|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Last Revised: 11/26/2024
Ever received a shockingly high water bill? Wondering what was so different with your water usage last month?
Nothing disrupts your budget faster than opening a utility bill with a total amount owed that doesn’t make sense.
But there’s good news – a high water bill isn’t a mystery.
In fact, there are only a handful of potential causes, and each one of them can be addressed.
If you’ve recently experienced this shock, it’s time to regain control of your water bill.
At Mattioni, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners tackle their water usage issues and save on bills. And in this article, we’ll help you too.
We’ll explore five common causes of high water bills and provide simple steps to take control of your water usage – and your wallet. After reading this, you’ll understand what causes a high water bill and what to do about it.
5 Reasons You May Have a High Water Bill
1. Increased Water Usage: A Common Cause of Higher Bills
Before checking your plumbing or appliances, see if your water usage has risen in recent months. Even if it’s unintentional, this is usually the simplest reason for a jump in your water bill.
An increase in water usage can be due to a growing household, whether it’s new residents or temporary guests. If you have more people than usual living in your house, it’s natural for water usage to increase.
Seasonal tasks like watering your lawn or garden and filling a pool can also add up quickly. Other small habits, like taking longer showers or leaving the water on while brushing your teeth or shaving, also raise water use.
Check your water bill for the exact amount of water used (in gallons). Then, compare it to previous months. You can find past statements online, or contact your water company for your account details.
To reduce water use, consider monitoring your habits throughout a billing cycle. Check your water use and log it weekly. This can help you spot patterns and cut back where possible.
2. Inefficient Plumbing Fixtures: A Hidden Drain on Your Bill
Old or inefficient water fixtures can waste a lot of water, leading to higher bills month after month.
Your showers, faucets, and toilets may be calibrated to use more water than necessary each time you shower, wash your hands, or flush your toilet. It can be tough to gauge your plumbing fixtures’ efficiency, so it’s worth calling a professional plumber as you look for ways to improve your home’s efficiency.
A modern WaterSense faucet can cut your sink’s flow rate by over 30% without losing performance. Low-flow showerheads and toilets can also save you on your energy bills.
3. Unknown Leaks in Your Plumbing
One of the most common (and costly) causes of a high water bill is an unaddressed plumbing leak. Even a small leak in a faucet or toilet can waste a lot of water and contribute to a higher bill.
While faucet leaks in your sink or shower can be easy to spot, a toilet leak might not be. A toilet leak can be silent or may produce a faint noise. As you check each toilet, look in the tank (the upper part) for problems with the fill valve and flapper.
Leaks can also occur in unexpected places, so check for hidden leaks in your plumbing, especially behind drywall. Take a close look around your home for damp spots or mold growth that could indicate a concealed pipe leak.
Consider any auxiliary plumbing fixtures, like an irrigation system or swimming pool, that could be a drain on your home’s water usage. If there are puddles in your yard, it could be a sign of a leak at one of your sprinkler heads. And if you notice any new cracks in your pool’s foundation, that may be the culprit of your home’s higher water use.
Each type of leak will need a different approach to repair, but once you identify one, then you’re well on your way to solving the problem. You can fix small leaks yourself, but for larger plumbing problems, call a pro.
4. Appliances May Use More Water Than is Needed
A malfunctioning appliance like a dishwasher, washing machine, or water heater can potentially waste water. These issues can be hard to isolate, however, because the appliances may still seem to work normally.
If your appliance is over 10-12 years old, consider replacing it with a more efficient model.
If you’re unsure if an appliance is raising your water bill, check its manual for maintenance tips, or contact a professional plumber for help.
5. Changes in Your Rates
An increase in your water bill may not always be due to water usage. Utility companies will occasionally raise rates, especially during periods of increased demand or droughts.
Review your bill carefully and compare both your water usage and your rate to previous months. If something seems off (like an unannounced rate increase) contact your water company to verify the accuracy of your statement and confirm that your rate is correct.
Think of your water supplier like you would your auto insurer; by staying aware of any rate increases, you’ll be well-positioned to shop around and switch to the most affordable option.
4 Tips to Lower Your Water Bill
If you’ve noticed a suspiciously high water bill (or a few), here’s a step-by-step plan to address the problem going forward:
1. Monitor Your Usage and Encourage Using Less Water
Get familiar with your online account (which should be made available by your water company) and track your usage on a weekly basis. Note any spikes in usage and connect them to habits like long showers or running the dishwasher more often. Identifying ways to limit your water demands is one of the best ways to bring down your water bill.
2. Inspect Faucets, Toilets, Pipes and Outdoor Fixtures for Leaks
Conduct a thorough inspection throughout your house for leaks of all shapes and sizes. This includes listening for running water (or drips), ensuring your toilet’s components are functioning properly, and checking any outdoor fixtures like sprinklers or pool utilities.
If you find a leak at any of these locations, you may be able to address it on your own, however, you may also be better suited to call a professional plumber.
3. Upgrade to More Efficient Appliances and Fixtures
Older dishwashers and washing machines may become less efficient in their water usage as they age, so keeping records of how long you’ve had these appliances may be a good idea. This way, you’ll be able to know for sure when it’s time to replace each appliance.
When an appliance is over 10 years old and runs into operational problems or water usage inefficiency, don’t wait to replace it. Delaying your upgrade to a new washing machine or dishwasher can lead to steadily increasing water bills.
Additionally, upgrading to modern WaterSense faucets can reduce your sink’s flow rate by 30% or more without sacrificing performance. Low-flow showerheads and toilets are other great tools to guarantee reduced water usage and see significant savings on your energy bills. Be sure to consult with a professional plumber when making any changes to your plumbing fixtures.
4. Shop Around for a More Affordable Water Supply Company
Depending on where you live, you may have a few different water supply companies to choose from. Do a quick search to see your options, and compare each provider’s cost per gallon to make the best choice for your home. This step can be essential as water companies periodically raise rates.
Make sure to check all rates and fees when comparing your water supply options, as some companies may hide costs in their connection fees.
If you’ve found a water supply company that’s a better fit for your home, schedule a transition date with your existing company to ensure a smooth transition with minimal interruption.
Next Steps to Reclaim Control of Your Home’s Water Use
An expensive water bill can be a frustrating surprise, leaving you to wonder what happened last month. If you haven’t changed any habits, it can be a real head-scratcher.
But, once you know the causes of a high water bill and how to fix them, you can take action. You may even lower your bill below its original amount.
At Mattioni, we recommend a full walk-through inspection of each plumbing fixture in your home to snuff out any potential leaks. In particular, toilet leaks can go unnoticed, so check the fill valve and flapper in the tank.
A pipe leak can also be hard to find if it’s hidden behind drywall. Damp spots or mold on your drywall can signal a nearby pipe leak.
It’s also smart to track the age of your water-using appliances, as they can lose efficiency after 10 years of use.
However, perhaps the best way to reduce your water bill may be to monitor your usage habits by checking your water company account. Track your weekly water use (in gallons), this will help you keep it in check before it spirals out of control. This will also help you stay aware of any rate increases that could be causing higher costs.
If you still see unexplained spikes, call a plumber to find the root of the issue. A one-time plumbing inspection could save you hundreds down the line.
For questions, or to schedule a plumbing inspection, call the friendly staff at Mattioni at (610) 400-8510. Or, book an appointment directly online today.
If you respond quickly, and don’t let your water bills pile up, you should see an improvement in your next bill. It might even be lower than before. Don’t wait – take action today.
