You are probably shocked why your bill is suddenly higher this month. Read this article to know the reasons you’re getting a higher bill. If you have questions, feel free to get in touch with a plumber in Fort Worth, TX.
Reasons Your Water Bills Are Higher
Below are some of the reasons you’re getting higher bills:
Leaks
Getting a higher water bill is an indication of a leak in your plumbing. Inspect your plumbing and look for signs of leaks such as pooling water near the water heater or pipes, or hidden leaks such as bulging wallpapers or water spots in the ceilings or walls. If you suspect a leak, contact a plumber in Fort Worth, TX immediately for professional leak detection. Our plumbing team can look for the exact location of the leak and resolve the problem for you.
You might want to also check your home’s water pressure to check if there might be leaks in your plumbing. The result shouldn’t be less than 40 PSI. Otherwise, this could indicate leaks in your plumbing. Do two water meter tests to check for leaks and get in touch with a plumber immediately if there are leaks in your plumbing.
Inefficient Water Heater
How old is your water heater? If you have a conventional water heater that’s several years old, chances are your unit is no longer efficient. An inefficient unit works harder, consuming more energy. And this significantly translates to getting higher bills. We suggest you get in touch with a plumber in your area for a thorough inspection of your water heater. We can help you decide if it’s better to keep your water heater or if it’s time to get a replacement. When you decide to purchase a new unit, consider buying the tankless water heater as it’s more energy-efficient than the standard water heater. For installation though, hire a licensed plumber only to avoid problems associated with incorrect installation. Our plumbing experts at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth can install all types of water heaters. If you need help deciding which size to purchase for your home, we can assist as well.
If you keep calling for a water heater repair, chances are your unit is also no longer efficient. Remember, the repair costs can add up; it will be better to invest in a brand-new water heater to conserve energy. Go with the tankless unit because there’s no standby heat loss, making it the most energy-efficient option. The tankless unit also lasts longer, up to 20 years compared to just 10 years with the standard water heater.
For homeowners with an older water heater tank, we suggest you get an insulating blanket and cover the water heater tank with it to conserve energy. Don’t forget to also improve the insulation in your basement or wherever the water heater is stored.
Inefficient Plumbing Fixtures
If you have old bathroom and kitchen fixtures, we suggest you contact a plumber to install low-flow showerheads, faucets and toilets. Better yet, invest in a dual flush toilet, as it dispenses less water compared to regular toilets.
We recommend you also check the rest of your appliances. If they are old or beyond their service life, consider getting them replaced. Look for ENERGY STAR appliances and WaterSense on the label to conserve energy and water. Should you need further help with this, get in touch with a licensed plumber in the area.
How to Prevent Leaks in Your Plumbing
Leaks are the top reason your water bill has suddenly skyrocketed. Check below for helpful tips to prevent a costly plumbing leak. Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth if you have questions.
Protect Your Pipes
If you have older pipes, we suggest you contact professionals to get them replaced. Go with modern pipes such as copper or PVC. Both are less susceptible to rust and damage. Don’t forget to get a professional drain cleaning service to get rid of any sediment building up in the tank and to remove clogs that can cause leaks. Most importantly, insulate your plumbing pipes in the winter so that the water inside them doesn’t freeze. Your pipes will burst when the pipes expand, and this can lead to a catastrophic leak that will cost you a lot of money.
Maintain the Water Heater
Flush the water heater tank at least once a year to get rid of the mineral buildup that will eventually lead to a leak in your plumbing. Never ignore issues with your water heater to avoid more problems. If the water pressure is low or you have high levels of hard water in your plumbing, consider investing in a water softener to soften the water.
Install Leak Detection Devices
You need safety devices that can send you alerts when there’s a leak in your plumbing and devices that will automatically shut off your water when you’re not around. Get in touch with us to learn more about leak detection devices or when you’re ready to install some for your home.
Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth
Do you need a plumber for your home in Fort Worth, TX? We are always available to help. Our plumbing experts can help with any plumbing-related problem from fixing broken water heaters to repairing a leaky pipe. We also offer around-the-clock repair services to cater to those homeowners that need emergency services. Simply give us a call at your earliest convenience or even in the wee hours and our professional team will be with you shortly. We will quickly dispatch a plumber to your location to ensure your issue gets resolved within the day. Our promise is to deliver exceptional plumbing services and you can always count on us when it comes to making customers happy.
Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth today for an appointment.