Top Reasons Why Your Water Bill May Be Higher Than Usual

Due to heavy usage, water utilities' cost can be high and is a primary concern for landlords, tenants, and commercial property owners alike. High water bills can be expensive while simultaneously implying that the water is being wasted in one area or another.

If you've run into a water bill that's higher than usual, you should immediately take steps to determine the cause and fix it as soon as possible. That might mean hiring a professional plumber, but first, here are some reasons your water bill might be high and some things you can do to resolve the problem.

Running or Leaky Toilets

One possible reason for a high water bill is a running toilet that you need to repair. This refers to a bathroom toilet continually being run and flushed, even when not in use. A running or leaky toilet like this can waste up to 6000 gallons per month, which can result in hundreds of extra dollars added to your water bill.

The leading cause behind a leaky toilet is usually a faulty flapper in the toilet tank. Thankfully, this is easy to solve with just a few minutes of dedicated work. Replace your toilet flapper. If a toilet fill valve causes the problem, you can use a similar process to fix it.  

You should also regularly check for leaks by running food coloring through the tank. If the color seeps out into the toilet bowl, then you know you leak. 

Leaky Faucet and Fixtures

Another issue that can lead to high water bills is a leaky faucet or fixture. A leaky faucet isn't as big of a deal as a leaking toilet, but it can still cost you a lot over time.

The leading cause behind these problems is the presence of a faulty rubber washer in the faucet handle. Fixing this requires that you turn off the water to the faucet, unscrew the handle, remove the broken washer and replace it with a new one.

Lateral Line Leaks

Lateral line leaks often cause a high water bill. Your lateral line is the pipe responsible for carrying wastewater from your home (sinks, toilets, showers, etc.) to the public sanitary main that is typically in your street. This line is your responsibility, meaning they expect you to maintain it and keep it running smoothly.

Problems might arise with this system if tree roots grow into the pipes and shift or damage them. Age can be another factor, with parts deteriorating and becoming dysfunctional over time. Lastly, if you live in an area with significant seismic activity, the earth's shifts can disrupt your pipes.

Lateral line leaks are a significant issue. A gap in your underground pipes can cause severe property damage, and repairs aren't easy. The best solution here is to hire a professional plumber.

Irrigation Leaks

If you have any irrigation system, keep an eye out for leaks in it. This term is just a fancy word for any setup you have that delivers water to your grassy lawns or gardens. Think sprinklers and water well drips. 

As these tools require a lot of water, particularly during the summer, it can be prudent to check if they're the cause of your higher water bills. Reviewing them is as simple as ensuring they work correctly and that there are no leaks or broken sprinkler heads.

For instance, if a sprinkler valve gets stuck, you can lose a large amount of water in a short amount of time.

Seasonal Water Consumption 

A less dramatic cause for increased water utility costs is simply the changing of time. As your region moves closer to the summer season, you will typically see more outdoor activity reliant on water.

The warm weather might mean that there are backyard pools to be filled, sprinklers to be run, gardens and lawns that require watering, and even showers you need to take after a long, sweaty day spent outdoors. This usage is mostly unavoidable, but it doesn't hurt to try and cut down to the bare essentials. 

Water Softeners

The last potential reason for high water bills is if you have a water softener. These devices work to remove minerals from your home's water supply, providing you with a cleaner and more gentle drinking experience.

However, as they use regeneration and backwash cycles, they can go through a lot of water. Their factory settings usually run these cycles frequently, and there are even times when it can get stuck in a wasteful loop of water consumption.

Troubleshooting a High Water Bill 

If you receive a higher water bill than usual, first check over all the possible reasons listed above. Once you find the high bill's probable cause, you can target the issue and take the next steps to get it fixed.