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Causes of a High Water Bill

Love them or hate them (more likely the latter), household bills are a constant in our lives. Still, we don't have to let them get us down. By making a few changes at home, we can usually reduce the expense by adhering to better habits and making a few eco-friendly changes to our property.


However, if you have noticed a hike in your bills recently, and for the purposes of this article, your water bill, you need to consider the reasons why. The responsibility might lie with you, but on the other hand, there could be hidden faults around your home that are responsible for the expense.

So, consider the following as you try to pinpoint the source of the problem.
#1: A leaky toilet

To save money on your water bill, you might consider buying a new toilet. Today's latest models are made with eco-efficiency in mind and use less water per flush. You should definitely consider this option if you discover you have a leaky toilet.

To check, try the food coloring test. Add a little to your water tank, wait 30 minutes, and then check your water bowl. If the water in the bowl has changed color, then this signifies a leak in your tank. Our advice? Call out a plumber, or do as we suggested, and purchase a new toilet. Despite the expense, this is a cost-effective option in the long-term.
#2: Leaky faucets

Not only will the drip drip drip of a leaky faucet keep you awake at night, but it will also be responsible for a rise in your water bill. According to plumbing professionals, at a rate of 1 drip per second, you can waste up to 20 liters of water a day. Thankfully, this is one job you can fix yourself, so you don't necessarily need to call out a plumber. Use this step-by-step guide to fix the leaky faucets in your home, and not only will you see a reduction to your water bill, but you might also get a better night's sleep too!
#3: Underground leaks

If you have heard hissing sounds underneath your property recently, there are possible reasons why. Firstly, if you have been wondering where your cat has been hiding recently, you might now have the answer! On a more serious note, the hissing could also be indicative of a slab leak, which is the possible cause of your high water bill. Slab leaks occur when your pipes become corroded and create pinholes that let water through. You can learn more in the previously linked article. So, assuming it's not your cat causing the hissing sound, you should call out a plumber to investigate the issue.

So, as you are making your annual maintenance tasks, be sure to check for any faults that could be causing the spike in your water bill. Then call out a plumber if you discover any issues as, beyond your leaky faucets, you shouldn't attempt riskier jobs alone.

Take care, and thanks for reading!

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