The average American consumes 80-100 gallons of water per day—between what they use for drinking, bathing, and performing cleaning tasks. If your household's usage has suddenly gone up without an explanation, it is in your best interest to investigate the potential cause. For example, it could be a plumbing leak that is causing you to lose both water and money. The guide below looks closer at some possible culprits.

Why Your Water Bill Is Increasing

1. Broken Meter

Sometimes, your home water meter may read your usage wrong. To test this, ask everyone in your household to stop using water. Then, while one person is outside monitoring the meter, have someone inside fill a bucket with water from the sink or bathtub. Measure the water in the bucket to see if it matches what the meter said you used. If not, contact your provider to get your meter fixed. 

2. Broken Pipes

A leaking connection or cracked pipe will drip water constantly. This not only uses up resources, but it can result in water damage to the nearby drywall or flooring. Therefore, if your water bills have gotten high, inspect likely areas for plumbing leaks—such as under the sink.

3. Broken Fixtures & Appliances

Many appliances use water. A faulty dishwasher drain, perforated ice maker supply line, or damaged washing machine will lead to plumbing leaks. A plumber can test their connections to the main water line to determine which device is responsible for the spike in your water bill. Most plumbers also recommend a yearly inspection to stay ahead of problems.

If you’re dealing with plumbing leaks, contact Taylor’s Drain & Sewer Service of Lincoln, NE. They’ve assisted clients for over 40 years, handling drain inspections and maintenance, sewer cleaning, and septic needs. You can explore their full scope of services on their website. Call (402) 474-5213 to schedule an appointment.