Are you looking for ways to reduce water costs? You’re not alone. It’s estimated by a U.S. Geological Survey that the average person uses approximately 80-100 gallons of water each day. Times that number by how many people live in your home and the costs add up fast. Many people look for ways to reduce their water usage from taking shorter showers and turning the water off when brushing their teeth to installing low-flow toilets and faucets. However, none of these changes matter if you have a hidden leak.

The True Cost of Hidden Leaks

Each day, people across the country waste money on water because they have leaks they don’t know about. It’s easy to spot a leak when the pipe is visible, but what about those leaks you can’t see? Let’s talk about these types of leaks and how they cost you money.

The first hidden leak we want to talk about is a toilet leak. Most people think a toilet leak means what is coming out of the toilet’s base. While this is a toilet leak, it’s not the kind we’re talking about. We are talking about toilet leaks that happen between the tank and the bowl. Often, people don’t realize this is what’s happening when their toilet runs non-stop, or when it flushes in between uses. However, a running toilet is a sign of a leaky toilet and it costs you money. Get this problem fixed ASAP or risk wasting hundreds of extra gallons of water each month.

The good news is that these toilet leaks aren’t expensive to fix. You just need to replace interior parts such as the flapper or flush valve. These parts are available at home improvement stores and easily installed by homeowners.

Why You Need to Be Concerned about Slab Leaks

The second leak we want to talk about is a slab leak. Unlike toilet leaks, these leaks aren’t just a threat to your water bill. If you don’t identify a slab leak as soon as possible, you risk spending money on foundation repairs and water damage. Whether you have a slab foundation or a basement or crawlspace, there are pipes running beneath your home. When these pipes break or develop even the tiniest pinhole leak, you have a problem.

The issue with slab leaks is that they often exist for weeks or months before homeowners realize what’s happening. It’s not until you wake up one morning to a flooded home that you realize you have a serious problem. That being said, there are ways for homeowners to get clued in on a potential problem.

Start by looking at your water bill. Has it gone up a lot within one month? Sudden, unexplainable spikes in water usage often point to a leak in hidden pipes.

Another clue you have a hidden leak? Watermarks on ceilings, walls, and flooring. Keep in mind that pipes don’t just run under slabs. The potential for leaks behind walls and ceilings also exists. Never ignore these signs.

Also, stay alert for sounds of running water when no one is using the water. When the water’s rushing through pipes during these times, it’s a sure indicator you have an issue that needs attention right away.

Read Your Water Meter

If you received a higher than normal water bill, do yourself a favor and do a water meter test. Check the water meter reading before everyone leaves the house for the day. Write this number down on a piece of paper and go about your business away from the house for a few hours. When you return, check the water meter reading again before you use any water. What does the meter read? Is the reading the same as it was earlier in the day? Has it changed? If it’s changed and you note an increase in water usage, somewhere in the home you have a water leak. Now you need to figure out where this leak is.

Here is a list of possible areas of the home leaking water. It’s not always a slab leak:

Leaking flappers on toilets and overflow toilet leaks. Remember this from our running toilet lesson above?

• Outside hose bibs
• Dripping faucets
• Overactive ice-machine
• Leaky hot water tank
• Water main line

Finding the source of the leak is important to save money on your water bill and to protect your home from water damage. If water conservation is something you’re serious about, make sure you stay on top of these potential problems. Also, keep in mind that fixing leaks and repairing broken pipes saves you up to 10% on your water bill.

Are You Ready to Put an End to that High Water Bill?

If you have a high water bill and need to find the source of the problem, contact Valencia 24 Hr Plumber & Drain Pros. Our plumbers help you find the sneakiest leaks to help you protect your home and reduce your water usage. Contact us today for 24-hour emergency plumbing services.