The usual water bill arrives in the mail. Just like any ordinary time, you open it up and expect what you’re going to pay. But when you do, you notice something out of the ordinary. It’s a bit higher than normal.
It may be even way higher. To the point where it shocks you. A water bill increase can do this and you’re scrambling to figure out why. The water company didn’t announce any rate hikes or anything.
So rule that out and you get issues with your plumbing. This guide will discuss not only that, but what you can do if you experience a sudden increase in your water bill. Let’s dive right in.
Do not ignore it at all
Think a water bill increase is no big deal. Guess what – it actually is. Even if it’s a one-time thing, you know that something doesn’t seem right. It can be a subtle sign to a problem your home may be dealing with right now.
Ignoring the issue can lead to even greater problems. This can include major plumbing repairs that can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Not to mention, the water damage left behind can lead to mold growth and structural damage to your home. These problems can be prevented by addressing your water bill increase as soon as possible.
Check for any visible leaks
The first thing to do is look for any visible leads that may exist. If you notice any, you’ll want to hire a plumbing company like Legendess that can perform a leak repair on the same day. But what if you don’t have time to check? The good news is that they can perform a plumbing inspection to see if there are any possible leak points that need to be addressed accordingly.
Calling a plumber near you will be your next best option, either way. Also, attempting to DIY it could lead to major problems if you don’t have the skill and know-how.
Have a meter test done
A hidden leak may not look so obvious. For this reason, it’s important to consider a meter test. You want to shut off all water sources inside your home. Next, you’ll want to wait a few hours before checking the meter again. What you’re looking for is any changes to the meter despite no water ever being used.
If you notice such changes happening, then it’s time to give Legendess a call. They’ll send a licensed professional over and be able to identify and fix the problem accordingly. A meter test will be the best course of action when there is a possible leak that can’t easily be spotted.
Have the repairs done as soon as possible
Of course, this suggestion goes without saying. Plumbing inspections are needed every year or so to prevent leaks and other issues. However, if repairs are needed as soon as possible, don’t wait. We’ve already warned you about the issues that your home can face due to water damage.
It’s bad enough that you’ll be spending quite a bit of money on plumbing repairs. But structural repairs on your home is another story. Those costs can pile up over an extended period of time. So do your personal finances a favor and get plumbing repairs done as soon as possible (if and when needed).
Monitor your water usage
If no leaks are detected by any of the previous suggestions, your water usage may have increased. The challenging part is identifying the “how”. Being mindful of your water use may be a good place to start. If you’re watering your lawn more often, it could be one of those reasons.
Another is the amount of guests you may have had over. They may have used more water than normal. It can also be certain lifestyle changes that may have played a role. Take note of any water usage for the time being to see what may have led to this water increase.
Practice water conservation
Needless to say, doing this can bring down your water bill quite a bit. Not only does it help with your wallet, but also the environment as a whole. At the same time, it’s also a good idea to consider making some changes throughout your home. This includes repairing leaky faucets, installing fixtures that promote low-flow, and of course staying mindful of your water usage.
It’s always a good idea to conserve water for the benefit of your wallet. The environment as a whole can also benefit from your efforts as well. Even if you are not the most eco-friendly person in the world, you might feel better knowing that you’re saving enough water that can be used for numerous purposes over a long period of time.
Monitor your bills regularly
Of course, keep an eye on your regular water bill. Because it will be your indicator of how much water you are actually using. While it may give you subtle signs of possible plumbing problems, it might also help you keep your own water usage in check. Sure, you can say “I know what I spend regularly on my water bill, I don’t need to look at it”.
But here’s the thing: how do you know what you’re going to pay now and the month before that? Besides, how will you know if you have a problem? Better not to wait until it’s too late.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking at a sudden water bill increase, your plumbing system could be the problem. That’s when you’ll need to call Legendess for any inspection or repairs that can stop those problems from becoming any worse. With licensed plumbers serving Media, PA and the surrounding area, they know that a small leak can turn into a huge problem.
So why dismiss it as no big deal? Because it can be one if you allow it just enough time. Call Legendess for more information on how we can help at 484-352-2220.