Have you recently opened your water bill and felt a jolt of surprise? You’re not alone. Many homeowners across the DMV have recently received notices from WSSC about unusually high water use — and in many cases, the culprit is a silent water leak.
One of the biggest offenders? 🚽 Leaking toilets.
They may seem minor, but even a small toilet leak can waste hundreds or even thousands of gallons of water per month, driving up your utility bill fast.
📈 How Much Could a Leak Be Costing You?
WSSC’s data shows just how expensive toilet leaks can be:
- Small leak (≈ 30 drops/minute) → Up to $20/month in wasted water
- Medium leak (≈ constant trickle) → $50–$100/month
- Large leak (continuous flow) → $200/month or more!
Multiply that over several months, and a simple, unnoticed leak can add up to hundreds of dollars down the drain.
🚿 Most Common Types of Household Leaks
While toilets are often the biggest hidden wasters, other common leaks around your home can add up, too. Here are the most frequent culprits we see:
- Toilet Flapper Leaks
Worn-out or misaligned flappers allow water to leak slowly from the tank into the bowl. These leaks are often silent—but constant.
- Toilet Fill Valve Leaks
A faulty fill valve can cause water to continuously flow into the tank and out through the overflow tube.
- Faucet Drips
That slow drip from your kitchen or bathroom faucet may not seem like a big deal, but it can waste hundreds of gallons per month.
- Showerhead Leaks
Loose connections or worn washers can allow water to escape behind walls or drip constantly.
- Underground or Hidden Pipe Leaks
These are harder to spot but can lead to sudden spikes in water bills, soggy spots in your yard, or low water pressure inside the home.
🔍 How to Spot a Possible Leak
Here are a few quick ways to check for leaks before they become expensive surprises:
- Listen carefully: A running or hissing sound from the toilet may signal a leak.
- Use food coloring: Add a few drops to your toilet tank. If the bowl water changes color without flushing, you’ve got a leak.
- Watch your bill: Sudden unexplained increases are a red flag.
- Check your water meter: If it’s spinning when no water is running, you may have a hidden leak.
🚨 If You Received a WSSC High-Use Notice, Act Fast
Recently, several local Vito Services customers have received official notices from WSSC alerting them to higher-than-normal water usage. In nearly every case, the issue turned out to be a toilet or plumbing leak that had gone unnoticed.
If you’ve received one of these notices—or if your bill suddenly jumped for no clear reason—don’t wait. Hidden leaks can get worse over time and cause expensive water damage in addition to higher bills.
📞 Call Vito Services for Leak Detection & Repairs
The fastest way to stop wasted water (and wasted money) is to bring in the professionals. Our licensed plumbers are experienced in finding and fixing leaks quickly and efficiently, from simple toilet repairs to complex underground line leaks.
👉 If you suspect a leak, call Vito Services immediately at 240-907-5084
or request service online at www.vitoservices.com
Don’t let a hidden leak drain your wallet. Vito’s trusted plumbing team is here to help keep your home efficient, safe, and leak-free.
