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Leaks.caA sister division of Leak.ca

Leaks.ca is the educational leak detection hub and service-support division of Leak.ca. We help BC property owners understand leak risks and connect with professional detection services when needed.

Unexplained Water Bills

Sudden increases in water usage without explanation are one of the most reliable indicators of hidden leaks in your home or building.

What to Look For

Your water bill is more than just a monthly expense—it's a diagnostic tool. When water consumption increases significantly without changes to your usage patterns, it often signals that water is escaping somewhere in your plumbing system.

Warning Signs

Bill increases by 20% or more with no change in usage habits

Consistent monthly increases over several billing cycles

Higher usage during periods when you were away from home

Water meter continues running when all fixtures are turned off

How Much Water Are You Losing?

Even small leaks can waste significant amounts of water. A drip rate of one drop per second wastes approximately 3,000 gallons per year. A running toilet can waste 200 gallons per day. Understanding these numbers helps put bill increases in perspective.

Small Drip
1 drop/second

3,000 gal/year

Running Toilet
Constant flow

200 gal/day

Slab Leak
Under foundation

500+ gal/day

What a Rising Water Bill Is Telling You

A water bill that climbs without a change in your household's habits is one of the most reliable early signs of a hidden leak. Because much of a property's plumbing runs inside walls, beneath slabs and underground, a leak can waste hundreds of litres a day while remaining completely out of sight. The bill is often the first measurable evidence that water is escaping where it shouldn't.

When the increase can't be explained, the right next step is a professional assessment rather than guesswork. A certified technician confirms whether a leak exists and locates it precisely — without opening walls or excavating on a hunch.

When Professional Help Is Needed

If your water use has risen and the source isn't obvious, professional leak detection is the safe path. Hidden leaks in walls, under slabs, or in underground lines require specialized equipment to locate without destructive excavation — and a documented assessment supports any insurance claim.

Professional Detection Methods

Acoustic Listening: Detects the sound of water escaping under pressure

Thermal Imaging: Identifies temperature differences caused by water

Pressure Testing: Isolates sections of plumbing to narrow down leak location

Video Inspection: Camera systems explore pipes internally

Cost Considerations

While it may seem expensive to hire a professional, consider the ongoing cost of the leak itself. A leak wasting 500 gallons per day can add hundreds of dollars to monthly bills. Professional detection and repair typically pay for themselves within a few months through reduced water costs.

Need Help Locating a Hidden Leak?

Professional leak detection specialists use non-invasive methods to pinpoint leaks without damaging your property. Get expert assessment and detailed reporting for insurance purposes.