Water is a scarce, and, depending on your location, possibly costly resource. It can be aggravating to see a sudden rise in your water bill and be unable to identify the cause. There are a few likely culprits.
1. Leaky Appliances
In most cases, a leak is to blame for the increase in your water bill. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, an average household can waste approximately 10,000 gallons of water annually just from leaks. Check your dishwasher, faucets, sinks, washing machine and fixtures for leaks. A plumber can help identify leaks in water lines and pipes.
2. Running Toilets
Toilets continuing to run after the normal flush period can also account for a large amount of high water usage Jacksonville FL. Usually, this problem can be solved by shortening the refill tube, adjusting the float height or replacing the flapper. Some toilets may not need any of these solutions, and the running can be stopped by jiggling the handle.
3. Subconscious Waste
In some cases, there are no leaks or unknown problems to blame. People tend to use a lot more water than is actually necessary without realizing it. For example, leaving the water running the whole time you’re in the shower or brushing your teeth can lead to a lot more water loss than you would think. Not waiting for a full load to wash your clothes is another waster. This can be solved by adjusting your habits to be more water conscious.
Water bills sometimes rise in small increments, meaning people don’t notice the increase until it gets really high. It is important to monitor your water bill as it can serve as an early warning sign of a problem like a leak that can cause other problems, such as water damage (rotting walls, ceilings and baseboards) and mold growth.
