Nobody likes opening a water bill only to find it’s suddenly doubled. If your water usage habits haven’t changed, there’s a good chance a hidden plumbing issue is to blame. Leaks aren’t always obvious, and they can quietly waste gallons of water every day. In this post, we’ll walk you through 6 common culprits behind unexpected spikes in your water bill and how to spot them before they get worse.
1. Running Toilets
A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons a day. Often, it’s due to a worn-out flapper, a misaligned float, or a faulty fill valve. You might hear it running periodically, or it may be completely silent.
Quick Test:
Drop a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If the color shows up in the bowl without flushing, it’s leaking from the tank into the bowl.
2. Leaky Faucets and Showerheads
A slow drip might seem harmless, but it adds up. One drip per second wastes over 3,000 gallons per year. That’s a lot of money literally going down the drain!
What to check:
Look for drips from the spout or around the base. If tightening doesn’t help, it may be time to replace a worn out washer or cartridge. Contact Zeek Plumbing for Faucet Repair and Replacement Services in Morris County
3. Outdoor Spigots and Irrigation Lines
Many people forget about their outdoor water lines especially during the winter. Below freezing temperatures cause cracked pipes or loose connections, leading to leaks underground or at the spigot once it thaws.
Tip:
Turn on your hose bibs and look for puddling, hissing sounds, or weak water pressure. If you open your hose bibs and they are leaking, call Zeek Plumbing at 866-635-0200.
4. Slab Leaks or Underground Line Leaks
These are the sneakiest and most serious. A slab leak occurs in the pipes beneath your foundation. Signs include warm spots on the floor, unexplained moisture/wet spots, or a spike in your water bill with no obvious indoor leaks.
When to call a pro:
If you suspect a leak under your concrete slab, and call Zeek Plumbing at (866)-635-0200 or use our book online feature.
5. Leaking Water Heaters
Sometimes the leak is at the base of the tank, the shut-off valve, or from the pressure relief valve. If the water heater itself is leaking and you turn the water off to the unit, 40, 50, or 75 gallons of water will continue to leak from the tank itself. Once a water heater tank is compromised, it must be replaced; the tank itself cannot be repaired.
Look for:
Rusty spots, puddles near the unit, or signs of corrosion on pipes or fittings. If your water heater is leaking, call Zeek Plumbing at (866)-635-0200 or use our book online feature.
6. Leaks Behind Walls
Leaky supply lines or joints inside walls can go unnoticed for weeks, until your water bill skyrockets or you see wet spots on the wall or ceiling. Leaks can happen at any time at any portion of the water line, even if the line is untouched within a wall or floor for years. Zeek Plumbing can open the wall, locate the leak, and make the required repairs.
Clues include:
Discolored drywall, a musty smell, or paint bubbling. If you suspect you have a leak you cannot see, don’t wait and have it inspected by Zeek Plumbing.
Final Thought:
A high water bill isn’t just annoying, it’s a warning sign. Regular plumbing maintenance and early leak detection can save you money and prevent larger remediation projects to treat mold, replace walls/floors, etc.
Think you’ve got a hidden leak? Give Zeek Plumbing a call at (866)-635-0200 or use our book online feature. We’ll help find the issue and fix it promptly.
Ryan has been a part of the Zeek Plumbing team since 2019, and has lived in Randolph, NJ his entire life.
He takes pride in taking care of the towns, the families, and the areas he grew up in!
Ryan has been the Treasurer and is currently on the Membership committee of a local BNI Chapter based out of Morris County, NJ in the networking group, BNI Main Street.
