Many homeowners in British Columbia are concerned with water conservation, for the sake of the environment and to reduce the cost of utility bills. Each individual’s water usage will shift depending on the season and personal habits or requirements, however if there is a sustained, prolonged increase in water bills, it may be time to call a professional plumber.
Often, it is easy for water consumption to sneak up. Water usage might spike during the summer months when gardening and yardwork are common practice, or during the winter months when the only way to beat the chill is a hot bath or shower. There is a big difference between intentional water use and the everyday issues that are driving water bills up.
Treating High Water Bills: Spotting the Signs of Trouble
Household plumbing systems are often an afterthought until there are signs of an issue. A dripping faucet is not a top priority, and a running toilet does not often necessitate a call to a plumber right away. The truth is that all of these issues will start to add up. Whether you are noticing struggling appliances or identifying a spike in water meter readings, local experts have created a short list of common issues that might be driving water bills up.
Outdated Appliances
Modern appliances are designed with a focus on energy efficiency; however, older models tend to use a lot more power and significantly more water. If your appliances are not efficient, you might find yourself having to run machines multiple times, wasting water and causing additional wear and tear on the household systems. If appliance or machine hookups have not been inspected in a long time, there is a chance leaks are occurring behind the scenes. We recommend scheduling a plumber to inspect appliances such as washing machines or dishwashers to ensure that you are not losing water and systems are running as intended.
Update Fixtures
Bathroom sinks, showers and toilets are in constant use around households. It is easy to ignore a dripping bathroom sink, but every small drop of water adds to a much larger problem. Wear, tear, and physical damage can loosen faucets or shower heads, leaving them to drip into basins and even behind walls. Leaks may seem invisible; however, these issues can go on indefinitely if not repaired, causing damage along the way. Plumbers will assess the condition of fixtures and even perform replacements as necessary.
Check the Condition of Pipes
Plumbing systems are complex, with plenty of pipes and components that are located behind walls or under flooring, putting them out of sight and out of mind. Depending on where the property is located, exterior pipes are at risk of physical damage or intrusion from roots are a common issue. Outdoor leaks can drown lawns and damage landscaping. Interior leaks are known to cause water damage, mould, rot and flooding. Plumbers are outfitted with top tools of the trade designed to track leaks within pipes and isolate these areas for repair.
Maintain Water Heaters
There is nothing worse than turning the tap on a tub or shower only to find that the water is freezing. Most water heaters are designed to last a decade or more, but without regular maintenance, this lifespan is drastically reduced. Without maintenance, water heaters can become inefficient, develop leaks or drive up other utility bills. Plumbers can assess the condition of your current water heater and even offer insight into whether or not there are models more suited to your living space and its needs.
Consulting a Professional Plumber: How a Proactive Approach Can Reduce Water Bills
Leaks will only get worse over time. The longer that water leaks are allowed to persist, the more expensive the repairs and replacements will be. Experienced plumbers are able to identify existing problems within water systems, as well as point out the early warning signs of issues before they become disasters.
When caught early, pipes can be patched, and leaks can be sealed with minor, more cost-effective repairs. Plumbing experts can also advise on how to prevent damage caused by cold weather. Something as simple as insulating pipes goes a long way in preventing freezing and the potential for burst pipes.
It is common for homeowners who purchase new appliances to attempt the installation themselves. Taking a DIY approach might seem like a great way to save a few bucks, however if connections are not installed correctly, it can be a very expensive misstep. Work with an expert from start to finish in order to reduce the risk of leaks and ensure everything is operating as efficiently as possible.
