A suddenly high water bill is a concern for a few reasons. It’s a waste of the precious resource water, it means you’re losing money and it could point to a problem in your plumbing system. Experts reveal that household leaks account for 10,000 gallons of water wasted a year and some 10% of homes leak over 90 gallons a day!

If your water bill has suddenly increased, it’s important to pinpoint the problem as soon as possible. Always contact your local Queensland plumber for expert advice about your plumbing. Let’s take a look at the common reasons for a high water bill and what to do about it.

5 Common Reasons for a High Water Bill

1. Leaky Taps or Pipes

Leaky faucets and pipes are a very common cause of water wastage. It’s so easy to ignore a dripping tap as it seems minor. But, even a tap leaking 1 drip per second adds up to around 17 gallons of wasted water a day! One cause of a leaky tap is the rubber washer being damaged in the faucet handle. Shut off the water supply to the tap and change the washer or call in your local plumber to help.

2. Running or Leaking Toilet

A constantly running and leaking toilet can add hundreds of dollars to a water bill with water wastage of up to 6,000 gallons monthly! If you hear the toilet water constantly running, an odd hiss noise or more obvious water on the floor, your toilet could be wasting water. The most common cause is a faulty flapper. Get a new one from your local hardware store or talk to AJP Plumbing.

3. Underground Pipe Leak

Occasionally, a high water bill can be caused by a leaking lateral pipe that feeds water from your metered connection to the house. This pipe could have cracked, or the joints may have become loose or worn. Other causes are tree root invasions, pests and general ageing of pipes. If you suspect a lateral line leak, it’s best to consult a professional.

4. Irrigation System Leak

If you use an irrigation system in the garden, a cracked or broken pipe here could be causing the spike in water consumption. Even when the irrigation is turned off, water could be leaking out. Check for unusual wet patches or areas of the garden that are more lush than others. To be sure, it’s best to consult a professional plumber if you suspect this type of leak.

5. Old, Outdated pipes and Fixtures

Many homes have been around for a long time and the plumbing will probably be pretty ancient also! As more time passes, the plumbing will continue to deteriorate in the form of rust, cracks and stress. This can lead to leaks and less efficiency, causing your water bills to spike. Talk to your local Queensland plumber about water efficiency upgrades such as; low flow water saving toilets, aerators for faucets, water saving shower heads and new piping.