the most common causes of increases in water usage.
Toilet Leaks
A sudden increase in your water usage can often be attributed to a leaky toilet. This is a fairly common issue, and even small leaks can lead to you losing litres of water over time. If you suspect that there may be a leak in your toilet, you can add a few drops of food colouring to the tank. If the colour trickles down to the toilet bowl before you flush, there’s a good chance that you have a leak.
Underground Leaks
Leaks in underground pipes can lead to significant water loss as they are quite hard to detect. If you believe that there may be an underground leak on your property, we recommend hiring a professional plumber to assess and fix the issue promptly.
Water Heater Leaks
If there’s a leak in your water heater, you could be losing litres of hot water unknowingly. To avoid higher water bills, we recommend checking your water heater for signs of leaks and scheduling regular maintenance inspections.
Hidden Leaks in the Walls
Have you been noticing damp spots on the ceilings or walls of your house? These are common signs of water damage and may be caused by leaking pipes within the walls. If left untreated, this type of leak can lead to significant water loss and damage.
Faulty Appliances
Faulty household appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers can also result in leaks. To easily spot those leaks, we recommend inspecting the hoses and connections of your washing machine or dishwasher.
Meter Malfunction or Rate Hike
A malfunction in your water meter can overestimate your water usage, leading to higher bills. Additionally, local water authorities sometimes implement rate hikes, which may also lead to higher figures on your water bill.
Changes in Water Usage
The increase in your monthly bill may also be caused by changes in your water consumption. Has your family recently welcomed a new member? Do you have guests staying over for an extended period of time? Perhaps you’ve even started a new hobby, such as gardening. Those things would definitely also increase your water usage.
Outdated Plumbing Fixtures
Outdated or aging plumbing fixtures are not only less efficient but also more prone to damage and leaks, which can result in significant water loss over time.
Summertime Surge
In summer, we tend to consume more water than usual. To avoid huge surges in your water bill in summer, it’s important to be mindful of your water usage, especially if you often water your lawn or garden or have a pool that needs to be frequently filled. You can also adopt some easy water-saving techniques, such as using a barrel to collect rain water.
Malfunctioning Water Softener
A malfunctioning water softener will increase your water usage. To fix this problem, you can optimize your unit’s water usage with proper calibration and regular maintenance checks.
Looking for a Local Plumber Near You in the GTA and York Region?
Noticing water leaks around your home? Contact Black Forest Plumbing today in the GTA and York Region, including in Aurora, North York and Scarborough. Our expert plumbers will quickly inspect your property and fix any leaks you may have.