High Water Bill in Cancun? How to Find and Fix Hidden Leaks

Nothing ruins your day quite like opening a water bill that's ten times higher than usual. If you've gone from paying 300-400 pesos to suddenly owing 4,700 pesos, you're not alone—this happens to many homeowners and renters in Cancun. Here's what the local expat community recommends for finding and fixing those hidden leaks.

Start with Your Toilets

Before calling in the professionals, check your toilets first. This is the number one culprit for unexplained high water bills. A toilet that runs continuously—even just a small leak—can waste hundreds to literally thousands of gallons per day.

The fix is often simple and cheap: an $8 flapper valve could be the difference between a massive water bill and your normal one. The calcium buildup in Cancun's water is notorious for damaging toilet valves and seals, so this should be your first investigation.

Signs Your Toilet Is Leaking

• You hear the toilet "running" when no one has used it
• You see water trickling into the bowl
• The tank takes a long time to refill after flushing
• There's calcium buildup around the valve mechanisms

Quick tip: If you can't immediately fix a leaky toilet, you can turn the toilet valve on and off each time you use it as a temporary solution. It's annoying, but it stops the water waste until you can get proper repairs done.

Check Your Water Meter

Here's a simple diagnostic test: go outside to your water meter and watch if the dial is spinning while your storage tank (tinaco) is full and no water is being used inside. If the meter is moving when it shouldn't be, you likely have a leak somewhere between the meter and your tank—which could be underground or in the walls.

Listen to Your Pump

If your system uses a pump to bring water to a rooftop storage tank (common in many Cancun homes and condos), pay attention to how often it runs. If the pump is cycling on frequently when you're not using water, that's another sign of a leak somewhere in the system.

Cookie-Cutter Construction Issues

If you live in a development built by a large builder, ask your neighbors about common repair issues. Many neighborhoods in Cancun have known problems—some developments have consistent leaks between the meter and tank, or faulty shower installations. Your neighbor might have already solved the exact problem you're facing.

Professional Leak Detection: Cero Fugas

When DIY troubleshooting doesn't reveal the problem, you may need professional help. Cero Fugas is a leak detection company that several expats have used. They have specialized equipment that can "hear" through your plumbing to locate hidden leaks in pipes that you can't see.

Contact for Cero Fugas / Detección de Fugas:
Javier Roa
Phone: 998 169 8969

They use acoustic detection equipment to find leaks without having to tear apart your walls or floors unnecessarily.

Free Help from Aguakan

Here's something many people don't know: Aguakan can check for leaks at no charge. Before paying for a private service, it's worth calling them to inspect. They're particularly helpful if the leak turns out to be on their side of the meter—in the sidewalk or street connection—which is their responsibility to fix.

Important: One expat reported having a high bill due to a leak outside by the meter in the sidewalk, which was Aguakan's problem to repair. Unfortunately, they weren't reimbursed for the high bill, but at least the leak was fixed at no cost.

Aguakan's Annual Discount

Another tip from local residents: you can negotiate a 20% discount on your water bill once per year. This is worth asking about, especially if you've had an unusually high bill due to a leak that's been fixed.

Common Fixes and Costs

Many water leak issues in Cancun come down to:

• Toilet flapper valve: Around 150-250 pesos for parts, easy DIY fix
• Complete toilet valve kit (herrajes): 300-500 pesos, moderate DIY difficulty
• Tinaco shutoff valve: May require a plumber if corroded
• Professional leak detection: Varies, but worth it for hidden leaks

Prevention Tips

• Check your toilets monthly for running water or calcium buildup
• Know where your main water shutoff is located
• Keep an eye on your water bill for sudden changes
• If you live in a condo, communicate with your building administrator about common issues
• Consider installing water-efficient fixtures that are less prone to leaks

Final Thoughts

A surprise water bill is frustrating, but it's usually fixable. Start with the simple stuff—toilets are the most common culprit—and work your way up to professional help if needed. And remember, Aguakan offers free inspections and an annual discount, so don't hesitate to reach out to them first. The sooner you find and fix a leak, the sooner your water bills return to normal.