Opening your monthly water bill and seeing a number that's double or even triple what you normally pay is a stressful experience. Your first thought might be that you've used more water than you realized, but when your habits haven't changed, the cause is often a hidden water leak silently wasting hundreds or even thousands of gallons per day.
At Absolute Maintenance & Consulting, we know how frustrating a high water bill can be. For over 37 years, we've helped Los Angeles homeowners pinpoint the exact cause of unexplained water usage. The good news is that most hidden leaks can be found quickly and accurately with the right professional leak detection approach, saving you money and protecting your home from damage.
The Most Common Culprits Behind a High Water Bill
Before you panic, it's helpful to understand the most common sources of hidden leaks. While some are minor, others can be signs of a more serious issue that requires immediate attention.
The Silent Toilet Leak
This is the number one cause of a surprise high water bill. A worn-out flapper or a faulty fill valve inside your toilet tank can cause water to run continuously and silently, 24/7. It may not seem like much, but a single running toilet can waste over 6,000 gallons of water in a month.
How to Check: Place a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank (not the bowl). Wait 15-20 minutes without flushing. If any color appears in the toilet bowl, you have a silent leak.
Dripping Faucets and Showerheads
That slow, steady drip might seem insignificant, but it adds up quickly. A faucet that drips just once per second can waste over 3,000 gallons of water per year. We often find these minor leaks on outdoor spigots or in guest bathrooms that aren't used frequently.
The Hidden Slab Leak
This is the most serious type of hidden leak. If a water pipe under your home's concrete foundation is broken, it will leak water directly into the ground beneath your home. This not only wastes a massive amount of water but can also damage your foundation over time. If your water bill has spiked dramatically and you've ruled out toilet leaks, a slab leak is a strong possibility.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Investigating the Problem
Before calling a professional, you can do a quick investigation yourself to confirm if you have a leak.
- Turn Off All Water: Make sure no faucets, showers, washing machines, or dishwashers are running.
- Find Your Water Meter: Locate your water meter, which is usually in a concrete box near the curb in front of your home.
- Check the Leak Indicator: Look for a small triangle, star, or gear on the meter face. If this indicator is spinning, even slowly, it means water is flowing somewhere on your property. This is a clear sign you have a leak.
If your leak indicator is moving when you know all your water is turned off, you have confirmed a hidden leak. The next step is to find its source.
When to Call a Professional Leak Detection Expert
If you've confirmed you have a leak but can't find its source, it's time to call in the experts. Simply hiring a plumber to fix the symptoms you can see might not solve the underlying problem.
As forensic leak detection specialists, we use advanced, non-invasive tools to find the true root cause of your water loss. We use acoustic listening devices to hear water running behind walls and thermal cameras to see moisture hidden from view. This means we can pinpoint the exact location of the leak without unnecessary demolition.
In Los Angeles, with our aging pipe infrastructure and unique home construction, finding the source of a leak requires specialized expertise. Our 37 years of experience ensure we can identify the problem quickly and provide a single-source solution for both detection and repair.
Key Takeaways
- Check Your Toilets First: A running toilet is the most common cause of a high water bill.
- Use Your Water Meter: Your water meter's leak indicator is the fastest way to confirm if you have a hidden leak.
- High Bills Can Signal Serious Issues: A major spike in your bill could indicate a serious problem like a slab leak that needs immediate attention.
- Professional Detection Saves Money: Investing in professional leak detection prevents the wasted water and potential property damage that a hidden leak can cause.
