Why Is My Water Bill So High? (Some Common Reasons)

Did you know that your home’s plumbing system can contribute to a high water bill? Even the smallest problem with your piping or fixtures can lead to much higher costs than you may expect. If you have a high water bill, it could be due to several small factors. A high bill doesn’t always mean there is a leak somewhere (although it could) - but it could be due to minor issues that build up over time. Here are some common causes of higher than normal water bills and how to fix them.

Not Enough Water Flow

Aging pipes and low water pressure can contribute to high water bills. The pressure in your house's pipes determines how many gallons of water flow through them every minute. If your pipes are too old, they may lose water pressure over time, causing you to use more water while washing and flushing your toilet. Another possible cause is a leaking water line. If you have a leak in a line that supplies water to your home, you may notice a decrease in water pressure. High-pressure lines, like fire hydrants, are usually marked for easy identification. If you have a leak, you can try closing all of the faucet handles and turning off the main water valve to see if the leak stops. If it doesn’t, you may have a problem with a pipe or valve.

Your Water Heater Is Old And Leaky

If you’re feeling a strain on your water bill, then it’s possible your hot water heater is the culprit. A leaky water heater can quickly cause a high water bill by wasting huge amounts of water and leaving you with very little hot water for other uses. It’s important to have a leaky water heater fixed as soon as possible. If your water heater has gone bad, then you need to find a reputable plumber to come out and either fix it or replace it.

You’re Having A Dishwasher Or Faucet Issue

A dishwasher that doesn’t empty or a leaky faucet could be causing your high water bill. A dishwasher uses a lot of water to clean dishes and silverware. If you have a deep sink or a large sink, the water in it may not be deep enough for the machine to run efficiently. High water pressure in your home could also be the culprit. If you know that you have high water pressure, you can try turning it down, although you may need to have a plumber install a pressure reducing valve.

You Have A Burst Pipe

A burst pipe can damage your pipes and cause a water leak. If you have a burst pipe, you may notice a significant increase in the water bill. A burst pipe can also cause a small leak, which can appear in your walls, ceiling, or even your front yard. One way to check if you have a burst pipe is to turn off the main water valve to your house. If the bill goes down when you do this, you may have a leak somewhere in your piping. You can also call an expert to check for a leak. A burst pipe also happens if an old pipe is being used and becomes too soft to carry water efficiently.

You Have A Running Toilet

Another common cause of a high water bill is a running toilet. A toilet that runs constantly can waste gallons of water a day and adds to the cost of your water bill. If your toilet runs, it's likely caused by a faulty or old flapper, which is often brittle or breaks down from chlorine and minerals in the water. The other important parts of your toilet tank are the fill and flush valves. The fill valve connects to the incoming water line and shuts off the water flow once the tank is full to the desired level. Water enters the tank through the flush valve at the centre of it. As a flush handle raises, the flapper opens, sending water through the flush valve and into the toilet bowl, where it washes away waste. If any of these components is broken, water leakage may occur from the tank, increasing your water bill.

Contacting A Water Bill Expert

If you still have questions about your water bill or think there may be a leak in your system, it’s a good idea to contact a professional. A plumbing expert can look at your water meter and make sure that it is running properly and test your water pressure and make sure your piping is not leaking. They may even be able to even diagnose possible issues over the phone.

Conclusion

If you are having a hard time understanding why you are paying a high water bill, it’s important to contact an expert. You may find that you have a plumbing issue that needs addressing. Once you know what the problem is, it’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible. If you have a low water flow issue, a burst in your pipes, or a faulty water heater or faucet, you should get it fixed immediately in order to prevent a higher bill down the road. Don’t wait until it’s too late to take action.

Let Us Help!

Have a plumbing issue that needs fixing or just have questions about your high water bill? Give Lujan Plumbing a call today at 210-694-1325 and we'll help get things sorted out.