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Is Your Water Bill Higher Than Normal?

Is Your Water Bill Higher Than Normal?

Consider these questions first:

  • Did you water your lawn more than usual?
  • Do you have an automatic sprinkler system with a broken head?
  • Have you put in a new lawn or pool recently?
  • Were children playing outside with water toys, slides, sprinklers or hoses?
  • Did you have houseguests staying with you?

Outdoor watering can double or triple your bill. Consider installing a second meter for outside watering, as this usage is only charged the water rate with no additional charge for sewer use.

Ideas to help you find water leaks and reduce your water consumption:

A high water bill may also indicate that you have a leak. Even a very small leak can waste enough water for you to notice an increase in your bill. Don’t wait to repair if you find a leak, if possible!

Most leaks are easy to find if you know where to look- but some can go undetected. Here are some ideas to help find a water leak in your home:

  • Check your meter – Meters are usually located in your home or business basement or utility closet. Check that all appliances that use water are off and that no faucets are running. There is a red dial that spins when water is passing through the meter. The dial can quickly show you if water is running in the house somewhere.
  • Having a leaky toilet can waste as much as 500 gallons a day. Listen for running toilets and check each bathroom when it is quiet.
  • Add 12 drops of food coloring into the tank, and if color appears in the bowl one hour later, your toilet is leaking.
  • See if the ball valve drops squarely into the drain opening. Clean it out or replace the ball valve if it is worn.
  • Check the flush handle to see if it gets stuck in the flush position.
  • Faucets, Bathtubs and Showers – Replace worn gaskets and washers. Tighten waterline connections and valves.
  • Water Softeners – Have you noticed that you are going through more salt than normally? The softener may be regenerating too frequently.
  • Kitchen sinks – Inspect cabinet base below sink to look for drips and puddles.