Have you recently opened your water bill only to be shocked by an unusually high amount compared to your previous bill? If you live in Sydney, you’re not alone. Many homeowners face unexpected spikes in their water bills without immediately knowing why, often due to higher than usual water use. There could be a number of causes behind this increase, most of which relate to hidden water leaks. Identifying and addressing these issues quickly can save you from escalating costs and prevent further damage to your home.
At Plus Plumbing, we can help you address any leaks to ensure your water use stays within reasonable limits. We’ve seen a variety of common reasons why water bills skyrocket, and the majority of them are due to water leaks. In this article, we’ll explore the most frequent causes of high water bills and what steps you can take to mitigate them.
1. Leaking Toilets
One of the most common culprits of high water bills is a leaking toilet, which can cause your meter read to show a higher than usual amount of water. A toilet that leaks can waste hundreds of litres of water per day, all without being easily noticed. The sound of constant running water, or an occasional hissing noise, is an indication that something may be wrong inside your toilet cistern, possibly leading to a high bill.
Often, this leak occurs when the flapper valve at the base of the cistern becomes worn out or damaged. This causes water to leak from the cistern into the toilet bowl without being flushed. If left unchecked, this constant flow of water can result in a substantial increase in your water consumption, leading to a bill that is higher than normal.
How to Fix It
To check if your toilet is leaking, you can perform a simple test: place a few drops of food colouring in the cistern and wait 10-15 minutes without flushing. If the coloured water appears in the toilet bowl, you have a leak that could lead to a bill that is higher than normal. Fixing it might involve replacing the flapper or adjusting the float arm.
2. Dripping Taps and Showers
A dripping tap might seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can contribute significantly to your water bill over time. It’s estimated that a tap dripping once per second can waste over 10,000 litres of water in a year! Showers with faulty seals or washers also fall into this category and can result in unnecessary water wastage.
How to Fix It
Replacing the worn-out washers in taps and showers is a quick and affordable way to stop the leak and prevent unnecessary charges. At Plus Plumbing, we can help with repairs, ensuring that your fixtures are functioning efficiently.
3. Burst Pipes and Hidden Leaks
A burst pipe is one of the most severe causes of increased water bills. If a pipe bursts in your home, you might not always notice it immediately, especially if the burst is underground or hidden behind walls, leading to a higher than expected bill. These kinds of leaks are notorious for causing severe water damage and skyrocketing your water usage without warning.
In some cases, a pipe may not fully burst but could develop small leaks that are difficult to detect, which may result in a higher bill. However, these small leaks can still result in significant water loss over time.
How to Fix It
If you suspect a hidden leak, one way to check is by turning off all water-using appliances in your home and monitoring your water meter. If the meter continues to move, it’s likely you have a leak somewhere, which could lead to higher than normal water use. Contact Plus Plumbing immediately to locate and fix the problem.
Inside Plus Plumbing
Recently, we visited a home in Parramatta where the homeowner, Sarah, was really stressed about an unusually high water bill. After chatting with her, we realized the bill had been gradually increasing over a few months. The boys did a thorough leak detection inspection, and we found a sneaky leak in a pipe behind her bathroom wall. Sarah was surprised, it had been leaking for months without any obvious signs. Once we fixed the pipe, I explained how to keep an eye on the water meter to monitor usage. She was so relieved and even joked about finally being able to stop worrying about her morning showers costing a fortune. We were also able to help Sarah submit a special report to Sydney water in hopes of gaining a rebate credit the abnormal expenditure.
4. Faulty Water Heating Systems
Hot water systems that leak can not only increase your water bill but also result in higher energy costs, leading to a higher than expected overall expense. Hot water leaks are particularly expensive because you’re paying for both the water and the energy used to heat it. Leaks can occur at the connections, overflow valves, or within the storage tank itself.
How to Fix It
Regular maintenance is crucial for preventing such leaks. If your hot water system is more than a decade old, it might be time for an upgrade. Contact Plus Plumbing to inspect your system and replace any faulty components before the problem worsens and impacts your billing period.
5. Leaking Sprinkler Systems
A common but often overlooked cause of high water bills, especially in the warmer months, is leaking or malfunctioning garden sprinkler systems. If you have an automatic irrigation system, a leak in the pipes or faulty sprinkler heads could be releasing water unnecessarily, even when the system is turned off.
How to Fix It
Inspect your sprinkler system regularly to ensure it is operating correctly. Look for any soggy patches in your garden or unusually green spots, which could indicate a leak. At Plus Plumbing, we can assist with locating and repairing these leaks to reduce your water consumption.
6. Faulty Appliances
Household appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators with water dispensers can also contribute to increased water usage if they develop leaks or malfunction. Over time, seals, hoses, and connections can wear out, leading to water wastage.
How to Fix It
Regular maintenance and inspections of your appliances can prevent leaks. If you notice puddles around your appliances or unusually high water consumption, it’s time to have them serviced or replaced.
7. Environmental Factors and Seasonal Use
In Sydney, water usage can also increase seasonally due to environmental factors. During the summer months, homeowners often use more water to maintain their gardens, fill swimming pools, or cool down. Additionally, long periods of heat can cause ground movement, which may crack underground pipes and lead to leaks.
How to Fix It
Being mindful of your water usage during peak seasons can help manage your bill. Regularly checking for leaks and ensuring your pipes are properly insulated and maintained will also prevent any unexpected spikes in consumption.
8. Poor Water Pressure Regulation
High water pressure might seem like a good thing, but it can cause serious issues within your plumbing system. Over time, excessive water pressure can strain pipes and connections, leading to leaks that can significantly increase your water use. Moreover, if the pressure is not regulated, it can result in faster wear and tear on appliances and fixtures.
How to Fix It
Installing a pressure-reducing valve can help regulate water pressure in your home. A professional plumber from Plus Plumbing can measure your water pressure and advise on whether your home would benefit from such a valve.
Conclusion
A sudden increase in your water bill can be alarming, but the good news is that many causes are preventable or easily fixable. From leaking toilets and dripping taps to more serious issues like burst pipes or faulty appliances, identifying the source of the problem is the first step towards a solution to prevent a higher than expected bill.
At Plus Plumbing, we specialise in locating and repairing water leaks in Sydney homes, ensuring your water consumption stays within reasonable limits. If you’ve noticed an unusual spike in your water bill, don’t wait—reach out to us today for an inspection and prevent further wastage. By addressing these common causes of water leaks, you’ll not only save money but also help conserve one of our most precious resources.
