Why Is My Water Bill So High?

Culprit #1: Water Leaks

The most insidious cause of high water bills is often hidden leaks. A small drip from a faucet might seem inconsequential, but it can waste hundreds of gallons over time. Leaks in toilets, pipes, and irrigation systems can be even more costly, both in terms of your water bill and potential damage to your home.

Regularly inspect your home for leaks. A simple test for toilet leaks involves adding a few drops of food coloring to the tank and waiting 15 minutes without flushing. If the color appears in the bowl, you have a leak. For pipe leaks, look for signs of water damage or listen for the sound of running water when fixtures are off. The dependable plumbers at Proline Rooter use advanced equipment to detect hidden leaks.

Culprit #2: Inefficient Fixtures and Appliances

Older plumbing fixtures and appliances tend to use more water. For instance, pre-1994 toilets can use up to 7 gallons per flush compared to modern low-flow models that use just 1.6 gallons. Similarly, outdated showerheads, faucets, and washing machines are also likely to be less water-efficient.

Consider upgrading to WaterSense-labeled fixtures and ENERGY STAR-rated appliances. These are designed to use significantly less water without compromising performance, and the investment can pay off in just some years.

Culprit #3: Increased Water Usage

Sometimes, the simplest explanation is the best; and for a high water bill, the simplest explanation is increased water usage. This can be due to changes in household habits or seasonal activities, such as filling a swimming pool, gardening, or having guests over.

Monitor your water usage and be mindful of significant changes. Installing a smart water meter can help you track usage patterns and identify unusual spikes.

Culprit #4: Seasonal Variations

This is in line with ‘increased water usage.’ Water bills often rise during the summer due to increased usage for lawn care, gardening, and cooling systems. Additionally, hot, dry weather can lead to more frequent irrigation, significantly increasing water consumption.

Implement water-saving landscaping techniques, and use mulch to retain soil moisture. Water your lawn during the early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation. The good news about seasonal variations is they average out.

Detect and Repair Leaks ASAP

Calling Proline Rooter for emergency plumbing repair service is always a solution, but we want you to enjoy a peace of mind. Schedule annual or biennial leak detection services to catch issues early on and nip them in the bud.

Proline Rooter also offers a host of preventative solutions, like insulation and water filtration installations, to help you avoid water leaks in the first place. Call Proline Rooter to schedule a consultation or plumbing service today.