The Most Common Reasons for a High Water Bill

Home water usage is a huge part of our daily lives. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average U.S. home uses more than 350 gallons of water per day. 70% of this water is used for cooking, running the dishwasher, cleaning, flushing toilets and using washing machines.

Our water bills can fluctuate month to month depending on the season or number of people in the home. However, drastic changes in your water bill often indicate an issue that needs to be addressed and fixed in order to save water and save you money.

When your water bill is higher than normal, there’s often a common cause that can be corrected. With this in mind, continue reading to learn some of the top reasons your water bill might have increased, and what you can do to get your bill back to what it should be.

Leaky Toilets

Leaky toilets are one of the most common reasons your water bill may have skyrocketed. Unless there’s an obvious problem with our toilets, we typically don’t know there’s an issue. A high water bill may indicate that there’s a toilet leak, resulting in large quantities of wasted water.

Common causes of a leaky toilet are failing wax seals, a cracked tank or a faulty flapper in the toilet tank. These issues can cause up to 6,000 gallons of wasted water per month. You can sometimes even hear a leak. If you notice a hissing sound, it may mean that water is leaking from the tank to the toilet. To determine the exact cause of a toilet leak as well as a sure way to fix it, contact a professional plumber.

In addition, older toilets generally use much more water than newer, upgraded versions, and they are also more prone to leaking. If you are interested in saving money long term, consider investing in a newer, high-efficiency toilet that uses much less water per flush.

Leaky Faucets

A faucet that drips might just seem like an annoyance, but a leaky faucet can actually waste up to 17 gallons of water a day if left dripping. Shower heads, faucets and other fixtures that leak water often drip because the rubber washer in the faucet handle is worn out. Thankfully, a leaky faucet is easily identifiable and can be fixed in no time.

If you hear or see your faucet dripping, check to make sure the taps are properly and tightly closed. If they still leak, have a plumber replace the rubber washer for you. This is an easy fix that can prevent major water waste in the long run.

Old, Broken or Outdated Appliances and Fixtures

If you live in an older home, chances are that some of your older appliances use a high volume of water. For example, older top loading washing machines use 50% more water than front loading washing machines.

Older appliances are more prone to leaking water simply because of years of daily wear and tear. Newer appliances are higher efficiency, using less water and energy. Many dishwashers and washing machines even have “eco-mode,” meant to preserve as much water as possible.

While upgrading appliances can be a big cost and decision, it’s often worth investing in because of how much water is saved, ultimately saving you from increasing water bills. If you suspect an appliance is leaking, or need help installing a dishwasher or washing machine, contact a trusted local plumber or give us a call to schedule an appointment today.

Underground Leaks and Irrigation Leaks

Another reason your water bill may have increased is because of outdoor underground leaks. Unfortunately, these are the most difficult leaks to detect, and may only be discovered because of a higher monthly water bill.

An underground leak could be because of a crack or break in a pipe leading into your home. If you use a sprinkler system to garden or water your lawn, a high water bill could also indicate a leak from a loose joint or line crack.

If you don’t notice other leaks in your home, and your water bill has increased drastically, an underground leak is most likely the culprit. At Lenox Plumbing, our certified plumbers conduct camera drain inspections to detect any invisible leaks or underground water leakage in your yard and home.

We’re Here to Help!

At Lenox Plumbing, we want to help you save money and also avoid the headache of increasing monthly water bills. Our experienced plumbers are able to identify and stop leaks that may be causing your water bill to increase.

If you suspect a leak or need help installing a new appliance, reach out to us today! We’ll make any needed repairs or replacements as soon as possible so you can get your water bill back down to normal.