The most common problem that can result in a water bill of up to $10,000

It was quite a shock for Nicole Hines of Germantown, Maryland, when she called WSSC Water to check her bill and an automated voice showed a total of nearly $1,700 over a three-month period.

“I listen to the recording and think, 'There's definitely a mistake,'” Hines told WTOP. “'That must be a mistake.'”

Since then, she has called two plumbers to check for leaks in her home that, according to her bill, have released 66,000 gallons of water. These plumbers replaced the interior of their toilets just in case, but didn't find a leak, which they believed might have caused their bill to rise.

WSSC Water offered her a one-time bill adjustment because the bill increase was significantly different from previous bills.

While Hines said plumbers told her they found no leaks, Lyn Riggins of WSSC Water said all signs point to a common culprit.

“This customer’s situation was a classic example of what we believe is a toilet leak,” she said. “She had a very consistent water usage — about 80 to 100 gallons of water per day — and then when she had this leak, the water usage went up to over 650 gallons a day. And if there’s a leak in the toilet, that’s exactly what can happen.”

Toilet leaks can result in an increase in water usage of up to several thousand gallons per day.

“A single toilet leak can result in a bill of up to $10,000,” Riggins said.

Riggins says faulty flappers, a stuck fill valve or failures in other parts of the toilet could be to blame.

“If your flapper loses its seal, water is constantly running through the toilet and you don't see it, but you're constantly using it,” Riggins said.

She said while people remember to check the batteries in their smoke detectors or the tires or brake fluid in their cars twice a year, they typically don't check their toilets for leaks.

“You need to check these parts because they are in the water all the time as they work and they wear out,” Riggins said.

She said WSSC Water offers dye tablets that can be added to the tank. If the dye gets into the toilet bowl for 15 minutes without flushing, you may have a leak. Riggins recommended doing this test every six months.

“It's very easy to check toilet leaks and it's a good idea to do it once or even twice a year because once you know you have a leak, you can get it repaired and save on your bill” said Riggins.

Another common cause of toilet leaks is corroded or bent “lift wires” that prevent the flapper from closing properly.

Water loss that causes your bill payments to skyrocket can also be caused by an overflow leak, which occurs when the water in the tank drains into the overflow pipe. In this case, the ball valve must be adjusted or replaced according to the utility company's instructions.

Leaks could also be the cause elsewhere, for example dripping water from taps.

In Hines' case, she told WTOP she hopes the issue is resolved, but the situation still leaves her somewhat concerned.

“It makes me paranoid about using water because I'm like, 'Okay, if I do dishes and laundry, how much will I be charged for it?'” she said.

Riggins said Hines is qualified for a high bill adjustment, where a customer submits multiple meter readings to show that usage has returned to normal levels after a leak is fixed.

“We're going to look at their usage over a comparable period of time and deduct half of that large bill … as a courtesy to the customer because we understand that this is happening,” Riggins said.

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