It is prudent to plan your monthly budget around bills for gas, electricity, internet, cable, gas, water, and other utilities. Water is one of the major utilities in any home, so it is naturally a significant concern for renters, homeowners, and property investors. The average water bill in America is reportedly $70.93 per month, so it can be distressing if you are paying significantly higher than this. In addition to the financial implications, a high water bill can also be upsetting because of the possibility of your contribution to wastage. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the causes of your high water bills and address them as soon as possible. Below are three common reasons why you may be paying more for water.
3 Reasons Why Your Water Bills Are Higher
1. Old Plumbing Fittings
It is a simple fact that old plumbing fittings waste a lot of water. That's why the Environmental Protection Agency advises consumers to replace their old fittings with Water-Sense labeled alternatives to guarantee water efficiency. Old homes usually come with outdated plumbing fittings, so replacing fixtures in these types of properties is vital. Fortunately, experts have made numerous efficiency upgrades to popular water fixtures, like water-saving showerheads and low-flow toilets. You can save up to 4 gallons of water every time you bathe if you replace your old showerhead. Therefore, new plumbing fittings might be the perfect remedy for reducing your high water bill.
2. Leaking Or Running Toilets
Leaks are often the usual suspects when water bills suddenly spike without explanation. Toilets are responsible for about 31% of the average American home's indoor water usage, so it is no surprise that they are a major leak risk. Indeed, a leaky or running toilet can waste up to 6,000 gallons monthly and inflate your water bill by hundreds of dollars. Consequently, check for a toilet leak immediately after receiving an unusually high water bill. You can perform a standard sound check to determine whether your toilet is leaky. For this, monitor your toilet for strange, hiss-like noises.
Alternatively, you can use the dye test to discover a toilet leak. This test involves putting a dye tablet or food coloring in your toilet tank without flushing. Then, wait an hour or two and check the water in the bowl. A leak is present if the coloring seeps into the bowl. It is critical to note that water can seep into your floors if your toilet leaks from the base. Over time, the structural support under and around your toilet may be compromised. Therefore, consider hiring experts for water damage restoration if you notice a bad toilet leak at the base to prevent further destruction.
It is a simple fact that old plumbing fittings waste a lot of water. That's why the Environmental Protection Agency advises consumers to replace their old fittings with Water-Sense labeled alternatives to guarantee water efficiency. Old homes usually come with outdated plumbing fittings, so replacing fixtures in these types of properties is vital. Fortunately, experts have made numerous efficiency upgrades to popular water fixtures, like water-saving showerheads and low-flow toilets. You can save up to 4 gallons of water every time you bathe if you replace your old showerhead. Therefore, new plumbing fittings might be the perfect remedy for reducing your high water bill.
2. Leaking Or Running Toilets
Leaks are often the usual suspects when water bills suddenly spike without explanation. Toilets are responsible for about 31% of the average American home's indoor water usage, so it is no surprise that they are a major leak risk. Indeed, a leaky or running toilet can waste up to 6,000 gallons monthly and inflate your water bill by hundreds of dollars. Consequently, check for a toilet leak immediately after receiving an unusually high water bill. You can perform a standard sound check to determine whether your toilet is leaky. For this, monitor your toilet for strange, hiss-like noises.
Alternatively, you can use the dye test to discover a toilet leak. This test involves putting a dye tablet or food coloring in your toilet tank without flushing. Then, wait an hour or two and check the water in the bowl. A leak is present if the coloring seeps into the bowl. It is critical to note that water can seep into your floors if your toilet leaks from the base. Over time, the structural support under and around your toilet may be compromised. Therefore, consider hiring experts for water damage restoration if you notice a bad toilet leak at the base to prevent further destruction.
3. Water Wasting Habits
Your water bills may also be unusually high due to bad water-wasting habits. These habits include taking unnecessary showers or showering for long periods, overwatering the lawn, and keeping the faucet open while shaving or brushing your teeth. Running water to thaw frozen foods, using washing machines for quarter or half-loads, and limitless use of water-consuming recreational toys and equipment can also drive your water bills through the roof. Consequently, moderating these wasteful habits may be your best bet for saving on water.
Your water bills may also be unusually high due to bad water-wasting habits. These habits include taking unnecessary showers or showering for long periods, overwatering the lawn, and keeping the faucet open while shaving or brushing your teeth. Running water to thaw frozen foods, using washing machines for quarter or half-loads, and limitless use of water-consuming recreational toys and equipment can also drive your water bills through the roof. Consequently, moderating these wasteful habits may be your best bet for saving on water.
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