Nobody likes an unexpected bill, especially when your water charges suddenly spike with no clear explanation. If you’re scratching your head and wondering, “Why is my water bill so high?” the culprit might be a hidden plumbing leak. And while some leaks are easy to spot, others lurk out of sight, such as inside walls, beneath your foundation, or deep underground, silently wasting water and draining your wallet.
In Bonham, TX, seasonal changes, like heavy spring rains or dry summer spells, can put extra pressure on plumbing systems. This makes leaks far more likely as well as harder to detect. However, knowing the warning signs and being proactive can save you from expensive water bills as well as even bigger repair costs down the road.
Let’s break down the common causes, what to watch for, and when you should call a pro at Underwood Plumbing & Septic.
Common Hidden Plumbing Leaks in Houses
Some leaks are obvious, but others are far from it. Here are a few of the biggest culprits behind a high water bill:
1. Slab Leaks
A slab leak happens when a pipe underneath your home’s concrete foundation breaks or cracks. In areas like Bonham, where the soil can shift during heavy rains or dry periods, slab leaks are not unusual.
Signs of a slab leak include:
- Warm spots on your floors
- Damp carpets or flooring
- A sudden drop in water pressure
- Unexplained spikes in your water bill
Because slab leaks are often hidden, they can cause serious damage before you even know they’re there. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to call a plumber quickly.
2. Running Toilets
A toilet that keeps running after you flush can waste hundreds of gallons of water a day. Often, the problem is a worn-out flapper valve or a faulty fill valve.
How to check:
Put a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank and wait 10–15 minutes without flushing. If the color appears in the bowl, you have a leak.
3. Dripping Faucets
Even a slow drip adds up over time. A faucet that leaks just one drop per second can waste over 3,000 gallons of water a year. The good news is that most dripping faucets just need a simple fix, like a new washer or cartridge.
4. Leaky Pipes
Pipes behind your walls, under sinks, or in your crawl space can develop leaks quite easily. Even worse, because they’re hidden away, you often won’t notice an issue until it’s too late. A few signs to watch out for include:
- Water stains on walls or ceilings
- Musty smells
- Pooling water under cabinets
Remember, even something that appears to be “just” a small leak today can turn into serious water damage if left alone.
Water Leak Detection Tips
Catching leaks early helps prevent high water bills and bigger headaches later. Here are some easy ways to check for hidden leaks around your house:
- Check your water meter. Turn off all water in your home, then check your meter. Wait two hours and check it again. If it changes, you likely have a leak.
- Watch your water usage. If your bill suddenly jumps without changes in your household habits, start investigating.
- Inspect outdoor fixtures. Hoses, irrigation systems, and outdoor spigots can leak too, especially after a freeze or heavy rain in North Texas.
- Listen carefully. Sometimes you can hear a leak behind a wall, like a faint hissing or dripping sound.
Can You Fix a Leaking Pipe Yourself? When to DIY and When to Call for Help
Small leaks under a sink or at a faucet connection can sometimes be solved by a simple DIY repair. Learning how to fix a leaking pipe can save you time and money if you have the skills. Tightening a loose fitting or replacing a worn washer might solve the problem.
However, if you discover a major leak, suspect a slab leak, have toilets that won’t stop running despite your efforts, or suspect issues with pipes hidden behind walls, it’s time to call a licensed plumber. In Texas, plumbing repairs that go beyond basic fixtures must comply with strict state plumbing codes — and for good reason.
A professional plumber has the tools and training to quickly locate hidden leaks and make reliable, code-compliant repairs. Hiring an expert not only saves you time and stress, but also helps prevent further damage and ensures your plumbing system is safe and up to standard.
Don’t Let Hidden Leaks Drain Your Wallet — Call Underwood Plumbing & Septic Today!
If your water bill keeps rising without a clear reason, it’s time to bring in the experts. At Underwood Plumbing & Septic in Bonham, TX, we are here to find and fix hidden plumbing leaks before they cause major damage to your home and wallet.
Our team has the tools to find leaks quickly and make reliable repairs. Don’t wait for a small leak to turn into a big expense — call (903) 664-8196 to contact Underwood Plumbing and Sceptic today and schedule your inspection!