Why is My Water Bill So High?

It can be alarming and frustrating for homeowners, renters, and commercial property owners to get high water bills. While it is common for water bills to rise a bit during summers, getting unexpectedly higher bills consistently might indicate some underlying problem. High water bills not only affect you financially but also mean water waste. It is essential to identify the causes and correct them as soon as possible.

Most often, high-water bills are due to a leak or change in water use. If you are wondering why your water bill is so high, look into some of the common potential causes that include:

Toilet leaks

Toilets are one of the most significant sources of indoor water use in a household. A running or leaky toilet can cause a spike in the water bill, wasting up to 200 gallons of water per day. Check the toilet water tank for leaks. A leaky toilet is mostly due to faulty flappers, fill tubes or unbalanced floats.  Call a plumber to fix the issue as soon as possible.

Leaking faucets and valves

Tiny drips from your faucet can waste gallons of water and contribute to high water bills. Inspect all the faucets and showerheads in the house and outdoors for signs of leaks. A worn-out washer is generally the most common cause of leaky faucets. If the dripping persists even after changing the washer, hire a plumber for an in-depth inspection.

Irrigation leak

Outdoor irrigation systems use a lot of water, and a small crack or a loose joint can waste a lot of water. Check the irrigation system regularly for leaks or broken sprinkler heads. 

Lateral line leaks

The underground pipes carrying water from the metered connection into the home might crack or a loose joint, causing water waste. Breaks can happen due to the age of the pipe, tree root intrusion, or animal activity. 

A seasonal or occasional increase in water consumption

Sometimes it's not the plumbing, but changes in water consumption can cause a spike in water bills. If you are hosting guests, the water use will rise. Also, in summers, there is a rise in water consumption due to increased watering of lawn, filling backyard swimming pools, running sprinklers, or taking multiple showers during the day. 

Outdated fixtures and appliances

Old and outdated appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, heaters are not energy-efficient and use a lot of water. Replace the old appliances with a new one that comes with Energy Star and Water Sense labels. Also, not upgrading the old plumbing fixtures like toilets, showerheads, and faucets with the new efficient, low-flow, water-saving ones, can allow water bills to remain high.

Water softeners

They can cause high water bills when they get stuck in the regeneration or backwash cycle. If the unit is faulty, get it checked by an expert.

Faulty or broken meters, water-wasting habits, and leaky appliances also can significantly increase the water bill. 

Identifying the cause of high-water bills is essential to save money and conserve water. If you are worried about high water bills, call a professional plumber to help detect leaks, replace fixtures, and suggest water-efficient appliances to get the bill back to normal.

Frontier Plumbing of Las Vegas is a full-service commercial and residential plumbing company offering a full spectrum of plumbing services. We are determined to exceed your expectations! Call 702-602-6705 today!