That High Water Bill? It’s Probably Your Sprinkler System.
The Shock of an Unusually High Water Bill
Opening your utility bill and seeing a number that is double or triple the usual amount is a frustrating and alarming experience. Your first thought might be a running toilet or a dripping faucet, but in the Denver Metro area, the most common culprit for a sudden, dramatic increase in water consumption is often hidden in plain sight: your irrigation system. A single, seemingly minor leak in a sprinkler line or valve can waste thousands of gallons of water per month, silently driving up your bill without any obvious signs of a problem.
At 5280 Sprinklers, we specialize in identifying and resolving the hidden irrigation issues that lead to high water bills. We understand that you’re not just losing water; you’re losing money. This page is designed to help you spot the tell-tale signs of a costly sprinkler leak, understand the financial impact, and see the clear pathway to a solution that will bring your water bills back under control.
How to Spot the Signs of a Hidden Leak
While a main line break creates an obvious flood, most costly leaks are far more subtle. You need to know what to look for. Here are the most common indicators that your sprinkler system is the source of your high water bill:
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Soggy or Unusually Green Patches in Your Lawn: If you have a spot in your yard that is constantly damp, spongy, or noticeably greener and lusher than the surrounding areas, it is a classic sign of an underground leak. A slow, steady leak in a lateral line will continuously water that specific area, creating a pocket of oversaturation.
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Loss of Water Pressure in Your Sprinkler System: Do your sprinkler heads seem to be spraying with less force than they used to? Does one zone, in particular, have heads that just bubble or barely pop up? A leak in the line creates a point of pressure loss, robbing the rest of the zone of the force needed to operate effectively. Your lawn will start to show dry, stressed spots as a result.
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Water Running from a Sprinkler Head Long After the Zone is Off: This is often referred to as a “weeping” valve. If you notice a single sprinkler head (usually the lowest one in a zone) trickling water for hours or even days after the system has run, it means the zone valve is not closing completely. This constant, low-volume flow is a major source of water waste.
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Your Water Meter is Always Spinning: This is the definitive test. Turn off all water-using appliances in your home (faucets, dishwasher, washing machine) and ensure no one is using water. Go to your water meter and look at the small dial or triangle (the low-flow indicator). If it is moving or spinning, even slowly, you have a leak somewhere. If you then shut off the water to your sprinkler system and the dial stops moving, you have confirmed the leak is in your irrigation system.
The Cost Impact: How a Small Leak Drains Your Budget
It is easy to underestimate the financial impact of a “small” leak. Let’s look at some real-world examples based on typical municipal water rates.
| Leak Source | Gallons Wasted per Month | Estimated Monthly Cost Impact |
|---|---|---|
| A Weeping Valve | 5,000 - 15,000 gallons | $50 - $150 |
| A Cracked Lateral Line | 10,000 - 30,000 gallons | $100 - $300 |
| A Small Main Line Leak | 20,000 - 60,000+ gallons | $200 - $600+ |
Note: These are estimates. The actual cost can be significantly higher depending on your municipality’s tiered water rate structure, where the price per gallon increases dramatically with higher consumption.
As you can see, the cost of a single professional leak detection and repair service is often far less than the cost of letting a leak go unresolved for just one or two months.
The Solution Pathway: A Clear Plan to Stop the Waste
When you are facing a high water bill caused by your sprinkler system, you need a clear, effective plan of action. Here is the proven solution pathway provided by 5280 Sprinklers:
Step 1: Professional System Audit and Leak Detection
Our first step is a comprehensive evaluation. A certified technician will:
- Perform the water meter test to confirm the presence and general magnitude of the leak.
- Systematically run each zone to check for visible signs of leaks, pressure loss, and malfunctioning heads.
- Use advanced diagnostic tools, such as acoustic listeners and pressure testers, to pinpoint the exact location of hidden, underground leaks.
- Inspect all valves and the backflow preventer for signs of failure.
Step 2: Clear Diagnosis and Upfront Pricing
Once we have found the source of the problem, we don’t proceed without your full understanding and approval. Our technician will:
- Show you the exact location and nature of the leak.
- Explain the cause of the failure (e.g., freeze damage, root intrusion, old parts).
- Provide you with a detailed, upfront price to perform the repair. There are no hidden costs.
Step 3: Durable, Professional Repair
With your approval, we will execute the repair immediately. We use only high-quality, contractor-grade parts to ensure a durable, long-lasting solution. Whether it’s replacing a section of pipe, rebuilding a faulty valve, or installing a new sprinkler head, we do the job right the first time.
Step 4: System Re-evaluation and Optimization
After the repair is complete, we don’t just pack up and leave. We re-run the system to confirm that the leak is resolved and that water pressure has been restored. We will also review your controller’s settings and make recommendations for more efficient watering schedules (like the “cycle and soak” method) to help you save even more water and money moving forward.
Take Control of Your Water Bill Today
An unexpectedly high water bill is a clear signal that your property is demanding attention. Don’t let another billing cycle go by while your money drains into the ground. The team at 5280 Sprinklers is here to provide the expertise and rapid service you need to solve the problem and bring your water consumption back to a reasonable level.
Call to Action:
Tired of Paying for Wasted Water? Book Your Leak Detection Service Now!
Use our simple online scheduling tool to book a comprehensive system audit and leak detection service. Let our experts find the hidden leak, fix it for good, and give you the peace of mind that comes with an efficient, well-maintained sprinkler system.