Got a Higher Than Expected Water Bill? This Might Be Why

Have you ever opened your water bill and thought…that can’t be right?!

No one likes an unexpected expense. While you might be able to cover it, the real question is, “How did my water bill get so high in the first place?”Here’s the good news: Sudden spikes in your water bill often have simple causes. By being proactive and identifying the source early, you can save water, reduce costs, and prevent potential damage to your home. Additionally, depending on what the issue is, you may even be eligible to receive a credit from your water company.

Let’s start with the most common culprits we at G.T. Campbell Plumbing see.

Common Culprits of Hidden Water Use and a Higher Than Expected Water Bill

Most of the time, the problem with your plumbing is hiding in plain sight. This is why it’s so important that you’re familiar with your home. Whether you’re a DIY-er or someone who appreciates calling in a professional plumber, the bottom line is that you’re the first line of defense against excessive water usage. So, if your water bill is unexpectedly high, here are some things to check.

Dripping Spigots

Did you know? Even a slow, quiet drip can waste gallons of water every single month. Outdoor spigots, in particular, can leak unnoticed. This is especially true during cooler months when they aren’t in regular use. To avoid unknown issues with your spigots, take a few moments each month to check on faucets, both inside and outside your home. When you find a minor leak, repair it quickly. This could mean a DIY fix like switching out the washer or calling in a professional plumber if you’re unsure as to the issue.

Toilet Fill Valve

Sometimes, problems make themselves known with a roar rather than a whimper. Take your toilet’s fill valve, for example. A constant gurgling or hissing noise from within your toilet’s tank is often what first alerts homeowners to an issue with this part. So, if your toilet is running constantly, takes longer than normal to refill, or the water level seems off—too high or too low—the fill valve may require adjustment, repair, or replacement.

Toilet Flapper 

When you remove the lid from your tank to get a good look at your toilet fill valve, you’ve likely also seen the toilet flapper. This is the rubber part within the tank that acts as a seal for your flush valve. Its job is to control the flow of water from your toilet’s tank into the toilet bowl during a flush. If your flapper is worn, misaligned, or there’s mineral build-up, water may leak from the tank into the bowl. Often, you won’t hear this leak as you would with the toilet fill valve; however, your toilet may “run” occasionally. Thankfully, it’s an easy and often inexpensive DIY project.

Dehumidifiers

Does your house have a dehumidifier? Some homeowners aren’t sure! A whole-house dehumidifier can usually be found in the HVAC system, the attic, the basement, or a crawl space. When this unit is malfunctioning, it could be continuously drawing upon your home’s water resources without your knowledge.

Be sure to check your dehumidifier for proper operation. This includes inspecting the drain system periodically. Even minor malfunctions can lead to noticeable water usage.

Water-Powered Back-Up Pumps

Many homeowners forget that they have a backup sump pump. Unfortunately, this can be a source of unknown water usage. If your main sump pump has stopped working and the water-powered backup engages frequently, it can use a surprising amount of water quietly in your basement. Because these systems operate automatically, homeowners often overlook the extra usage.

To avoid problems with your backup system, test and inspect the discharge line. Ensuring it functions properly will protect your home and prevent unnecessary water waste. Need help? Call a plumbing professional!

How to Investigate Hidden Water Use

When your water bill is higher than expected, always start by checking for visible leaks and drips. Inspect your toilets, faucets, and connected systems, paying special attention to fill valves and flappers. Additionally, a simple water meter check can help identify hidden consumption. You can do this yourself, too. Turn off all water in the house, then check to see if the meter still moves. If it does, your home likely has a leak.

Hidden water use can add up quickly, but in most cases, the source is identifiable and fixable. By staying familiar with your home and all of its unique quirks, you help keep small issues from turning into big problems—and big bills!