Why Your Water Bill Is High, Yet A Plumber Can’t Find An Issue | Buckhead, GA
You’re diligently working to pay off all your bills on time each month. You’re happy that your water bill is only $50 this time. But the next month, it skyrocketed to $250 with no explanation. You call a plumber out to your house, and he can’t find anything wrong. So, what gives? Here are possible explanations if you’re scratching your head trying to figure out why your water bill is so high.
Wrong Diagnosis
When you hire a plumber in Buckhead, GA to audit your plumbing system, they will test the water pressure, look for leaks, and check your fixtures and appliances. If they can’t find anything wrong, their diagnosis may be incorrect. It’s not uncommon for plumbers to misdiagnose the issue. This is usually because they’re not familiar with your plumbing system or don’t have the right tools to diagnose the problem properly.
Sometimes, the plumber you hired for an inspection may not be qualified to find the issue. That is why it is important to do your research when hiring a plumber and ensure they are qualified to handle plumbing inspections. Otherwise, you could be paying for a service that won’t solve your problem. They will come to your home and pretend to inspect your plumbing, but they’re just trying to upsell you on unnecessary repairs.
Water Meter Issue
If your plumber can’t find anything wrong with your plumbing, the issue may be with your water meter. If your water meter is not working correctly, it could be overbilling you for your water usage. Water meters can become inaccurate for various reasons, including physical damage, corrosion, or the buildup of minerals. Additionally, if your water meter is old, it may not be as accurate as a new water meter.
The best way to determine if your water meter is the problem is to get it checked by a professional. They’ll be able to test the meter and give you an accurate reading of your water usage. If it turns out that your meter is defective, you may be able to get a refund from your utility company. In the meantime, keep an eye on your water bill and look for any other potential leaks or issues.
Wrong Billing from the Utility Company
Another possible reason your water bill may be high, but a plumber can’t find an issue, is wrong billing from the utility company. If you suspect this is the case, the first step is to contact the company and ask for an explanation. They may have made a mistake in your bill, or there may be an issue with the way they’re calculating your water usage. If you’re not satisfied with their explanation, you can ask to see a copy of your water usage for the past few months. This will help you determine if there is an issue with how they’re billing you.
Increased Rates
Sometimes, your high water bill may have nothing to do with your plumbing or water meter. If you live in an area where the water rates have recently increased, that could explain why your bill is so high. Water rates can fluctuate for various reasons, including changes in the cost of treatment and distribution, drought conditions, or infrastructure improvements. If you live in an area where the water rates have increased, there’s not much you can do other than adjust your budget accordingly. However, it’s always a good idea to contact your utility company in Buckhead, GA, and ask for an explanation of the rate increase. This will help you understand why your bill is higher and how long the rates are expected to increase.
Inefficient Toilets or Faucets
Have you upgraded your toilets or faucets to be more efficient? If not, that could be one reason your water bill is high. Older toilets and faucets can use a lot of water, even when you’re not using them. If you have an old toilet, it may use 3-5 gallons of water per flush. Newer, more efficient toilets use around 1.6 gallons of water per flush. That may not seem like a lot, but it can increase over time. Similarly, old faucets can use 2.2 gallons of water per minute, while newer, more efficient faucets use around 0.5 gallons of water per minute. Replacing your old toilets and faucets with newer, more efficient models can save you a lot of money on your water bill.
Recent Home Renovations
If you’ve recently renovated your home, congratulations! A new kitchen, bathroom, or addition can add resale value and make your house feel like a brand-new place. However, these home renovations could also be the reason for your high water bill. Any time you add new plumbing fixtures or change your plumbing system, it can affect your water usage. For example, if you’ve added a new bathroom to your home, that will increase your water usage. Similarly, if you’ve installed a new water heater or changed your irrigation system, that could increase your water usage. If you’ve completed any home renovations, observe your water bill to ensure everything is working as it should.
Don’t Pay Blindly
If your water bill is high and you can’t figure out why, get a professional plumber in Buckhead, GA to perform a water audit. A water audit is an inspection of your entire plumbing system, from the water meter to the fixtures, to identify potential leaks or issues. Once the audit is complete, the plumber will provide a report detailing their findings and recommendations for fixing any problems.
We Are the Plumbing Professionals to Call
If you’re concerned about your high water bill, don’t hesitate to call the plumbing professionals at Peach Plumbing & Drain. We have years of experience helping homeowners save money on their water bills. We’ll comprehensively inspect your plumbing system and provide you with an honest assessment of what’s causing your high water bill. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.