High water use bill adjustments (2024)

FAQs

How do you troubleshoot high water usage? ›

Also, check outdoor spigots and irrigation systems, and look for wet spots in your yard, which may indicate a leak. The most common cause for a high water bill is running water from your toilet. A continuously running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons a day or more depending on the volume flow down the drain.

What is Average? The water industry estimates that an average person uses 3,000 gallons of water monthly, so a family of 4 would use 12,000 gallons for bathing, cooking, washing, recreation and watering. But a lot of factors come into play when calculating average use.

The best way to check is to find a multi-galloned receptacle that you can fill up with an exact measurement. If you check the measurement of water with your water meter and the numbers don't add up, you have yourself a faulty meter and that needs to be replaced as soon as possible.

The simple truth is that water meters never read inaccurately high. The meter will not arbitrarily run faster than it was designed to run or run backwards. The mechanical parts are not capable of “speeding up” or registering a significantly higher reading than actual usage.

Once all the water appliances and fixtures have been turned off, check the water meter to see if it is still spinning. If the meter continues to run, you probably have a leak somewhere in your plumbing system. If your water meter keeps spinning even after all the water valves have been shut, look for signs of a leak.

Water Monitoring Devices

Some devices measure the water use of specific plumbing fixtures while others monitor the total usage of the home. Individual water monitoring devices fit onto the fixture's supply pipe and keep track of your household water consumption through the fixture.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the typical shower head sprays about 2.5 gallons per minute. If you take a shower that lasts 20 minutes, about 50 gallons of water are used. Some high-powered shower heads can use between 20-35 gallons of water for a five-minute shower.

Still, no place is immune from drought, so it's important to be conservative with your water use at home, no matter where you live. On average in the US, water use at home (water from the tap, toilet, dishwasher, etc.) adds up to about 138 gallons per household per day, or 60 gallons per person per day.

TESTING YOUR METER

To test the accuracy of your meter, use the following procedure. Run water until the last three digits on your meter reading are all zeros. Then fill a one-gallon container with water. The last three digits on your meter should read .

How do I know if my meter is faulty? ›

Your meter could be faulty if: you're paying more than usual. you get a bill you weren't expecting. your prepayment meter is showing an error message.

Locate the leak detector triangle or asterisk on your meter display. Watch your leak detector triangle or asterisk for a couple minutes to see if it turns. When water is running through the meter the leak detector triangle or asterisk will turn.

The meters must be selected, installed, operated, calibrated, and maintained following generally accepted industry and manufacturer standards. At a minimum, the top 10% of water users must be identified and have their meters calibrated annually.

You may need to replace the appliance itself. Many times old electrical wiring will have loose connections, resulting in increased electrical usage and creating potential safety hazards. Seasons: The additional heating or cooling load will cause an increase in electric usage.

Meter reading

If you have a water meter, it should be read at least once a year, and read by your water company at least once every two years. Some water companies might read your meter more frequently. Often the water meter is installed so that your company can read the meter remotely.

Signs of hidden leaks in your plumbing system include: mold or mildew, damaged paint or wallpaper, damaged walls or flooring, stains on ceilings, or a persistent musty or earthy smell. If this is the case, we recommend calling your local Roto-Rooter plumber immediately to prevent any further damage to your home.

Turn off the main water supply and open a faucet to drain the water from the pipes. Adjust the knob: Turn the adjustment knob (Figure 2 labeled B) clockwise to increase the pressure or counterclockwise to decrease the water pressure. Make small adjustments, as even a slight turn can significantly change the pressure.