Cold weather can come with an unwelcome surprise: a much larger water bill. If your last statement looks higher than usual, stay calm — there’s almost always a reason and a fix. Below we explain the most common winter causes, how to spot hidden leaks early, what you can do to prevent repeat problems, and how Pither Plumbing in Longview, TX can help get things back to normal.
Winter brings a few predictable plumbing challenges that can bump up usage and costs. Knowing what to check first makes it faster to find the problem and stop the waste.
Pinpointing the underlying cause of plumbing issues speeds diagnosis and leads to smarter, longer-lasting repairs.
Residential Plumbing Defects: Causes & Repair
A practical review of common residential plumbing defects, how they develop, and typical repair approaches — useful background when troubleshooting unexpected water use.
Plumbing defects in residential buildings: analysis of anomalies and their causes, A Gurmu, 2023
Hidden leaks waste water quietly. Usual culprits are running toilets, worn faucet seals, leaking water heaters, or damaged pipes under floors and behind walls. Even a small leak can dump hundreds or thousands of gallons over a month, so routine checks and quick repairs are the best defense against a surprise bill.
Studies show that detecting and managing household leaks reduces water loss and helps protect both wallets and infrastructure.
Residential Leak Detection & Water Loss
Findings on post-meter leak detection and household water-loss management highlight the value of early detection and targeted repairs for conservation and cost control.
Remote diagnosis of leakage in residential households, R Stewart, 2008
Yes. When pipes freeze, they can crack or burst as the ice expands — and a burst pipe can discharge large amounts of water in a short time. Simple protections like insulating exposed pipes, keeping consistent indoor temperatures, and letting a faucet drip during extreme cold can significantly reduce the risk.
Finding hidden leaks in winter is harder, but a few easy checks usually point you in the right direction before damage or big bills follow.
Watch for these common warning signs:
Try this quick meter test at home:
Video camera inspection lets our technicians look inside pipes without tearing out walls or digging up yards. It’s a fast, precise way to find the problem so we can fix it right the first time — saving you both time and money.
Trenchless repair lets us fix underground pipes with minimal digging, protecting your landscaping and speeding repairs. For urgent problems, our emergency team responds quickly to stop leaks and limit damage — which often prevents much larger repair bills later.
Preventing bill spikes takes simple, proactive steps that reduce risk and keep water use steady through cold weather.
Insulation lowers the likelihood of frozen or burst pipes. That keeps water flowing normally and avoids emergency repairs — the main cause of unexpected cost spikes.
Schedule yearly checks to hunt for leaks, test water heaters, and assess pipe condition. Routine service spots wear and tear early so you can fix issues on your schedule, not during a crisis.
Commercial buildings face extra winter plumbing challenges that can increase water use and costs if left unchecked.
Higher daily use combined with more complex systems can create surprising spikes. Regular monitoring and fast repairs help keep operations running and costs predictable.
Pither Plumbing provides advanced leak detection for businesses across Longview. Our tools locate leaks quickly and accurately so repairs are focused, fast, and cause minimal disruption to your operations.
Knowing when to call a pro can prevent bigger problems. Reach out in these situations:
Call us immediately if you notice:
To book an inspection with Pither Plumbing, call our office or use the contact form on our website. We recommend scheduling checks before winter so your system is ready for cold weather.
Service | Description | Benefit |
Video Camera Inspection | See inside pipes without demolition | Locate leaks quickly and repair them accurately |
Trenchless Repair | Fix underground pipes with minimal digging | Faster repairs and less damage to your property |
Emergency Plumbing Services | Rapid response for urgent leaks and bursts | Limits damage and reduces repair costs |
Pither Plumbing is here to help Longview homeowners and businesses tackle plumbing problems with clear answers and dependable repairs. Know the likely causes, act fast when you see signs, and call a pro when needed to keep water use — and your bill — under control.
Signs include little or no water flow from faucets, odd noises like gurgling or knocking in the pipes, or visible frost on exposed piping. If you suspect a freeze, check for cold spots along the line and watch closely for leaks once it thaws. Quick action can prevent a burst and serious water damage.
Disconnect and drain garden hoses, cover outdoor faucets with foam insulators, and winterize irrigation systems. If possible, shut off the water to outdoor spigots and drain those lines to avoid freezing and potential bursts.
A sudden pressure drop can signal a leak or another plumbing issue. Check whether the problem affects one fixture or the whole house. If it’s widespread, look for visible leaks and call a plumber — they can run tests to find the source and recommend repairs.
Yes. Monitor your water meter for movement when no water is in use, inspect your home for stains or mold, and try a toilet dye test by adding food coloring to the tank to see if it seeps into the bowl without flushing. These simple checks can point to hidden leaks.
Pros use specialized tools like video cameras and acoustic detectors to find leaks precisely without invasive work. That accuracy saves time and reduces property damage. Experienced plumbers also recommend targeted repairs and preventive steps to keep problems from coming back.
We recommend at least one inspection a year, ideally before winter. Regular checks help catch small leaks, weak pipes, or other issues early so you can fix them on your schedule instead of during an emergency.
Start with a water meter check as described above, and look for visual clues like stains, damp spots, or mold. If the meter moves when nothing is running or you find signs of moisture, call a plumber. A professional inspection will locate hidden leaks quickly and stop further damage.
Insulate exposed pipes, disconnect and drain exterior hoses, keep indoor temperatures steady, and schedule a plumbing check before freezing weather arrives. These steps lower the chance of frozen pipes and expensive emergency repairs.
Yes. Businesses often see higher water use for heating and sanitation, and larger, more complex systems have more potential freeze points and leak sources. Regular inspections and fast response plans help control costs and downtime.
Routine maintenance catches small problems early, extends the life of pipes and fixtures, improves system efficiency, and lowers the risk of emergency repairs — all of which save money and prevent unexpected bills over time.
Compare your current use to previous months, check the water meter for unexplained movement, and inspect your home for water stains, damp spots, or mold. If you can’t find the cause, schedule a professional inspection to locate hidden leaks or other issues.
Repair leaks promptly, take shorter showers, limit unnecessary hot-water cycles, insulate pipes, and monitor your meter regularly. Combine these habits with annual plumbing checks to keep winter bills steady and predictable.
Table of Contents Cold weather can come with an unwelcome surprise: a much larger water bill. If your last statement looks higher than usual, stay calm — there’s almost always a reason and a fix. Below we explain the most common winter causes, how to spot hidden leaks early, what
Table of Contents Cold snaps come on fast, and frozen pipes are one of winter’s messiest surprises. If your home or business sits empty when temperatures drop, a freeze can quickly turn into a burst pipe and serious damage. This guide gives clear, practical steps to stop pipes from freezing,
Table of Contents Recurring drain clogs are blockages that come back after a temporary fix — slow drains, backups, or sewer smells that disrupt daily life and can damage your plumbing. Treating only the visible clog without finding the real cause — whether it’s grease buildup, biological material, or a
Table of Contents A gas line leak happens when natural gas escapes from a pipe, valve, meter, or appliance connection. Left unchecked, it creates a serious safety hazard — fire, explosion, and health problems are possible. Spotting early signs — smells, changes in soil or plants, odd sounds, or physical
Table of Contents Pipes freeze and burst when water inside them turns to ice, expands, and either blocks flow or causes the pipe to split — creating a big risk of water damage. This guide shows you how to tell if pipes are frozen, common signs of a burst pipe,
Table of Contents Low water pressure in winter shows up as weak flow from taps, showers, or several fixtures at once during cold weather. Often the culprit is frozen or partly frozen pipes that narrow the inside of the line and slow water down. Cold also makes valves stiffer and
