Does It Mean My Home Has a Leak When My Water Bill Is Extra High?

What to Know About Leaks When Your Home’s Water Bill Skyrockets

Getting hit with an unusually high water bill can be alarming, especially if your usage habits haven’t changed. When this happens, the first question many homeowners usually ask is: Does this mean I have a leak?

While a leak is one of the most common reasons for a spike in your water bill, it’s not the only possibility. In this post, you will learn how to determine if a leak is the culprit and what other issues might be causing the increase.

High Water Bill? A Leak Is Always the Number One Suspect

It is important to note here that not all leaks are visible. There are many areas in and around one’s home where a leak can be hidden from view, such as leaks in underground pipes or in pipes hidden behind walls. Leaks can also be in the form of a running toilet or a dripping faucet.

Undetected leaks like these can waste hundreds of gallons of water each day, all the while slowly—and expensively—draining your wallet. If you think a leak might be the cause of your expensive water bill, then here are some tips to find it:

• Monitor your water meter: Turn off all water-using appliances and faucets in your home. Check your water meter and write down the reading. Wait one to two hours without using any water, then check the meter again. If the reading has changed, you likely have a leak.
• Inspect toilets and faucets: Add food coloring to your toilet tank. If the color seeps into the bowl without flushing, there’s a leak. Also, listen for dripping faucets or check under sinks for moisture.
• Look for signs around the home: Wet spots on walls, ceilings, or floors, mold or mildew smells, or unusually lush patches in your yard could point to hidden leaks.

Other Possible Causes of Your High Water Bill

If you’ve done your due diligence and all your evidence has ruled out a leak as the problem, then there might be another reason for why your water bill is suddenly higher than usual. These issues can include:

Seasonal water use: If your bill is higher than usual and it is during the summer months, then you may not be considering your increased outdoor water usage, such as watering lawns, filling pools, or taking more frequent showers to beat the heat. These habits can significantly raise your bill without a leak being involved.

New appliances or habits: Have you recently installed a new irrigation system, dishwasher, or washing machine? Different appliances use different amounts of water, so this may be one reason for your higher water bills. Also, if you’re hosting guests or doing extra laundry, then these factors can also lead to a temporary spike in usage.

Watering schedules: Automatic sprinkler systems are often set to run more frequently during hot months, and depending on the type of system you have, this change can occur without you even noticing it. The result can quietly increase your bill.

Billing errors or rate increases: Utility companies are usually pretty good at providing accurate billing statements, but mistakes do happen. If you have a higher water bill and you don’t have a reason for the increase, then it’s a good idea to compare your usage to past months and call your utility provider to have them investigate.

What to Do if You Think the Problem Is a Hidden Leak

If you suspect a leak but can’t find it, then it’s best to call a licensed leak detection company. These professionals use specialized tools to detect leaks in places where you wouldn’t be able to find them on your own, such as behind walls or underground.

You can also consider asking your leak detector professional about installing water usage monitors or smart leak detectors. These tools can help you track your daily usage and identify problems early.

Remember, while a leak might be the most common reason for a high water bill, it’s not always the case. Take the time to investigate, rule out seasonal or lifestyle changes, and don’t hesitate to bring in a professional leak detector if you’re unsure. Catching leaks early will not only help you save money but it also helps preserve one of our most valuable resources: water.