Have you ever gotten a shock looking at your water bill?
Especially if your water usage is fairly consistent, an unexpectedly high bill can come as a bit of a surprise.
Maybe your teenager has suddenly decided they need to shower every day, or they’re taking extra time to wash her hair.
Perhaps the cat figured out how to flush the toilet?
If these aren’t the culprits it’s likely that you have a leak somewhere in your home.
If your water bill is higher than average, and you can’t pinpoint a specific spike in your water usage, there might be some plumbing repairs you will need to look at completing, otherwise you may continue to have sticker-shock when you view your bills.
Let’s take a look at how to check for leaks, and some of the common reasons your bill might be higher than you’re used to.
How To Test For Leaks
The first thing to do in this situation is to check for any leaks – and there is a quick way to see if these might be present.
Start be making sure all of your faucets are turned off, otherwise it will be hard to know if there is a leak or if someone is washing their hands.
Next, shut off the main valve, and wait a few minutes.
After about five minutes, turn the main valve back on – if the water dial moves this generally indicates you may have a leak.
Once you have determined there is a leak, you will need to find the source.
Keep reading for some key places to check.
1. Dripping Faucets
Faucets are easy to check – simply turn them off and watch for drips.
Also, keep in mind there is no need to turn the faucet super tightly, as this can cause more damage.
Just turn it enough to stop the water flow.
2. Dripping Taps Outside
When checking your taps, don’t forget the ones which are outside.
If you leave your garden hose connected to the tap, it can be especially hard to tell if there is a leak immediately.
Remove the hose to check outdoor taps for leaks.
3. Hot Water Tank Leaking
If your hot water tank has a relief valve with a pipe attached, check the pipe for drips (but also be sure it’s not just condensation on the pipe).
A dripping pipe will need to be replaced.
4. Leaking Flappers In Your Toilet
There is an easy way to tell if the flappers in your toilet are leaking.
Add a couple of drops of food colouring to the toilet tank and let it sit for about 20 minutes.
Check back after a period of time, and if the food colouring has leaked into the bowl, you have a leak.
5. Leaking Trap Seal Primers
Check your floor drains for a small tube which goes into the side of the pipe.
While the tap is running, water will flow into this p-trap which is part of the floor drain, however once the faucet is turned off the flow of water should stop.
If it doesn’t you may have a leak.
These connectors are generally hooked up to L-tub faucets or the trap seal primers.
Contact London Plumbing
Are you having trouble pinpointing the cause of your leak?
Or have you found one, but need assistance to stop it?
For these and any other plumbing needs you may have, London Plumbing can help.
Contact us today, and let us help solve all your plumbing issues.
Stuck? Give Us A Call
Once you’ve shut the water off, take a deep breath, and give us a call. Here at London Plumbing, we’re here to help, no matter your plumbing needs.
London Plumbing
Serving London Ontario and the surrounding area
https://g.page/londonplumbing
At London Plumbing we pride ourselves on top quality plumbers and plumbing solutions for residential and commercial customers in London Ontario.