Your water bill is calculated by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The cost of water is based on “the costs of purchasing, treating, and delivering water” to your home. You’re then billed on the amount of water you use or on a flat rate, depending on where you live in the state. This is measured by your water meter, usually by the cubic feet of water used. Your water bill will rise when your water meter measures more water use than usual.
If you wonder, “Why is my water bill so high?” Call PDS Plumbing and Air, and we’ll take a look. Our comprehensive plumbing services include leak detection, professional repiping, repairs, and maintenance. We’ll check your meter, look for leaks, and help you avoid inadvertently wasting water due to faulty connections or leaky appliances.
Common Causes of a High Water Bill
If you have a high water bill with no visible leak, it might be due to:
- More irrigation, lawn watering, and gardening than usual, or other changes in your water use.
- A leaking dishwasher, washing machine, water softener, or other appliance.
- A faulty water meter that’s reading your water use incorrectly.
Still not sure where the water is going? Call PDS and schedule a plumbing inspection. We offer expert leak detection services and will find and fix your hidden leak quickly.
Hidden Leaks That Might Be Driving Up Your Water Bill
Along with common water use and visible flooding, these hidden water leaks may cause your next bill to be higher than normal.
1. Toilet leaks
A toilet leak wastes a large amount of water because it continues to run, trying to fill the tank. Leaky toilets are often caused by broken or misaligned flapper valves or fill valves that quietly allow water through when they’re supposed to be sealed.
Your water meter reads the ongoing flow of water the same way it would if you were continually flushing the toilet, which will add money to your next water bill. A PDS plumber will check your toilets for leaks, replace faulty parts, and ensure all internal components are working as they should.
2. Dripping faucets and showerheads
Dripping fixtures are a common place to find hidden leaks. Even if your faucets or showers only drip a little, over time the amount adds up to a significant waste. Usually, the cause of these leaks is corrosion, mineral deposits, loose parts, or faulty O-rings, making them a fairly straightforward fix.
Call PDS, and we’ll check your fixtures to find the cause of the leak. We’ll then fix it for you, stopping the leak and lowering your water costs.
3. Irrigation system leaks and outdoor faucets
While it’s obvious that adding irrigation or using your outdoor faucets to pressure wash the driveway or water the lawn in the hot California summer will increase your water bill, if these fixtures leak, they’ll continue to let water escape, even when they’re not turned on for active watering. Not only will this raise costs, but it can also damage your lawn and garden or even your home’s foundation.
These types of leaks are often difficult for the average person to locate, especially when they happen underground. At PDS, we use cutting-edge leak-detection technology and methods, finding and fixing the leak for you as soon as possible.
4. Slab leaks
A slab leak is usually caused by corroded or damaged copper pipes. These pipes are also sometimes damaged by soil shifts, seismic activity, and pipe deterioration. These pipes develop pinhole leaks or cracks and release water inside the house’s concrete slab foundation, which seeps into the house and the surrounding soil.
Contact PDS for slab leak detection to address the leak right away to avoid major problems. Depending on the extent of the leak and where it is, if left unaddressed, along with a slab leak causing a high water bill, it causes structural damage to the house, mold growth, and water damage in the walls, floors, and carpets.
How To Know if Your Water Meter Shows a Leak
A continuous leak anywhere in your house means continuous water waste. To check if your high water bill is due to a leak:
- Step 1: Stop using all the water in your house. This means turning the dishwasher off, closing all the taps, and avoiding the bathroom for a few minutes.
- Step 2: Find your water meter. It’ll probably be outside the house near the road.
- Step 3: Remove the cover or open the panel to view the meter.
- Step 4: Look at the flow indicator, usually a black triangular disk or a red wheel or dial that rotates. If it’s moving, that means water is still flowing somewhere in the house, which indicates a leak.
- Step 5: Take a picture or write down the meter reading (the numbers on the meter and where the dial hand is).
- Step 6: Wait at least one hour without using any water, then perform the test again. If there are any changes, water has been leaking somewhere.
- Step 7: Call your local plumber for professional leak detection and repair.
If you’re not sure how to read your water meter, don’t know where it is, or just want a professional there to answer your questions, give PDS a call. We’ll come out to answer all your questions and help you better understand your plumbing system.
What To Do if You Suspect a Hidden Leak
If you think you have a leak in your house, addressing the problem quickly is essential. Ignoring the problem will lead to serious problems like:
- Mold and mildew growth
- Bad odors
- Flooding
- Rotten wood and support beams
- Electrical hazards
Turn the water main off to prevent further damage. Check areas with water fixtures and appliances connected to plumbing for pooling water, mold growth, water stains, and other signs of moisture, and call PDS for help. We’ll use leak detection devices to locate water damage and pinpoint the leak source.
Schedule a PDS Plumber Today
At PDS Plumbing and Air, we provide comprehensive plumbing services in Central California, Southern California, and the Inland Empire. Our licensed and insured plumbers are experienced and have the knowledge they need to get to the source of your leak fast.
Along with leak detection, our plumbing services also include:
- Drain cleaning
- Hydrojetting
- Sewer camera inspections
- Sewer line repairs
- Repiping
- Water heater installations
- Water filtration services
We work with a financing partner to help take the stress out of unexpected plumbing repairs, allowing qualifying customers to get the work done now and pay on a more convenient timeline.
Contact us now to request an estimate or book an appointment. We’re available 24/7 to schedule plumbing service, and if it’s an emergency, we’ll get there ASAP to help. Your comfort and safety are our top priorities.
