While it's true that there may be things worse than a hidden leak, getting a high water bill in the mail can definitely create cause for concern. The reality of your increased costs is that you probably have a leak somewhere in your home. Don't worry — our team at Performance Plumbing, Inc. is here to help you find it so you can seek a repair as soon as possible!
What Steps Should I Take First?
Compare your Bills
Take a look at your past water bills and you may just find your answer. Your water bill should always be within the same range each month. So, if you go back a few months and notice that your bills are continuously rising, you may have a leak on your hands.
Check Your Water Meter
Your water meter can also be a great tool to utilize when trying to figure out if you have a leak in your home. To use this to your advantage, you must locate your home’s main shut-off valve and turn it off. Next, make sure that there is no water running in your home. If the water meter is still showing movement, that means there is a leak somewhere in or outside of your home.
Now that you discovered that you have a leak, it's time to locate where the leak is.
Where to Look
There are some common leak hotspots that every homeowner should be aware of. Here's where to look:
Under or in the back of cabinets: These areas are prone to humidity and getting wet, and that could mean growing mold and mildew. If you find any fungi growing, it's possible a leak could be in your kitchen or bathroom.
Check your toilet: Your toilet could be the source of your hidden leak. If you're worried that's the case, put some food coloring in the tank of your toilet. In about 10 minutes, come back and check on your toilet. If the food coloring has made its way into the bowl, then, in short, you already have your answer!
Check outside: Your spigots, sprinkler systems, and outdoor plumbing could be prone to leaks, as well. Check these areas by running a hose from your spigot. If there's water coming out from your connection, change the rubber hose gasket. As for pools, look for soggy spots around the pool and take notice if you're refilling it often.
