Noticed that your water bill is higher than usual?
Have you checked your water bill lately, only to discover that it’s much higher than usual? This is a common occurrence for many people around the world, and there could be multiple explanations as to why this may happen. Get some advice from an experienced plumber in Mount Martha, and find out why you’re being charged extra. From leaks, to additional fees, we’ll discuss the possible reasons behind it and help you investigate what exactly is causing your higher-than-average water bill.Do you have any leaks?
The most common cause of an unexplained increase in water bills is a leak. Leaks can occur everywhere, from the sink to your toilet and even your water pipes. These leaks could be extremely small, to the point where you may barely notice them at all. However, over time a leak can waste an incredible amount of water. To put it into perspective, the average leaking toilet wastes about 700 litres of water per day. This adds up to a whopping 21,700 litres per month. If the leak was left undetected, you could be looking at thousands of dollars in wasted water bills for many months in a row. It’s extremely important to contact a residential plumber on the Mornington Peninsula to fix any leaks before they end up costing you. You should also check the ground in the garden to check for wet patches where pipes may be leaking. Hot water systems and evaporative cooling systems should also be checked. If you require hot water repair in Mornington, contact HRA Plumbing today.
Are you being charged an annual parks charge?
If you live on the Mornington Peninsula, Southeast Water charge an annual parks charge which is added on top of your water bill for one month out of the year. This fee goes towards maintaining parks, gardens, zoos and cultural sites. It’s collected on behalf of the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP). The minimum fee for the parks charge is $81.60, and must be paid by all property owners. This yearly charge is also property-based, meaning it is payable on all properties that you own. The charge has been applied on Victorian water bills since 1958. If you notice that your water bill is around $80 more expensive than usual, check the bill to determine whether or not you were charged a parks charge. If you’re still unable to find a reason why it’s more expensive, get in touch with a licensed plumber in Mornington today.
Have you checked your water meter readings?
When South East Water send someone out to read your meter, they may not always be able to access your meter. If this is the case, South East Water will estimate your reading based off of your water usage in the past, which may be more expensive than what you are currently using. If they’re unable to access your meter, they’ll leave a card in your letterbox asking you to read your water meter and tell them the results. You can also fill out this card if your meter has been read but you think that it was read wrong. If you’ve disputed the meter reading with South East Water but you still believe you water usage should be less than it is, we advise that you speak with a licensed plumber on the Mornington Peninsula. If you’re looking for expert assistance, HRA Plumbing are here to help.
Have you used more water for some other reason?
If you have one additional person staying in your house for just one month, your water usage could increase by up to 4000 litres. If you’ve had friends or relatives staying at your house, this could be the explanation. If you own a pool or a spa and you’ve been using it more frequently, this could also explain why your water bill is so high. Increased usage requires more water to top up the pool, as it is lost due to general use and evaporation. If you’re comparing your water bill to one from a previous month, make sure it’s around the same time of year. We tend to use more water in summer to cool off and water our gardens. An evaporative cooler or more frequent gardening are common explanations for a higher water bill over spring and summer. Have you recently purchased new appliances that use water, such as a dishwasher or washing machine? These appliances can significantly increase your water usage, especially if you’re using them more frequently than you were before. Similarly, if you’ve recently installed a new shower head or tap, these could be using more water than your old ones. It’s also worth checking for any running taps or leaking pipes outside of your house, as this can result in a constant flow of water that can add up quickly. By identifying and fixing any of these issues, you can help to lower your water usage and reduce your bill.
