FAQ: Why is my water bill so high?

An unexpectedly high water bill is a frustrating experience that usually points to an unseen waste of water.

 

• The most common culprits are silent leaks within your plumbing system. A constantly running toilet, often due to a worn flapper valve, can waste hundreds of gallons per day, virtually unnoticed. Similarly, a leaky faucet or a hidden pipe leak behind a wall or under a slab foundation can steadily drive up your usage. Seasonal factors also play a role; filling a swimming pool, frequent garden watering, or even more showers during summer months can increase costs.

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• Other causes include inefficient, older appliances like washing machines and dishwashers, malfunctioning irrigation systems with broken sprinkler heads, and even excessively high water pressure from the municipal supply, which causes fixtures to use more water than necessary.

 

To identify the root cause, first check all toilets for running and visibly inspect for leaks. If the issue isn't obvious, contact a professional plumber. They have specialized tools like pressure gauges and acoustic leak detectors to pinpoint hidden problems and recommend solutions to restore your bill to normal.