Summer is one of the best times to check your home’s plumbing system. As outdoor water use increases and utility bills begin to climb, even small plumbing issues can quietly waste thousands of gallons of water each year.
The good news is that many of these problems are easy to identify if you know what to look for. A few simple inspections can help you catch hidden leaks, improve your plumbing system’s efficiency, and potentially lower your monthly water bill.
Start With Your Water Meter
One of the easiest ways to check for hidden leaks is by using your home’s water meter.
First, make sure no water is being used inside or outside your home. Turn off faucets, irrigation systems, washing machines, dishwashers, and any other water using appliances.
Then, locate your water meter and record the reading. Wait about 30 minutes without using any water and check it again.
If the reading has changed, you may have a hidden leak somewhere in your plumbing system.
Knowing where your water meter is located is valuable information for every homeowner and can help identify problems before they become expensive repairs.
Check for Leaking Toilets
A running toilet is one of the most common causes of high water bills.
Many toilet leaks are silent, meaning you may never hear the water running.
Watch for signs like:
- The toilet occasionally refilling on its own
- Water continuously moving inside the bowl
- A higher than normal water bill
Even a slow toilet leak can waste hundreds of gallons of water over time.
Inspect Faucets Inside and Outside
A dripping faucet may not seem like a big deal, but over time those small drips add up.
Walk through your home and check:
- Kitchen faucets
- Bathroom faucets
- Utility sinks
- Outdoor hose bibs
Look for dripping water, loose handles, or leaks around the base of the fixture.
Outdoor faucets deserve special attention during the summer since they are used more frequently for watering lawns, gardens, and washing vehicles.
Look Around Your Water Heater
Take a few minutes to perform a visual inspection of your water heater.
Check for:
- Moisture around the base
- Leaks at fittings or valves
- Corrosion on plumbing connections
Early detection can help prevent costly water damage and unexpected repairs.
Know Where Your Main Water Shut Off Valve Is
Every homeowner should know where the main water shut off valve is located.
If a pipe bursts or a plumbing emergency occurs, shutting off the water quickly can greatly reduce damage to your home.
Take a few minutes this summer to locate it and make sure everyone in your household knows where it is.
Summer Is the Perfect Time for a Plumbing Check
Warmer weather makes it easier to inspect both the inside and outside of your home.
Take time to:
- Check outdoor faucets and hose bibs
- Inspect exposed plumbing for leaks
- Watch for unusually high water bills
- Verify your water meter is not indicating hidden leaks
- Locate your main water shut off valve
These simple checks only take a few minutes and can help prevent larger plumbing problems down the road.
Small Leaks Can Lead to Big Utility Bills
Many homeowners are surprised to learn how much water can be wasted by a small plumbing leak.
Whether it is a running toilet, dripping faucet, or hidden leak underground, addressing the issue early can save water, reduce your utility bill, and help protect your home.
At B&G Plumbing, we believe informed homeowners make better decisions about their plumbing systems. Knowing what to look for and performing simple seasonal inspections can go a long way toward preventing unnecessary expenses.
Keep Your Plumbing Working Efficiently This Summer
Have confidence in your plumbing system this summer by following these simple tips we shared.
If you notice signs of a leak, unusual water usage, or have questions about your plumbing system, the team at B&G Plumbing and Heating is here to help. We’re committed to helping homeowners protect their plumbing systems and avoid unnecessary utility costs.
Skip to content