5 Reasons Why Your Water Bill Is Rising & What to Do About It

We know homeowners closely watch their bills, and when there is a sudden increase – it’s time to start figuring out the problem. In the case of a water bill, there are some things you can do on your own to investigate the issue. Below are the five most common reasons behind a suddenly rising water bill, and some steps you can take to find out what may have caused the rise.

1. Running or Inefficient Toilets

Did you know that some older toilets use as many as seven gallons of water per flush? Check the toilets first because they use more water than any other fixture in our homes. If they’re not working correctly, they’ll use even more water.

Each time you flush your toilet, all the water from the toilet tank transfers into the bowl. Before it can flush effectively again, the toilet must refill the tank. When the toilet won’t stop running, it’s because something is preventing the toilet tank from refilling completely. Usually, the flapper separating the tank from the bowl is old or broken. Thankfully, replacing a flapper is easy and inexpensive.

While water pooling on the floor is an indicator of one type of toilet leak, other, more common leaks aren’t as apparent. The issue stems from the toilet running too much, so to check, flush your toilet and time how long it takes for the whooshing sound to stop. If it’s more than 20 or 30 seconds, chances are the toilet is over-running. Another indicator may be a hissing sound coming from the toilet.

2. Hidden Leaks

Hidden leaks are one of the main contributors to a high-water bill. The average American family can waste 180 gallons of water per week from household leaks — the amount of water it takes to wash more than 300 loads of laundry. If that leak (or leaks) goes unaddressed, that’s almost 9,500 gallons of water per year.

Unfortunately, these leaks can do worse than simply running up your water bill. They can lead to mold growth, water stains, rot, and other home problems. These problems can affect your home’s resale value and even your health. Some areas to check regularly in your home to check are under sinks, near outdoor plumbing fixtures, behind your toilet, or in the basement/storage areas.

3. Dripping Faucet

A single drip may not seem like much, but over time they can cause a high water bill. While those drips may seem insignificant, one drip ignored for a month can lead to thousands of gallons lost and money wasted. If you notice a drip, you should look into the repair sooner than later.

4. Hot Water Heater Issues

Any appliance in your home that relies on water can be a potential source of water waste (and a high water bill) if there’s an unaddressed problem. And since your water heater holds a large amount of water, if there’s a leak, disconnected component, or overdue maintenance, the inefficiency can significantly increase your water usage.

If your water heater is outdated, get it replaced. It costs more in the short term, but it’ll help you save on bills in the long run.

5. Seasonal and situational factors

Is it possible that your water bill is high in the spring, and you realize your sprinkler system is now on regularly? Are you working from home and therefore using more water? Did you have a guest or add a new family member to your household? Maybe the problem is that simple, and you don’t need any repairs.

Become More Energy Efficient

If you’ve addressed any water waste, and eliminated the issue, but still find yourself asking “Why is my water bill so high – still?!,” then perhaps it’s time to improve the overall energy efficiency of your home by installing new appliances or fixtures. Here are some examples.

- Low-Flow Toilets: Low-flow toilets use significantly less water per flush compared to traditional toilets. Some models even have dual-flush options.
- High-Efficiency Washing Machines: These washing machines use less water and energy compared to older models because they have improved drum designs and water-saving settings.
- Low-Flow Showerheads: Low-flow showerheads reduce water flow while maintaining adequate pressure, resulting in less water usage during showers without the need to cut down the length of the shower.
- Faucet Aerators: Faucet aerators mix air with the water stream, reducing flow while maintaining water pressure, which is particularly useful for bathroom and kitchen faucets.
- Tankless Water Heaters: Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, eliminating the need for a storage tank and reducing standby energy losses associated with traditional water heaters.
- Smart Irrigation Systems: These systems use weather data and soil moisture sensors to optimize outdoor watering, preventing overwatering and reducing water wastage in landscaping.
- Dishwashers With Soil Sensors: Some modern dishwashers are equipped with soil sensors that adjust water usage based on the cleanliness of the dishes, reducing water waste.
- ENERGY STARⓇ Appliances: ENERGY STAR-rated refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines are designed to cut water usage.
- Dual-Flush Toilet Conversion Kits: These kits can be installed on existing toilets to add a dual-flush option, allowing users to choose between a low-water flush for liquid waste and a higher-water flush for solid waste.