You open your water bill, expecting the usual amount. Instead, you wonder if your children are filling and draining an Olympic-sized pool in your backyard every day when you are at work.
But before you ground them for life, you should consider other possibilities. For example, you could have a hidden plumbing leak.
Your House Might Be Playing Hide-and-Seek
Not every plumbing leak announces itself with a dramatic spray of water. Many leaks hide behind walls, under floors or beneath your yard, where they can waste hundreds or even thousands of gallons before anyone notices.
Keep an eye out for warning signs like the following:
- A sudden spike in your water bill
- Water stains on ceilings or walls
- Musty odors that won’t go away
- Soft spots or greener grass in one portion of your yard
- Low water pressure throughout your home
- The sound of running water when everything is turned off
One easy test is to check your water meter. Turn off every faucet, appliance and fixture that uses water. If the meter continues to move after several minutes, chances are water is escaping somewhere it shouldn’t.
Sneaky Leak Suspects
One of the sneakiest offenders is the humble toilet. A worn rubber flapper valve can allow water to flow into the bowl continuously without making much noise. That tiny trickle you can barely hear can waste hundreds of gallons every month.
And faucets can drip even once you’ve turned them all the way off. You know it’s there. And you vow to either replace the washer or even the entire faucet but never get around to it. That slow drip over time adds up. It’s like throwing spare change into the trash every few minutes. That can become real money, real fast.
Underground water lines can also spring leaks that remain hidden until your lawn starts looking greener in one noticeable patch. While healthy grass is nice, one area growing like a tropical rainforest tells you something is wrong.
Water heaters, washing machine hoses and refrigerator water lines deserve a quick inspection too. Small leaks around these appliances often grow into much bigger headaches if ignored.
Small Leaks Can Become Big Problems
Water damage doesn’t wait for a convenient time. Hidden leaks can lead to mold, damaged flooring, weakened drywall and expensive repairs that make your original water bill seem tiny by comparison.
And unless you have X-ray vision, you might have to call in your Indianapolis plumbing experts to help. For one thing, our plumbers use specialized leak detection equipment that can locate hidden problems without tearing apart your walls or floors. Instead of guessing where the leak is hiding, they can pinpoint the source and recommend the right repair.
If your water bill has suddenly climbed or you suspect a hidden leak, don’t let it continue soaking up your budget. Call Complete Comfort Heating, Air & Plumbing at (317) 934-6591 or schedule service with us online.