Why Is My Water Bill So High?

Key Takeaways

Water bill spikes are usually caused by hidden leaks or changes in household water use.
Running toilets and slab leaks are two of the most common culprits.
When in doubt, calling a licensed plumber can help prevent damage and avoid higher utility bills.

When homeowners see a sudden spike in their water bill, it can often lead to finger-pointing and frustration. Maybe your water pressure isn’t as strong as it used to be, or your toilet won’t flush all the way.

Most of the time, a higher water bill comes down to two things:

A hidden leak somewhere in your plumbing
A recent change in how much water your household uses

If you have kids home from college, guests staying over or a new garden that you’re watering more, you may also see an increase in your water bill.

However, a leak in your home can escalate quickly. According to the EPA, a single leaking toilet can waste up to 200 gallons a day.

Common Causes of a High Water Bill

Let’s take a closer look at what might be causing your bill to rise and how to fix it.

Common Reasons for Higher Water Bills

Normal Changes in Water Use	Plumbing-Related Leaks
Guests visiting or kids home from college	A leaky toilet
Filling or topping off a swimming pool	Malfunctioning sprinkler system
Extra loads of laundry	Malfunctioning furnace humidifier
Watering new landscaping or a new lawn	Large leaks, such as a slab leak

Hidden Plumbing Problems That Drive Up Your Bill

Two major culprits of a higher water bill include:

Running toilets
Slab leaks

Let’s go over these in more detail.

Running Toilet

A running toilet is usually easier to notice since it makes an irritating sound. Sometimes you hear the tank refilling when no one has flushed. Other times, the toilet is quietly leaking from the tank into the bowl.

Homeowners can take steps to fix a running toilet, but professional plumbers can get the job done more efficiently.

Slab Leaks

Slab leaks are quieter and more destructive to your property. These leaks happen in pipes under your home’s concrete foundation. Over time, they can lead to higher bills, damaged floors and even foundation or pest problems.

Slab leaks must be addressed by a professional plumber.

How to Find Hidden Leaks

Even if you don’t see a leak, it could waste hundreds or even thousands of gallons of water. A quick check can help you decide if you need to call in a pro.

Simple Checklist:

- Turn off water use. Turn off faucets, sprinklers, dishwashers and washing machines.

- Check your meter. Write down the reading on your water meter, then wait about an hour without using water. If the reading changes, you likely have a hidden leak.

- Walk around your home and yard. Look for damp spots on floors, wet carpet, musty smells or soggy areas in the yard when sprinklers are off.

- Listen for sounds. Listen for running water, hissing or trickling when no water is on.

If you notice anything out of the ordinary, it’s best to reach out to a licensed plumber. A professional can get to the bottom of the plumbing issue and find a solution.

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Signs of a Slab Leak

Another issue that can contribute to high water bills is a slab leak. Slab leaks are known for being destructive and costly. Knowing the signs of a slab leak can help you diagnose and fix the problem early.

Let’s start with the basics. A slab is a concrete foundation underneath your home that gives your home its base structure and support. Since slab leaks are silent problems, they often go undetected for a long time.

A few signs that you have a slab leak include:

Bowed or separated floorboards
Cracked tiles or warped hardwood floors
Low water pressure throughout the home
Wet or damp carpet
A spike in your water bill
Windows or doors that won’t shut like they used to

How Plumbers Find and Fix Slab Leaks

The best solution if you believe you have a slab leak is to contact a professional plumber. For many homeowners, it is very difficult to fix a slab leak on their own.

A pro will be able to:

Ask you questions about what possible signs of a slab leak you have noticed
Inspect any problem areas that you have noticed
Use expert equipment to help locate the leak
Perform tests to isolate each water supply line in your home and figure out which one is leaking

Why It’s Best to Call in a Plumber

A licensed plumber will have the skills and experience needed to assess the issue and fix it properly. Professional plumbers have the expertise and technical tools necessary to find slab leaks and advise you on repair options.

Frequently Asked Questions About High Water Bills

Why is it important to fix even small leaks quickly?

Small leaks often worsen over time and can lead to higher water bills or water damage if left untreated.

Can leaks happen even if there aren’t obvious signs?

Yes. Underground and slab leaks are often invisible, but they can waste thousands of gallons of water before you notice a problem.

Why does my water bill go up in the summer?

Higher summer water bills are often caused by increased outdoor water use, such as lawn irrigation or filling swimming pools. Leaks in sprinkler systems are also more common during hotter months.

How can I prevent leaks and avoid higher water bills?

Perform a quick home leak check each month and schedule a professional plumbing inspection once a year. Monitoring water pressure and repairing small drips early can also help prevent costly leaks.

ABC Can Help Lower Your Water Bill

A higher-than-usual water bill can put stress on you and your wallet. Many homeowners worry when their water bills are higher than usual, and leaks can cause significant damage if left unchecked.

If you suspect that you have a leak on your property, contact a licensed plumber.