Silent Bleeding: Why Is Your Water Bill So High? Complete Guide to Leak Detection and Appeals

Introduction: The Never-Ending Monthly Shock

You open the National Water Company app to check your monthly bill, and there it is staring back at you: 800 SAR! 1,200 SAR! Or maybe more. You look around in disbelief... you haven't changed your habits, haven't filled a pool, haven't watered a tropical garden. So where did this astronomical figure come from?

The first blame always goes to the tariff, the government, the water company. But the bitter truth that many don't know: 93% of sudden bill increases are caused by internal leaks within the property itself - according to the "Rashid" initiative launched by the National Water Company.

You're paying for water you never actually used... water that silently leaks into the ground, or gets wasted in a broken toilet cistern that runs day and night.

💡 Did you know? A single faulty toilet can waste over 6,000 gallons (22,700 liters) per month - which could cost you an extra $70 (260 SAR) on your bill!

The Hidden Enemy: Where Do Leaks Hide?

Results from the "Rashid" initiative, which inspected 1,000 homes with high bills, revealed the most common leak locations:

Suspect #1: Underground Tank Float Valve (79%)

The float valve controls water entry into the tank. When it fails or gets stuck open, water continues flowing even after the tank is full, leaking directly into the sewage through the overflow outlet. You're literally buying water just to throw it down the drain!

Suspect #2: Underground Tank Neck (70%)

The tank neck is the upper part containing the cover and openings. Cracks in this area, or an improperly sealed cover, allow water to slowly leak out. This type of leak is insidious because it doesn't cause obvious flooding, but rather continuous silent bleeding.

Suspect #3: Toilet Cisterns (65%)

Have you ever heard water running in the toilet even though no one used it? This is the "silent ghost" - a leak in the flush valve that causes water to continuously seep from the tank to the bowl. A single toilet with this problem wastes 200 gallons (757 liters) per day!

Other Suspects

• Dripping faucets: A faucet dripping 10 drops per minute wastes a full gallon (3.8 liters) daily

• Old iron pipes: Rust and corrosion create small holes that leak water inside walls

• Water heaters: Slow leaks from heater connections may go unnoticed for months

• Washing machine hoses: Cracks in rubber hoses over time

Zero Consumption Test: How to Detect Leaks Yourself

Before calling any company, you can perform a simple, free test that confirms whether or not you have a leak. This test is called the "Zero Consumption Test" or meter test.

The Steps:

Step 1: Preparation

Choose a time when you won't need to use water for at least an hour (for example, before bed or when everyone leaves the house).

Step 2: Close All Sources

Make sure all faucets and appliances that use water are closed: taps, washing machine, dishwasher, water heater, irrigation system if any. Don't forget to close the main garden water valve.

Step 3: Record First Reading

Go to the external water meter and precisely record the displayed reading, or take a clear photo of the meter. Also note the small red indicator (if present) - this is the flow indicator.

Step 4: Wait

Leave the house without using any water for 30 minutes to a full hour.

Step 5: Second Reading and Analysis

Return to the meter and compare the new reading with the first:

• If the reading hasn't changed: Your water network is sound, no leak exists.

• If the reading changed or the red indicator moved: There's a leak somewhere! It's time to call the specialists.

Additional Test: Locating the Leak

If you discover a leak, you can narrow down the search:

• Close the underground tank valve and repeat the test - if the leak stops, the problem is in the tank or float valve.

• Close the main house valve - if the leak continues, the problem is in the line between the meter and the house.

The Underground Tank: Hub of Silent Problems

The underground tank is the beating heart of your home's water network, and it's also the place most prone to hidden problems. Because it's buried underground, any leak goes directly into the soil without you noticing.

Signs Indicating a Tank Problem

• Frequent pump operation: If the lift pump runs frequently without obvious consumption, this indicates a leak draining the tank.

• Dropping water level: Open the tank cover and measure the distance from the opening to the water surface. If you notice a decrease over time without consumption, there's a leak.

• Moisture around the tank: Appearance of damp spots or unusual plant growth in the area surrounding the tank.

• Sound of running water: Hearing water when opening the tank valve despite it being full means there's a void being filled by the leak.

Checking the Float Valve

A healthy float valve rises with the water level to close the inlet when full. Check for:

• No holes in the float body (if it fills with water it sinks and doesn't work)

• Sound arm and hinge movement

• Complete valve closure when manually lifting the float

Checking the Tank Neck

Visually inspect the tank neck walls from inside looking for:

• Cracks or fractures in the concrete

• Signs of leakage or moisture on outer walls

• Proper cover seal with no gaps

Insulation: The Smartest Preventive Solution

Insulation is no longer a luxury but an absolute necessity to protect tanks and prevent leaks before they occur. An uninsulated tank is susceptible to cracking due to temperature fluctuations, leaking due to concrete permeability, and contamination due to water reacting with building materials.

Types of Insulation

Epoxy Insulation (Internal):

• Most common for underground and overhead tanks

• Safe material for drinking water that doesn't react with it

• Applied in two layers with drying time between them

• Prevents water from reacting with concrete and seals small cracks

Foam Insulation (Polyurethane):

• Ideal for overhead tanks exposed to sun

• Water and thermal insulation at the same time

• Prevents water evaporation and maintains temperature

• Lightweight and easy to apply

Bitumen Insulation (External):

• Used for external insulation of underground tanks

• Prevents groundwater and rainwater from seeping into the tank

• Economical and durable

Benefits of Insulation

• Preventing leaks and saving on water bills

• Protecting water quality from contamination

• Extending the tank's lifespan

• Preventing bacteria and algae growth

• Reducing water evaporation in summer

Appealing the Bill: Your Right You Don't Know About

Many people surrender to high bills and pay them reluctantly, without knowing there's a clear path to appeal and recover part of the amounts paid.

Conditions for Appeal Acceptance

The basic and most important condition: Submitting a leak detection report from a company certified by the National Water Company.

⚠️ Important Warning: Reports from non-certified companies are not accepted! Make sure the company you deal with is listed among the certified companies with the National Water Company.

Appeal Steps

Step 1: Fix the leak first through a certified leak detection company.

Step 2: Obtain a certified report documenting the leak and its repair.

Step 3: Log into the National Water Company website (nwc.com.sa) or use the app.

Step 4: Select "Submit a complaint about a high bill" service.

Step 5: Attach the certified report with your request.

Step 6: Wait for the company's response within days via message to your registered phone.

What Happens After the Appeal?

• The company inspects the meter and ensures it's working properly

• Compares your current consumption with previous bills

• Verifies the submitted report

• If the leak is proven, the bill is adjusted and the difference refunded

Rashid Initiative Results

The numbers are very encouraging:

• 46% savings in water consumption after treating leaks

• 60% reduction in bill costs

Golden Tips for Consumption Rationalization

Even without leaks, you can noticeably reduce your bill by following these tips:

In the Bathroom

• Install water aerators on faucets - they reduce flow without affecting pressure

• Use a water-saving showerhead

• Don't let water run while brushing teeth or shaving

• Fix any dripping faucet immediately

In the Kitchen

• Wash vegetables in a bowl instead of under running water

• Run the dishwasher only when full

• Don't let water run while hand-washing dishes

Outside

• Water the garden early morning or evening to reduce evaporation

• Use drip irrigation instead of sprinklers

• Wash the car with a bucket instead of a hose

Regular Maintenance

• Inspect tanks and float valves at least twice yearly

• Monitor your bill monthly - any sudden increase warrants inspection

• Record meter readings weekly to track consumption

• Clean and sanitize tanks annually

How to Choose a Reliable Leak Detection Company?

The market is full of leak detection companies, but not all are at the same level. Here are selection criteria:

Essential Criteria

• Certification: Ensure the company is certified by the National Water Company

• Equipment: Use of modern detection devices without demolition

• Report: Providing a certified report usable for appeals

• Warranty: Guarantee on repair work

Beware of

• Companies that request high amounts before inspection

• Those who claim to detect leaks without using equipment

• Non-certified reports that won't be accepted in appeals

• Exaggerated promises of bill reduction

"Kashf" App from Mai Center

The National Water Efficiency and Conservation Center "Mai" launched the "Kashf" app that helps you find certified leak detection companies in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does leak detection service cost?

Prices vary depending on property size and type of inspection required. Generally, comprehensive inspection costs range between 300-800 SAR, and may increase if repair work is included.

Can leaks be detected without demolition?

Yes, professional companies use modern devices based on sound waves, thermal imaging, and nitrogen gas to accurately locate leaks without random demolition.

How long does it take to process an appeal?

Usually, the National Water Company responds within a few days with a message explaining the inspection result and adjustment decision.

Is the property owner exempted from the entire bill?

No, exemption is partial and depends on the proven leak size and time period. The goal is to recover the difference between normal consumption and inflated consumption due to the leak.

How often should tanks be inspected?

It's recommended to inspect tanks and float valves at least twice a year, and every 3 months for older properties or those that have experienced previous problems.

Is insulation worth the cost?

Absolutely. Tank insulation cost is recovered within months from water bill savings, plus protection of water quality and extended tank life.

Conclusion: Stop the Bleeding Now

High bills are not inevitable, and hidden leaks are not problems without solutions. With simple steps you can:

1. Discover: Perform the zero consumption test today

2. Fix: Engage a certified leak detection company

3. Appeal: Submit the certified report and recover your right

4. Prevent: Insulate your tanks and perform regular maintenance

At Raghdan, we believe housing quality includes every detail - including water network efficiency. When searching for a new property, ask about tank age, insulation condition, and plumbing system. Your investment in a property with a sound water network saves you hundreds of riyals annually and spares you the headache of surprise bills.