High Water Bill With No Visible Leak?
Has your water bill suddenly increased even though your normal water use has not changed? A hidden plumbing leak may be allowing water to escape somewhere inside, beneath or outside your property.
Louisiana Leak Detection helps homeowners, businesses and property managers locate difficult-to-find water leaks throughout Baton Rouge, Greater New Orleans, the Northshore and surrounding Southeast Louisiana communities.
The source could be a leaking plumbing line, an under-slab leak, an underground water line or another concealed water problem. Finding the source can help stop unnecessary water loss and prevent additional property damage.
Call 225-320-5566 if your water bill has increased and you cannot find the reason.
Why Did My Water Bill Suddenly Increase?
A higher water bill does not automatically mean you have a hidden pipe leak. There are several possible reasons for increased water use.
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Running or leaking toilet
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Dripping faucet or plumbing fixture
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Leaking water heater
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Leaking appliance connection
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Irrigation or sprinkler system leak
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Increased household water usage
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Underground water line leak
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Hidden plumbing leak behind a wall or beneath flooring
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Water line leaking beneath a concrete slab
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Other concealed plumbing problems
If you have checked the obvious sources and the water usage still does not make sense, additional leak detection may be appropriate.
Is Your Water Meter Running When Everything Is Off?
One clue that water may be escaping somewhere in the plumbing system is continued water-meter activity when no water should be in use.
Turn off faucets and make sure toilets, washing machines, dishwashers, irrigation systems and other water-using fixtures are not operating. If the meter still indicates water use, there may be a leak somewhere in the plumbing system.
That does not tell you where the leak is located. The problem could be beneath the slab, underground, behind a wall or somewhere else in the property's plumbing.
Could a Hidden Water Leak Be Causing Your High Water Bill?
A concealed leak can allow water to escape continuously without creating an obvious puddle or visible plumbing failure.
Depending on the location of the leak, you may see very few symptoms other than increased water usage.
Other warning signs can include:
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Sound of running water when fixtures are off
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Warm areas on flooring
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Damp or discolored flooring
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Water stains on walls or ceilings
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Moisture around cabinets or baseboards
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Reduced or changing water pressure
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Wet or unusually soft areas in the yard
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Moisture appearing near the foundation
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Musty or damp odors
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Repeated water damage with no obvious source
Hidden Leaks That Can Increase Your Water Bill
Slab & Under-Slab Leaks
Water supply lines located beneath a concrete foundation can develop leaks that remain hidden from view. In some cases, the first noticeable symptom is an unexplained increase in water consumption.
Other signs may include warm or damp flooring, running-water sounds or unexplained moisture inside the property.
Learn more about slab leak detection.
Hidden Plumbing Leaks
Plumbing lines behind walls, above ceilings or beneath flooring may leak without immediately becoming visible.
Underground Water Line Leaks
A water line outside the structure can leak underground, increasing water usage even when there is little or no visible water inside the property.
Wet soil, unusually green areas of grass, soft ground or reduced water pressure may sometimes accompany an underground leak.
Water Heater & Appliance Leaks
Water heaters, washing machines, refrigerators and other water-connected equipment can also develop leaks or connection problems that increase water usage.
High Water Bill Could Be a Sign of a Slab Leak
A pressurized water line leaking beneath a concrete slab may lose water continuously, even when nobody is using a faucet or appliance.
Because the pipe is hidden beneath the foundation, the property owner may not see the leak itself. The water bill may be one of the first indications that something is wrong.
Other possible slab-leak symptoms include warm flooring, damp areas, running-water sounds and unexplained moisture near walls, cabinets or baseboards.
If those symptoms sound familiar, visit our guide to the signs of an under-slab water leak .
Finding the Source of Unexplained Water Usage
Knowing that your property is using extra water is only the beginning. The next question is: Where is the water going?
Louisiana Leak Detection helps narrow down difficult-to-find water problems so the appropriate repair can be determined.
When the suspected leak is beneath a slab, underground or concealed behind finished building materials, locating the source before repair work begins can help reduce unnecessary demolition and guesswork.
Is the Hidden Leak Also Causing Water Damage?
An unusually high water bill can indicate that water is being lost, but the cost of the water may not be the only concern.
If the leak is occurring beneath or inside the structure, escaping water may affect flooring, drywall, cabinets, baseboards, insulation and other building materials before the source is found.
Signs that the leak may already be causing property damage include:
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Wet or buckling flooring
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Swollen wood or laminate
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Damaged baseboards
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Wet or stained drywall
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Swollen or damaged cabinets
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Persistent damp or musty odors
Repairing the plumbing leak stops additional water from escaping, but materials that are already wet may still need professional moisture evaluation, drying or restoration.
If you have a high water bill AND visible water damage, tell Louisiana Leak Detection when you call.
High Water Bill & Hidden Leak Detection Across Southeast Louisiana
Louisiana Leak Detection serves homeowners, businesses and property managers throughout Baton Rouge, Greater New Orleans, Louisiana's Northshore and surrounding Southeast Louisiana communities.
Baton Rouge Area
We serve Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Prairieville, Gonzales, Central, Zachary, Walker and surrounding communities.
Northshore
Service is available throughout Mandeville, Covington, Madisonville, Slidell, Abita Springs, Lacombe and surrounding Northshore communities.
Greater New Orleans
Louisiana Leak Detection serves New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner and surrounding communities.
High Water Bill & Hidden Leak FAQs
Why is my water bill suddenly so high?
Increased water use can result from running toilets, leaking fixtures, appliances, irrigation systems or hidden plumbing leaks. If your normal usage has not changed and you cannot find an obvious source, additional investigation may be appropriate.
Can I have a water leak without seeing any water?
Yes. Plumbing lines may leak beneath a slab, underground, behind walls or in other concealed locations where escaping water is not immediately visible.
Can a slab leak cause a high water bill?
Yes. A leaking pressurized water line beneath a slab may allow water to escape continuously and increase water usage even when fixtures are not being used.
Why is my water meter running when everything is turned off?
If no fixtures, toilets, appliances or irrigation systems are using water but the meter still shows consumption, water may be escaping somewhere in the plumbing system.
Can an underground leak increase my water bill?
Yes. A leaking underground water line can lose a significant amount of water without creating an obvious leak inside the building.
Should I call a plumber or a leak detection company first?
If the source of the leak is obvious, a plumbing repair may be the immediate next step. If you know water is being lost but cannot determine where it is coming from, leak detection can help locate the suspected source before the repair is planned.
What if I also have wet flooring or drywall?
Visible property damage may indicate that escaping water has reached building materials. The source of the water should be identified and affected materials may also need moisture evaluation, drying or restoration.
Where does Louisiana Leak Detection provide service?
Louisiana Leak Detection serves Baton Rouge, Greater New Orleans, Mandeville, Covington, Slidell, Metairie and surrounding communities throughout Southeast Louisiana.
High Water Bill and Can't Find the Leak?
Call Louisiana Leak Detection at 225-320-5566
