Depending on the size of the leak, a water leak in your home can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in wasted water not to mention the potential damage to your walls, ceilings, or foundation. For many homeowners, the first sign of a water leak is a sudden increase in their water bill.
Unusually high water usage is an excellent indication of a water leak but in many cases, if the high water bill coincides with the beginning of warm weather most homeowners assume that the increased usage is due to an irrigation sprinkler system or from filling the swimming pool.
It is normal for water usage to increase in the summer months if you have a sprinkler irrigation system or swimming pool, but sometimes these increased water bills can hide the warning signs of a water leak. In addition, swimming pools and irrigation systems are themselves common sources of water leaks especially if they have been sitting idle all winter.
Don’t just assume that your increased water bills are due to the normal summer increase in water usage. It might be months before you realize that your water bill is not decreasing like it should at the end of summer and by then you will have wasted thousands of gallons of water.
Inspect your water bill closely and compare this month’s water usage with the water usage for the same month last year. If there is a significant difference, you may have a water leak and need a water line repair. Call your local plumber if you suspect a water leak. They can quickly identify the source of a water leak in your home and help you choose between your repair options.
