High water bill investigation in Stuart and Martin County
Water bill jumped for no reason in Stuart, FL? Learn how to check for leaks and get matched with a licensed plumbing contractor to find the cause.
A water bill that suddenly doubles is almost always a leak somewhere, though not always where people expect. Many leaks are quiet. They do not make a puddle, and the water goes into the ground or under the house where no one sees it. The good news is that there is a step by step way to narrow down the cause, and the first steps cost nothing.
Step by step
- Compare the bill to the last few months. Look at the usage in gallons, not just the dollar total. Rates and fees can change the total.
- Turn off every faucet, appliance, the ice maker and the irrigation system. Then read the water meter and look at the leak indicator. If it spins, or if the number changes after fifteen minutes, water is leaking.
- Close the main shutoff valve at the house and check the meter again. If it stops, the leak is on the house side. If it keeps running, the leak is between the meter and the house.
- Walk the house. Look for dripping, damp cabinets under sinks, stains on ceilings and the sound of water.
The usual suspects
- Running toilets. A worn flapper can leak silently for days. A few drops of food coloring in the tank will show in the bowl if it is leaking.
- Irrigation. A broken head, a stuck valve or a cracked line can pour water onto the ground. Check zones while they run.
- Pool auto fill. A float valve that stays open can add a lot of water, and it is easy to miss.
- Water heater. A leaking relief valve or tank connection can lose water slowly.
- Underground and slab lines. If everything above is fine and the meter still moves, the leak may be in a buried line or under the slab.
When to call a plumber
If the meter runs with everything off and you cannot find the source, a licensed plumbing contractor can use pressure tests, listening equipment and line locators to find it. See slab leak detection and water line and main line leaks for what those involve.
Your utility may help
Some utilities will review a bill, check the meter for accuracy or offer an adjustment policy for leaks that have been repaired. Policies differ, so ask yours what it offers and what paperwork it wants, such as a plumber's invoice. We cannot promise any credit.
Licensing, permits and insurance
Plumbing repairs in Florida must be done by a licensed plumbing contractor, which you can check on the DBPR website. Insurance may help with damage from a sudden leak, but it often does not cover the leaking pipe itself, and a high bill alone is typically not covered. Check your policy.
What it costs
The meter check is free. A plumber visit to find a hidden leak is often a few hundred dollars, and the repair depends on what is found. A running toilet might be a small fix, while a slab leak can cost thousands.
Common questions
How much water does a typical leak waste?
It varies widely. A slow drip may waste only a little, while a running toilet or a broken irrigation line can use hundreds of gallons a day. The meter tells you how much.
My meter moves a little with everything off. Is that a leak?
Possibly. A slow movement of the leak indicator can mean a small leak. Check again after a few hours with no water use, then call a plumber if it still moves.
Related services
We refer homeowners in Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Port Salerno, Hobe Sound, Sewall's Point, and nearby communities.