High water bill from WEB? How to find a leak

Is your WEB water bill suddenly much higher than usual? Then there's a good chance something is leaking. A simple test on your water meter tells you for sure within an hour.

I'm Andres, a plumber on Bonaire. Pipework is my trade. In this post you'll read how to check for a leak yourself, where homes on Bonaire usually leak, and when to call me.

Why a leak is extra expensive on Bonaire

Drinking water on Bonaire is made from seawater. That takes a lot of energy, so water here costs more than in many other countries. A small leak that runs all day shows up on your bill quickly.

A dripping tap can waste dozens of litres a day. A toilet that keeps running can waste hundreds of litres a day. And a leak in an underground pipe often only gets noticed when the bill arrives.

Check first: is your bill really too high?

First see if there's another explanation:

• Compare with previous months. Look at the usage in cubic metres (m³) on your bill, not just the amount.
• More people in the house? Guests, tenants or a full vacation home use more water.
• Garden, pool or washing the car? In the dry months a lot of water goes to the garden or pool.
• Estimated reading? Sometimes a reading is estimated and corrected later. Read the meter yourself and compare.

Is your usage in m³ higher for no clear reason? Then do the meter test.

The meter test: 3 steps to know for sure

1. Turn everything off. Make sure nobody uses water: no taps, shower, toilet, washing machine, sprinklers or pool filler.
2. Read the meter. Write down the reading or take a photo. Many meters also have a small red wheel or star that turns when water flows.
3. Wait 1 hour and check again. Don't use any water in that time. Has the reading changed or is the wheel turning? Then water is leaking somewhere.

Tip: then close your home's main valve and see if the meter still runs. If it does, the leak is probably between the meter and your house, often underground.

The 6 places where homes on Bonaire usually leak

1. A toilet that keeps running

This is number one. A worn flapper or a float that doesn't shut off properly lets water run into the bowl nonstop. Often you can't hear or see it.

Test it yourself: put a few drops of food colouring (or a little coffee) in the tank. Don't use the toilet for 15 minutes. See colour in the bowl? Then the toilet is leaking.

2. Dripping taps and shower heads

A tap that keeps dripping wastes more than you think. Usually a washer or cartridge is worn.

3. Water heater overflowing

An electric water heater has a pressure relief valve. If water keeps coming out of it, the valve is broken or the pressure is too high. Check the drain under or next to your water heater.

4. Garden and irrigation

Drip lines, sprinklers and fittings in the garden get damaged quickly by sun, tools or animals. A broken connection can leak day and night without you seeing it.

Watch out: a spot in the garden that is always wet or extra green while it's dry often points to a leak.

5. Underground pipe

Underground pipes can break because of roots, settling or construction nearby. Sometimes you see it as a wet spot, a sunken tile or water coming out onto the street.

6. Pool and water pump

An automatic pool filler with a faulty float keeps topping up. And if your water pump (pressure pump) switches on while nobody is using water, something is leaking after the pump.

Who is responsible for the leak?

Usually: up to and including the water meter, the pipe belongs to WEB; after the meter, it's your pipe. Report a leak before the meter to WEB. A leak after the meter you have repaired yourself, and you also pay for the water that leaked away.

Not sure where the leak is? Send me a photo of your meter and the area around it, and I'll help you figure it out.

What does it cost?

For finding and fixing a leak I charge USD 25 per hour, with a minimum of 2 hours. Materials, such as a new tap or toilet parts, are extra. You always hear the cost first.

A leaking tap or toilet is usually fixed within 2 hours. An underground pipe takes more time, because I first have to locate it and dig. Small jobs are paid in cash on the spot.

Frequently asked questions

How quickly should I get a leak fixed? As soon as possible. Every hour of leaking costs money, and water can damage your walls, floor or foundation.

Can I close the main valve until you arrive? Yes, that's smart with a big leak. It prevents damage and a high bill.

My house is empty when I'm not on Bonaire. What should I do? Close the main valve when you leave. Want someone to check on your house in between? I can arrange that, with photos via WhatsApp.

Will WEB refund the water that leaked away? For a leak after the meter usually not, because it's your own pipe. Do ask WEB though, especially once the leak is fixed and you can show what was wrong.

Can you also replace a tap or toilet? Yes. Replacing taps, sinks and toilets is something I do often. Sometimes replacing is cheaper than repairing again and again.

Leak on Bonaire?

Send me a WhatsApp with a photo of your water meter, the spot where you suspect the leak and your neighbourhood. Then I'll quickly see what's needed. I work all over Bonaire.