Almost every homeowner has experienced it: the shock of opening a utility bill that’s double, triple or even several times higher than it normally is. For people who aren’t flush with disposable income, this discovery can induce panic and a frantic search for the source of the problem. However, it’s not always easy to diagnose the problem because it can be caused by a variety of different issues. If this is your situation, don’t panic — the Cedar Hill plumbers at Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating are here to help. Keep reading to learn about the most common causes of high water bills, how to assess potential issues and ways to fix the problem.
Whether you’re struggling with a broken pipe, a hard-to-detect water leak or an inefficient water appliance, the expert plumbers at Dial One Johnson can diagnose the problem and offer solutions. Visit us online today to schedule service.
Water Leaks
When your water bill is unusually high and your usage hasn’t changed, chances are good that you have a water leak. However, leaks aren’t always easy to detect, and in some cases, an expensive water bill is the only immediate indicator of a problem.
Broken Water Pipes
Broken pipes are the easiest source of water leaks to detect. In fact, if you have a broken or burst pipe, you’ll probably notice it long before you get your water bill. Whenever you have a damaged pipe that’s spraying or leaking water, you should fix it right away to avoid extensive water damage, dangerous mold growth or pest infestation. The emergency Cedar Hill plumbing experts at Dial One are available to take your call, 24/7, day or night.
Running Toilet
If it doesn’t seem like you have a burst or broken pipe anywhere in your home, the next place you should check is your toilet. A running toilet continues to use water after it’s been flushed and can result in astronomical water bills. Many things can cause a running toilet, including a defective flapper, valve or toilet handle. Although you can generally hear a running toilet, there’s also an easy way to check for a toilet leak. Just put a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank, and in 10 minutes, look at the toilet bowl. If you see color, you have a leak.
Dripping Faucets
Dripping faucets may seem more like an annoyance than an actual problem, but they can waste more than 20 gallons of water a day. Faucet drips are generally caused by corrosion, mineral deposits or defective parts. Call the Cedar Hill plumbers at Dial One for a full assessment.
Outdoor or Underground Leaks
Outdoor or underground leaks are especially dangerous because they can go on for a long time without being detected, wasting tremendous amounts of water and causing serious damage. If you’re concerned about an outdoor leak, check crawl spaces and outdoor spigots and keep an eye out for water puddles in your yard.
No matter the source of your home’s water leak, the experienced plumbers at Dial One Johnson are up for the challenge. For emergency Cedar Hill water leak repair, call Dial One at 469-518-4211.
Seasonal Water Usage
If you can’t find a water leak in your home, you should still contact an experienced plumber for a thorough assessment. If they don’t find any signs of leak, you should consider the possibility of increased seasonal water usage. Here are some common activities that can drive up your water bill:
- Filling up or topping off a swimming pool
- Watering the lawn, new grass or a garden
- Running water to avoid freezing pipes in the winter
- Hosting family over the holidays
Each American uses an average of 82 gallons of water a day. Implementing lifestyle changes and water-efficient appliances can go a long way in conserving water and lowering your bills.
Inefficient Water Appliances
When most people think of water waste, they think of swimming pools and lawn irrigation. However, outdated, inefficient water appliances can waste an enormous amount of water as well. The following appliances can waste considerable amounts of water and contribute to a higher water bill:
- Refrigerators waste water when the ice maker runs continuously or the water dispenser is allowed to drip. You can avoid water waste by turning off the ice maker when possible and fixing dispenser leaks.
- Dishwashers waste a lot of water, especially when set on long cycles. If you regularly use a dishwasher, try setting it to a shorter cycle.
- Washing machines waste the most water when set to run hot cycles or long cycles, or when they have a leak. When possible, conserve water by running cold, short cycles.
Installing water-efficient appliances is an upfront investment that will help you conserve water over time. If you decide to install new kitchen or bathroom appliances, don’t risk an improper installation that could cause problems down the road. Contact Dial One for all your Cedar Hill kitchen plumbing and bathroom plumbing needs. Our expert plumbers will help you pick appliances that are compatible with your space and install them upon arrival.
Cedar Hill Plumbing Services
By being mindful of your water consumption and limiting it when possible, you can greatly reduce your water bills. You can further reduce your bills by
scheduling regular Cedar Hill plumbing maintenance. Regular maintenance performed by an experienced plumber can help you catch leaks and other potential problems before they get out of control.
When a small leak, large leak or outdated appliances are driving up your water bills, it’s time to contact the expert plumbers at Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating. Not only will our plumbers perform any necessary repairs, but they’ll also help you select and install new appliances. Need regular plumbing maintenance? That’s not a problem. The plumbers at Dial One can help with that, too. No matter what plumbing issue is plaguing you, our team is here to help, 24/7. Contact us online to schedule service or call us at 972-291-0740 to schedule emergency plumbing service.
Author Bio:
Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock
Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating is now owned and operated by Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock, with his grandson, Daniel Johnson, a third-generation plumber who is also the Service Manager.