A suddenly high water bill is one of the most common reasons Riverside County homeowners call a plumber. If your bill has spiked and you haven’t changed your water habits, there’s a good chance you have a hidden leak. Davis Plumbing and Heating Inc. can find and fix the problem fast.
Top Reasons for a High Water Bill in Riverside County
1. Running Toilet
A running toilet is the #1 cause of unexplained high water bills. A single toilet with a faulty flapper can silently waste 200 gallons of water per day. Test yours by adding a few drops of food coloring to the tank — if the color appears in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak.
2. Slab Leak
A cracked pipe beneath your foundation can leak continuously without any visible signs above ground. Slab leaks are common in Riverside County due to hard water and expansive soils. Signs include warm spots on floors, mold smell, and the sound of running water.
3. Leaking Faucets
A faucet dripping once per second wastes over 3,000 gallons annually. Check all faucets, including outdoor hose bibs, for any slow drips.
4. Irrigation System Leak
Broken sprinkler heads, cracked lines, or a faulty irrigation controller can dump hundreds of gallons per day into your yard or under your landscaping.
5. Water Heater Leak
A slow leak from your water heater’s pressure relief valve or connections can go unnoticed but add significantly to your water bill.
6. Outdated Fixtures
Old toilets use 3-5 gallons per flush vs. 1.28 gallons for modern low-flow models. Replacing older fixtures can dramatically cut water usage.
How to Check for Hidden Leaks
Turn off all water in your home and check your water meter. If the meter dial is still moving, you have a leak. Take a reading, wait two hours without using any water, then check again. If the reading changed, call a plumber.
Get Your Leak Found and Fixed Today
Davis Plumbing and Heating uses professional leak detection equipment to find hidden leaks fast. Call us at (951) 657-0393 or contact us online to schedule a leak inspection. We serve Murrieta, Temecula, Menifee, Perris, Lake Elsinore, and all of Riverside County.