Key takeaways
An unexpectedly high water bill can indicate a plumbing problem. Problems include water leaks, dripping faucets, running toilets, issues with appliances, water softeners, irrigation systems, or even a meter issue. Find out what these common problems are and how to deal with them.
Is your water bill too high? If it’s unexpectedly high, it could indicate a problem in your plumbing, as can a bill that creeps up without any increase in usage. Here are some problems that can waste water and money.
1. Water Leaks
By far the most common cause of high water bills is leaks. Check your property for visible leaks or water damage, inside and out. Note that if you see a water leak in your yard (a wet spot) and your bill is not unexpectedly high, then there may be a leak before your metered area, which should be reported to your utility company.
Note that water leaks can happen in crawlspaces and underground. Any sign of water damage in your foundation or basement means you should call a plumber. If you can’t find the leak, consider calling one anyway. Some leaks are obvious. Some are very well hidden.
2. Dripping Faucets
Dripping faucets don’t look like they waste a lot of water, but it adds up. Leaky faucets are also one of the easiest problems to fix. You may even be able to do it yourself if it’s just a loose washer.
Showerheads are another potential source of a slow leak or drip. Even if they only drip for a short time after you take a shower, it can add up. Older faucets may need to be replaced.
3. Running Toilets
A broken toilet can waste a lot of water, but fortunately, it is typically easy to spot and often easy to fix. If your toilet is still running after the water fills the bowl and tank or suddenly starts running for no reason, you should check your toilet right away. It’s typically just a loose valve seal, but it can indicate something a little more serious. You may find the entire mechanism needs to be replaced, but it’s worth it. Worn flappers can also cause significant overrun. In fact, it’s a good idea to change your toilet flapper every few years.
If you fix it and then it starts running again, even weeks later, get somebody to check it. You probably need a new valve mechanism.
4. Improperly Installed Appliances
If you recently installed a new washing machine, dishwasher, or refrigerator and your water bill suddenly increases, check the appliance and its connections for leaks or installation issues. A poorly connected or loose hose could be the culprit, or there may be an issue with the appliance itself.
Older appliances may also spring a hose leak, so it’s worth checking for any mysterious increase.
5. Irrigation System Problems
If you have a sprinkler or drip irrigation system, it could also be the culprit. Monitor automatic systems to ensure they come on when programmed. More importantly, make sure they turn off when they should.
Make sure that drip irrigation systems are only putting water where they are supposed to. Turn off your irrigation system and inspect it for leaks. It’s a good idea to get a pressure tester to help find leaks. Also, if you have a pond and the level is fluctuating, your pond liner may be leaking.
6. Water Softener Problems
Another problem that can waste a lot of water is a malfunction in a whole-house water softener. Water softeners can get stuck in regeneration mode, cycling continuously and wasting hundreds of gallons. If you’re hit with a high water bill while showing a spike in usage, it is best to inspect your water softener. It should only be regenerating every two to three days. This can be expensive to repair, but ignoring the problem could cost you even more over time.
If you recently installed a water softener, double-check the settings to make sure it isn’t regenerating more frequently than necessary.
7. Meter Error
You’ve checked everything, had a plumber out, and can’t find the problem. It’s relatively rare for a water meter to malfunction, but it can. Request a manual meter re-read from your utility company. Also, make sure that you didn’t get an estimated bill, particularly if you’re usually frugal, because you may have been billed for average household usage, not actual usage.
If your meter is broken, the water company will replace it.
A High Water Bill Can Be Avoided
Suspect you have a water leak? Contact Harrington Air Conditioning to have your plumbing inspected and identify the source of the problem. Acting quickly can help reduce water waste, lower your bill, and prevent costly water damage to your home.
