Why Is My Water Bill So High?

Your bills come and go each month and unless there is a big spike in the amount due, it’s probably a get-it-done, status quo state of affairs. But what if one month, your water bill arrives and it is unusually high? Chances are you aren’t going to just pay it. You’re going to question it.

The question, which needs to be asked is, why is my water bill so high?

Increased water usage could be coming from leaks in your plumbing system. A leaky faucet could be at fault or it could be changes in your home’s water usage. With so many potential answers and sub-answers, it’s worth exploring. Are you ready?

Some leaks make a mess and must be addressed right away. Some leaks are put off because they don’t cause an immediate problem. Not all leaks are obvious and some leaks go undetected for a long period of time.

Toilet leaking is a common problem, can drive up your water bill and waste a staggering amount of water. A faulty flapper will cause water levels within the toilet to drop and promote constant water usage by filling and refilling. Water line connections and cracks in sealants can also be guilty as charged.

If you notice your toilet running long after the flush has been finished, you probably have a leak. Humming, hissing and low toilet bowl water are other indications that something is amiss.

With so many faucets in a home, it’s not unreasonable to think at some point one is going to leak. Drip, drip, drip, ca-ching, ca-ching, ca-ching. With each droplet, money is coming out of your pocket. A leaky faucet will drive up your water bill and cost you money.

The problem may be in the handle itself or deeper within the plumbing. Either way, the quicker the leak within a leaky faucet is identified and fixed, the quicker your water bill will go down.

Since you are probably not walking theperimeter of your yard on a regular basis, irrigation leaks can really sneak upon you. Water pipes beneath the ground and irrigation lines cleverly disguisedin landscaping may begin as a slow leak and escalate into a more sinisterproblem.

If nothing obvious is detected in your homeand your struggling to find a leak outdoors, contact a professional plumber forassistance. Here at Blue Mills, we will provide a free initial quote. Call us at(816) 254-9416.

If you notice a serious amount of water inyour yard, soggy spots and/or a generous uptick in your water bill, there is a good chance you havea broken water pipe. Leading factors for leaks within your water lines includethe condition of pipes, tree root inference and underground critterinterference.

Waterusage from a broken water pipe can cause your water bill payment to goway up.

This type of leak requires a professionalplumbing company. Leave this to the experts, their equipment and theirexperience. Contact Blue Mills for an evaluation and/or emergency services:(816) 254-9416.

Things improve and evolve and this holds true for toilets and water-exchanging fixtures. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that a highly efficient washing machine can save 13 gallons of water per load. From washers to toilets to shower heads, it makes sense then, updating your plumbing should make your water bill go down.

If you have outdated fixtures, however, the amount of water being used can easily increase over time. Sometimes the increase is so gradual, you may not notice. We recommend updating your plumbing with products including the WaterSense label and certifications within water efficiency.

Fluctuations in your household occupancy, seasonal changes and bad habits, just to name a few, can affect your water bill. Often, changes in water are overlooked because we are busy focusing on the pressing items in our everyday lives. Being aware of water usage, however, can make a substantial difference with just a few subtle changes.

We all look forward to summer, warmer weather and having the family all under one roof again. However, warmer weather means more showers. Plus, more occupants will require more bathroom time. And, don’t forget the extra laundry and additional dishes.

Even extended company can influence your water bill. If you can budget for a higher water bill payment, great. If not, try putting time limits on showers and using disposable plates, silverware and glasses as applicable.

Swimming pools are great aren’t they? Splashing, fun in the sun, the social element and water, water, water. If you have a swimming pool, there will be the expense of filling it at the beginning of the season, refilling if you have to drain it for any reason and topping it off as necessary.

If city water is costing you a fortune, consider using a Pool Water Delivery Service. Other remedies include reducing evaporation by using a solar panel as a pool cover and/or investing in wind barriers such as decorative landscaping. Keeping the chemicals balanced and the water clean will reduce filtering and back washing, thus keeping a few bucks in your wallet. And fix all leaks, of course.

As is common during Midwestern winters, temperatures will drop to levels that lead to freezing pipes. That means taking precautionary measures to avoid busted plumbing. I’m sure we’ve all done it, left a faucet or two dripping. In the scheme of things, a higher water bill payment will be less expensive than a busted pipe, but there are ways to minimize the increase.

One dripping sink may be enough. By choosing the sink the farthest from the water supply, the water will be forced to run through all the pipes on its journey to the end. Other considerations include putting foam insulation around pipes and installing dome covers around spigots.

We’ve touched on swimming pools but what about other water consuming equipment? If you’ve purchased a new washing machine, dishwasher, freezer, sprinkler system or hot tub, there is a good chance your water bill is going to go up.

When purchasing water-consuming equipment, look for high efficiency equipment with the WaterSense logo. Making smart purchases in the beginning can save you in the long run.

I bet we all have them. Water wasting habits that is. If you are guilty of any of the following behaviors, consider alternating your actions to reduce water consumption.

• Keeping the water on while brushing your teeth
• Taking excessively long showers (a lot)
• Hand washing dishes (when you have a dishwasher)
• Not filling laundry loads to the assigned capacity

You’d be surprised how the smallest change can make the biggest difference.

It’s there. It’s unavoidable. Your water bill is too high. It’s time to take action.

Take a tour of your house to check for water under sinks, damp areas, and/or watermarks on ceilings. Also, listen for running water, dripping and toilets that run long after they have been flushed.

If you do not locate a leaky faucet, toilet leaking or a leak in the house, try performing a house meter test:

• Turn off all water and discontinue all water usage.
• Tell all household members to avoid using the water.
• Write down the reading on the water meter.
• Wait 15 to 20 minutes.
• Check the reading on the water meter.

If after 15-20 minutes, the water meter indicates water use, it is safe to assume there is a leak in your home. While it’s unlikely that your water meter is faulty, it has happened. If in doubt, have your utility company confirm the accuracy of your water meter.

Call Blue Mills Plumbing

We are the plumbing professional! Our residential and commercial plumbing services include kitchen and bathroom plumbing repairs and plumbing installation, sewer line inspections, excavation, gas line and water pipe repair and water heater repair and installation.

With over 30 years of plumbing excellence, we are reliable and affordable. From leaky faucets to emergency services, we are up to 50% less than major competitors.

For a free initial quote, call us at (816) 254-9416.