Why Is My Water Bill So High?

[Enrique Jevons]

If your water bill suddenly spikes, a hidden leak is likely the cause. Here are the most common culprits and quick tips to handle them:

Running Toilets: The most frequent issue. Put a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If the bowl changes color after an hour without flushing, you have a leak.

Dripping Faucets: Even small drips can waste a lot of water. Fix them promptly.

Leaky Supply Lines: Check under sinks for moisture. Leaks here can damage cabinets and lead to mold.

Hidden Pipe Leaks: Turn off all water in the house. If the water meter is still moving, there's likely a leak underground or in the walls.

What to Do

Fix the issue quickly. Tenants should notify the property manager. Owners should contact a plumber. Once repaired, ask the water utility if they offer sewer charge adjustments for water that didn’t enter the sewer.

Leaks like running toilets usually don’t qualify.

Regular inspections can help you avoid high bills and costly damage.