Why Do I Have a High Water Bill?

Did your jaw drop when you saw the latest amount due for your water bill? Water and sewage are necessary utilities, but if your bill is higher than usual, you might have an underlying plumbing issue.

Take action to ensure you do not accumulate these high costs from your water bill again. When you understand what can cause these skyrocketing expenses, you can intervene and ensure the costs are lower for your next billing cycle.

A plumber can help you inspect your plumbing system to diagnose and fix any issues. But you can learn more about the inspection process and potential reasons why you have a high water bill when you read on.

Causes of Expensive Water Bills

If you see a high dollar amount on your water bill, you should look into the cause of this jump in costs. Take a look at your water meter to start. Turn off your water and ensure that the meter is not moving. If it still indicates water usage, the meter may be faulty, or you may have a plumbing problem.

One of the most common causes of an increase in your water bill is a leak somewhere in your plumbing. This can present in a number of ways, since you have many fixtures attached to your plumbing system.

Constant dripping from your faucet may seem annoying, but over time, this leak can waste a significant amount of water that will impact your water bill. If you hear water constantly running after you flush a toilet, this indicates extra water usage that will also affect your bill.

A leak might also develop in a pipe that you cannot see within your home or commercial building. However, you can spot signs of a leak in your plumbing, such as pooling water, mold growth, musty smells, or discoloration and watermarks.

Old plumbing fixtures, including toilets or water-using appliances, may also use more water than necessary. You may need to replace these items to lower the cost of your water bill.

Pay attention to your water usage habits as well. In many cases, you may use more water than needed, and it can affect your bill. Do not leave the tap running when using your bathroom or kitchen sinks when not in use, for instance.

How to Reduce Your Costly Water Bill

The first step in reducing the cost of your water bill involves a thorough inspection of your plumbing. You can complete this yourself by consulting your water meter. But if you need help identifying the cause of excess water usage, you can reach out to your plumber.

Call a plumber to get an estimate for a professional plumbing inspection. They use video equipment to check pipes and other areas of your system that you otherwise may miss. This process can spot problems you might not realize affect your plumbing as well as your water bill.

This preventive care for your plumbing can also lower your risk of plumbing emergencies, like burst pipes. In the long run, an inspection can save you a great deal of money. So do not delay booking an appointment with your local plumber.