6 Reasons Your Water Bill Is So High This Month

If you find yourself staring at your utility bill, baffled at how much higher your water bill is than last month, you should know that the drastic price difference may not come down to increased usage. You could have an issue somewhere in your plumbing system.

Some spikes in your water bill come from regular usage, but others could indicate a problem that needs to be fixed. Find out more about the possible reasons for a high water bill.

You'll notice some fluctuations in your water bill during times when you use more water than normal. However, there could be a problem with your plumbing system that causes it to waste water.

Water Leaks

Leaks can happen throughout your plumbing system. Some leaks are obvious, such as dripping faucets or pipes that leak under your sink. Other leaks are hidden behind the walls and are more difficult to detect. Don't forget to check for leaks in irrigation systems and outdoor faucets, which are easier to miss.

One way to look for a hidden water leak is to check your water meter and then go an hour without using any water at all. Recheck the meter to see if it changed. If it did, you might have a leak in the system. A plumber can locate the leaks and repair them to return your water usage to normal.

Running Toilets

A toilet that runs constantly can cause a high water bill. Toilet flappers that don't close completely let water flow into the bowl, which causes more water to run into the tank. You can check for this type of leak by putting a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. If you see dye in the bowl in about 15 to 20 minutes, the flapper isn't sealing tightly. Replacing the flapper or other leaking toilet parts will correct the issue.

Inefficient Fixtures

Older toilets, faucets and showerheads often use a lot more water than newer, water-efficient models. You can have the same issue with older appliances that use water, including dishwashers and washing machines. Replacing outdated fixtures and appliances can help. You can swap out the aerators on sink faucets and replace your showerhead with low-flow options to reduce water consumption.

Seasonal Usage

Some seasonal activities cause an increase in your water bill. Summer tends to be a time of higher water consumption. Irrigating landscaping, playing in the sprinkler, taking more showers because you're sweaty and washing your vehicles at home are examples of summer activities that make your water bill higher. Kids who are home for the summer can also increase water consumption. You might also have occasional increases if you have guests during a certain period, such as family that comes to stay for the holidays. Use water wisely for these seasonal activities, and plan for the increase when you know it's coming.

Filling a Pool

If you have a backyard pool, filling it initially, topping it off or refilling it after repairs will cause a major increase in your water bill. This doesn't typically happen very often. Taking care of the pool and the water reduces the need to drain and refill it, which can minimize how often you face this increase in your water bill.

Water Meter Issues

While not common, a high water bill could be due to a water meter issue. Sometimes water meters malfunction and give an incorrect reading. Another rare cause could be human error if the water company employee reads the meter incorrectly.

Can You Dispute a High Water Bill?

You can dispute a high water bill in some cases. If you actually used more water than normal, or you have a leak that caused wasted water, you'll need to pay the bill. However, if you suspect an issue with the meter or the meter reading on your bill doesn't match what's actually on your meter, you can request for the water company to check it. The water department can reread a meter if the bill is way off. They can also check the meter to make sure it's working properly. If the water company doesn't work with you to resolve the dispute, you can contact the public utilities commission for your state.