Unexpected High Bills? Here’s Why

A high water bill can be frustrating and unexpected. However, there are often clear reasons behind the increase. While some causes are easy to fix, others may require professional help. If you identify the issue early, you can avoid long-term costs. So, let’s go over what you should check first.

1. Check for Hidden Leaks

First, hidden leaks are one of the most common causes. Although they can be hard to detect, they waste gallons of water daily. You can test this by turning off all water fixtures and watching the water meter. If the dial still moves, you likely have a hidden leak. Because leaks can occur in walls or underground, you may not see them. Therefore, contacting a plumber for a full inspection is the best next step.

2. Inspect Your Toilet

Toilets are a major source of water loss. Even though they may seem fine, the tank may be silently leaking into the bowl. To test this, place a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If color appears in the bowl within 15 minutes, your flapper is leaking. Also, worn-out flush valves or loose handles can cause your toilet to run more than needed. Since these parts are inexpensive, replacing them can lower your bill quickly.

3. Monitor Outdoor Water Use

Outdoor use can cause your water bill to rise fast. During warm months, sprinkler systems often run longer than necessary. Leaky hoses and cracked sprinkler heads are also common issues. If you see pooling water or soggy soil, you may have a leak underground. Because these leaks can be costly, inspecting your irrigation system often is a smart habit.

4. Review Household Habits

Sometimes, the spike is caused by daily routines. If you’ve hosted guests recently, your water usage likely increased. Similarly, long showers or frequent laundry loads can raise your bill. Even filling a pool can cause a noticeable jump. Installing low-flow faucets and showerheads can help reduce waste. Also, teaching everyone in your household to use water wisely makes a difference.

5. Look at Appliances

Older appliances may be using more water than needed. If your dishwasher or washing machine is over 10 years old, it may lack efficiency. While newer models use less water per cycle, older ones can use double. So, upgrading to Energy Star appliances can save water and lower monthly bills. Additionally, check for small leaks behind these machines, especially near the hoses.

6. Call a Plumbing Pro

If you’ve checked everything and still can’t find the problem, it’s time to call a plumber. Professional plumbers have tools to detect leaks behind walls, under floors, and in the yard. Since water damage can be costly, early detection saves money. So, if in doubt, let an expert inspect your full plumbing system.