From cleaning dishes and clothes to showering and watering your lawn, you rely on water every day. But a few mistakes, like leaving faucets unattended or ignoring leaks, can lead to significant waste. Here are a few telltale signs of wasted water so you know when to contact a plumber for assistance.

How to Tell If Your Home Is Wasting Water

1. Mold

Mold forms in dark, moist areas, like along baseboards, below sinks, or around shower lining and fixtures. Its growth often indicates a nearby leak. Even small leaks between pipe connectors can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water in a year, which is why it’s crucial to call a plumber. They’ll snake a camera down the drains and scan your piping until they find the leak. They can then patch the hole or replace the pipe.

2. Higher Water Bills

A steadily increasing water bill often points to waste, whether you’re running a half-loaded dishwasher or a pipe has burst. Fortunately, it’s easy to reduce water waste. Only turn on the faucet to wash the soap off the dishes. Install an automatic shutoff timer on your outdoor irrigation system and low-flow showerheads in bathrooms. Schedule a yearly plumbing inspection to check for leaks.

3. Weak Toilet Flushes

A leaky toilet wastes roughly 200 gallons of water each day. If you hear it constantly running, there may be a gap around the flapper and flushing system in the tank. Or a crack in the porcelain might be leaking water behind the fixture. Hire a plumber to inspect the tank. They can replace the flapper system or, if needed, install a new toilet.

If you’re searching for a plumber in Wapakoneta, OH, turn to the Auglaize County’s most trusted service, Houston Electric Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning. These professionals have a combined 40 years of experience to service all of your home systems. Call (419) 738-9800 to schedule an inspection, or check out their range of services on their website.