The short answer
Start with the Water Meter
A quick meter test can tell you if water is escaping somewhere. Find your water meter, usually in a concrete box near the street or along a side wall. Write down the numbers, then wait two hours without running any water inside or outside. Check the meter again. If the numbers changed, you have a leak somewhere.
If the meter stayed the same, the problem might be a hidden intermittent leak or a high-use habit. A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons a day without you noticing. Lift the tank lid, listen for a hiss, and drop a few drops of food coloring into the tank. If color appears in the bowl without flushing, the flapper is leaking.
Check Toilets and Faucets
Toilets are the most common culprit for a high water bill. A worn flapper, a stuck fill valve, or a cracked tank can let water trickle constantly. You can often fix a flapper yourself with a simple replacement part from a hardware store. If the toilet still runs, the fill valve may need adjusting, and a plumber can handle that.
Faucets and showerheads can also drip without making much noise. A slow drip can add up to gallons per day. Check every sink, tub, and outdoor spigot for moisture. Tighten handles or replace washers as needed. Even a small leak in a wall or under a slab can push your bill upward, so inspect visible pipes for dampness.
Look at Outdoor Water Use
Irrigation systems often run longer than intended, especially after a season change. Check your sprinkler timer and make sure it matches the current season. Walk the yard during a cycle to see if any heads are broken, misaligned, or spraying onto the driveway. A single broken head can waste hundreds of gallons in a week.
If you live in Daytona Beach, keep your shutoff valve location written down so you can stop a leak fast. A hidden leak in an underground irrigation line may not be visible, but the water bill will tell you. Turn off the irrigation system at the valve and recheck your meter after two hours. If the meter slows, the leak is likely in the irrigation line.
- Inspect sprinkler heads for cracks or missing pieces
- Look for wet spots or soggy areas in the yard
- Check the hose bib and outdoor faucets for drips
- Review the timer settings for each zone
- Turn off irrigation manually to isolate a leak
When to Call the Pros
If you cannot find the leak yourself, a professional inspection can save you from ongoing water waste. The pros can check moisture levels behind walls, under floors, and in crawlspaces. They often use meters and thermal imaging to find hidden water. This service helps you avoid guesswork and further damage to your home.
Once a leak is found, water damage cleanup may be necessary if water has soaked into drywall, wood, or carpet. The pros usually remove wet materials, set up drying equipment, and monitor moisture levels until everything is dry. Addressing the leak quickly also helps prevent mold growth, which can be a separate health concern. See a doctor if you feel unwell from any mold exposure.
Talk to someone now
Phones are answered 24/7 for Daytona Beach and nearby communities.
Call Now (386) 272-5697Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if the leak is in my irrigation system?
Turn off the irrigation controller and the valve that feeds the sprinklers. Wait two hours and check the water meter. If the meter stops moving, the leak is in the irrigation line. If it keeps moving, the leak is elsewhere in the house.
What if my water bill is high but I don't see any leaks?
Hidden leaks can be silent, like a slab leak or a running toilet that you don't hear. Check the toilet flapper, listen for running water, and do the meter test. If you still can't find it, a professional water damage inspection can detect moisture in walls and floors.
Will my insurance cover a slab leak repair?
Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Some policies cover sudden water damage from a burst pipe, while gradual leaks may be excluded. Check your policy documents and talk to your insurance company about the specifics of your situation.