An Unexpected High Water Bill in Cape Town

Leak Detection Report

A high water bill can be an unpleasant surprise, especially if you don’t know where the extra water is going. There are some common culprits that can cause a spike in your water usage. Some quick and easy checks can narrow down where the problem may be.

What to do if you receive a high water bill

If you’ve checked around and don’t see obvious leaks or running taps, here are a few steps to help figure out what’s causing the issue.

1. Check Your Water Meter

  • First, turn off all water sources in your home, like taps, washing machines, and dishwashers.
  • Once everything’s off, take a look at your water meter. If it’s still spinning, that usually means water is going somewhere.
  • A slowly moving meter might point to a smaller leak, while a fast-moving one could suggest something more serious.

2. Test for Leaks with the Water Meter

  • Take a reading from the water meter, then wait 1-2 hours (without using any water), and check again. If the reading has gone up, there’s a good chance you’ve got a hidden leak.
  • This simple test can help you narrow down if the issue is in your plumbing or if there’s a leak elsewhere.

4. Inspect Common Leak Points

  • Indoor Mixers or Taps: Sometimes mixers and taps have very small leaks that are easy to miss. Check under sinks and around fixtures for drips or dampness.
  • Outdoor Taps: These can leak slowly and may go unnoticed if they’re hidden by plants or out of sight.
  • Irrigation Systems: If you have a garden or landscaping irrigation system, check for leaks in the pipes or valves, as these can often develop small cracks.

An unsuspecting leak in the garden

5. Look for Signs of Pipe Leaks

  • If the water meter is spinning and you’ve ruled out the usual suspects, it might be a hidden pipe leak. Look for damp spots on walls, floors, or ceilings, or any patches of grass in the garden that look especially green or wet.

6. Book a call with a Cape Town Leak Detection Specialist

Final Tip

  • Monitor your water usage going forward. Check your water meter regularly and take note of the readings. If you see another spike, you’ll know to investigate before the bill arrives.

These steps should help you track down any unexpected water use. Let me know if you have any questions or need more details on a specific test.


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