High Water Bills Can be the First Sign of Plumbing Problems

Have you been getting higher than normal water bills?  It could be a sign of an undetected leak in your home.  Being aware of your water usage is good way to monitor the health of your water supply pipes. Unusually high water bills may indicate a leak in your water supply lines that has so far gone undetected. In homes with a concrete slabs the leaking water may be running under the foundation unnoticed, eroding away the sub structure and putting your whole home in jeopardy. A high water bill is often the first sign that you have a problem. Older homes with copper or galvanized steel pipes are especially susceptible to corrosion and failure. I personally had this problem a few years back and lost 750,000 gallons of water beneath the slab and didn’t know it until I received a water bill for over $1000. The water department has no mercy in these cases, the bill had to be paid. If you suspect you may have a leak contact a licensed plumber to diagnose the issue.  They can pinpoint the leak using ultra-sonic leak detection devices to pinpoint the leaking pipe. After discovering the source of the leak the plumber can best advise on whether a simple repair will suffice or, based on the age and type of pipe, if a whole house re-pipe should be considered.  It is a good idea to have a plumber inspect your home every couple years to avoid any problems that may cause damage to your home.  Have the plumber check the condition of your water supply pipes, drains, water heater, valves, faucets, and the condition of your sewer lines via video inspection. Like they say: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.  Remember to always hire a licensed, insured, and bonded plumber to have the peace of mind your local “handy man” will not be able to provide.

The post High Water Bills – Why is My Water Bill so High? appeared first on Who's Got Plumbing???.