A water bill that suddenly jumps without any change in your habits is almost always a sign of a problem — usually a leak. Here's how to find the cause.
The silent toilet leak
A leaking toilet flapper is the number-one hidden water waster, capable of wasting hundreds of gallons a day silently. Test with the food-coloring trick: color in the bowl without flushing means a leak.
Dripping faucets
A drip may seem trivial, but a single dripping faucet can waste thousands of gallons a year. Multiply that across the house and it adds up on your bill.
Hidden pipe leaks
A leak inside a wall, under a slab, or underground can run continuously. The meter test — checking whether your meter moves with all water off — reveals a hidden leak.
Irrigation and outdoor use
Sprinkler leaks and outdoor spigots left running are easy to overlook, especially seasonally.
Running water heater or softener
A malfunctioning water softener stuck in a regeneration cycle, or a leaking water heater, can quietly drive up usage.
Pro Tip
Start with the meter test. If the meter moves with everything off, you have a leak worth tracking down — a plumber can locate it quickly with the right equipment.
Need Plumbing in Northern NJ?
On Time NJ is here to help 24/7 with licensed, upfront-priced service.