When your water bill is higher than usual, the increase may not simply be higher water rates in San Diego. A sudden increase in water bills can be caused by broken water pipes, leaky faucets, running toilets, or other issues. Whether your high water bill is caused by increased usage or plumbing damage, contact Bill Howe Plumbing to help you identify the causes and take the appropriate actions.
Key Takeaways
An unusually high water bill can be caused by increased water usage and higher utility rates. However, plumbing leaks, faulty meters, and inefficient appliances are often to blame.
Investigating possible causes for high water bills, such as hidden leaks, can often reveal issues that a professional plumber can resolve.
Hidden leaks and faulty water meters aside, there are several steps homeowners can take to make their water usage more efficient and their water bills less of a shock.
A professional San Diego plumber can inspect your plumbing, analyze your water usage, and provide solutions to address a high water bill with no leaks.
When a High Water Bill Isn’t Just Usage
When your water bill is higher than usual and you’re not using more water than normal, several issues could be to blame. Increased water rates and malfunctioning water meters are possible causes, but they are unlikely to be the cause of sudden spikes. Plumbing leaks and other issues hidden behind walls, beneath foundations, and in other inaccessible areas are possible causes. Here are other plumbing issues known to increase water bills:
- Running toilets
- Damaged pipes
- Leaky faucets
- Inefficient or leaking washing machines
- Inefficient or leaking dishwashers
- Leaking outdoor water hookups
- Leaking pipes in sprinkler or irrigation systems
- Sediment in water heaters
When you encounter an unusually high water bill, check for rate increases and have your water meter checked. If neither of these possible causes is responsible for the rise, it’s time to look elsewhere. Higher-than-normal water bills are often caused by hidden leaks that can waste thousands of gallons of water before they are identified. If you suspect a leak or other plumbing problem, you can do a little investigating to find your hidden leak.
How to Track Down Hidden Water Leaks
To track down a hidden water leak or other plumbing problem, start by closely monitoring your water bills. A significant increase could be caused by a faulty meter, but it’s more likely to be caused by a plumbing leak or another issue. If you experience a water bill that is higher than usual, inspect your property for signs of a hidden leak to determine the cause.
- Damp areas beneath kitchen or bathroom sinks
- Pooling water near your washing machine
- Damp areas or water damage on walls or floors
- Soggy areas in your yard that aren’t caused by runoff or drainage
- Reduced water pressure in a kitchen, bathroom, or outdoors
- Sounds of running or trickling water when no plumbing is in use
- Foundational cracks in slabs or crawl spaces
- Lush foliage or grass in a specific area of your yard
If you see these signs of a hidden leak or suspect a leak, contact a professional plumber for a plumbing inspection. The sooner you find out why your water bill is higher than usual, the sooner you can reverse the trend and protect your property from more damage. The local plumbers at Bill Howe have the professional training and the latest specialized tools to pinpoint your leak(s) and solve your unusually high water bill mystery for good.
Pro Tip: You can’t calibrate your water meter to ensure it’s working correctly, but you can use it to identify a potential leak. Turn off all water sources and check the meter. If the meter continues to run, it’s a good indicator that you have a hidden leak.
Preventative Plumbing Tips to Avoid High Water Bills
Your high water bills are an ideal place to start learning how to impact your utility expenses and make them more budget-friendly. In addition to cost savings on your water bill, these tips also benefit local water conservation efforts and the environment. Conserving water and decreasing water bills that are higher than usual is easier when you become more mindful of your water use and follow proven advice from the experts.
- Install low-flow shower heads and faucets
- Insulate hot water pipes
- Upgrade your appliances
- Fix leaks promptly
- Divert natural runoff to landscaping and gardens
- Fix running toilets
- Convert your toilet to a dual or low-flush system
- Limit shower time
- Consider drought-tolerant landscaping
- Upgrade to smart water devices
- Collect rainwater in a barrel for watering gardens and landscaping
It’s not unusual to have a high water bill with no leaks. Something as seemingly insignificant as turning off the bathroom faucet while shaving or brushing your teeth can save gallons of water daily and have a real impact on your water costs over time. Imagine the savings when your fixtures and appliances are in good repair and water-efficient. You work on your approach to water conservation at home and let Bill Howe Plumbing take care of the rest.
How Bill Howe Can Help When Your Water Bills Are Too High
When your water bill is higher than usual, your basement floods on a weekend, or it’s time to upgrade your plumbing, Bill Howe Plumbing is your one-call resource. When you need an emergency plumber or other plumbing services, trust the plumbing company that your friends and neighbors have trusted since 1980. Bill Howe is a family-owned San Diego company featuring professional local plumbers who are as skilled as they are dedicated to hometown customer service.
Whether you need professional plumbers for plumbing leaks or flood restoration, including water extraction and mold removal, We Know Howe! From Oceanside to Poway to San Ysidro and across San Diego County, you can get the expertise, experience, and customer care you deserve with Bill Howe. Call 1-800-Bill-Howe or book online to discover the Bill Howe difference.
