Potential Reasons Why Your Water Bill Is So High

Bills are a part of life, so you are probably accustomed to allocating a fraction of your monthly earnings to settling your water, electricity, and other costs. Your spending on bills should be easy to track, provided there’s no drastic change in your monthly activity.

So, when your water bill suddenly skyrockets, you’ll naturally contest it unless your investigations reveal a good reason to justify the spike.

Generally, households consume a lot more water during the summer months because of gardening, watering the lawn, and using the pool. If you have visitors staying over for a while, your water bill will also be higher than average. However, even this kind of higher water consumption should be easy to track and be within your expectations.

If a personal assessment of your water lines and fixtures doesn’t reveal any leaks, and your water company maintains that your bill is correct, then you should consider hiring professional plumbing services to help you find any hidden plumbing issues that could be wasting water in your house. 

Here are some of the common reasons for a higher water bill:

Leaking Faucets and Showerheads

A tap dripping slowly in the night can sound like the stuff of nightmares when the rest of the house is dark and silent. Unfortunately, it’s not just the dripping sounds that can cause nightmares; your water bill at the end of the month showing a drastic increase in usage will do it, too.

Leaks anywhere in your home may not seem like a big deal initially, but over time you will see your utility bill increase and view signs of water damage. This can lead to costly repairs when ignored, so when you see (or hear) the dripping, you should investigate what the problem is.

Older, Inefficient Plumbing Fixtures

Older homes and properties have a certain charm to them: the retro feel, the old-style aesthetic, and the simpler times. Everything from the structure to the wallpaper seems to have a type of personality—and so does the plumbing.

That toilet in the master bedroom may have been the height of technology when it was first created and installed, but can be a headache in terms of water usage and functionality. The same goes for the showers, sinks, and the appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers.

All these items would have come from a time when functionality was more important than water conservation and saving money.

Upgrading even one item in the home at a time can save you a lot of money. For instance, low-flow toilets, energy-efficient washing machines, and dishwashers can reduce your water bills. Touchless faucet taps can also decrease the amount of water your household consumes.

Working with a professional plumber will help to further reduce costs. With the correct installation, rebate programs, and energy-efficient appliances, you can save time and money quickly.

Leaks in Your Plumbing System

Water leaks of any size are a problem, but the smaller ones, which can be harder to see, are the most problematic. These leaks waste more water over time than a sudden burst pipe, instantly flooding the area.

Smart homes have technology that detects water leaks and alerts homeowners to a problem. However, for those without this technology, contacting a professional plumber to detect leaks is crucial.

There are many areas where leaks can appear without your knowledge, and the plumber knows to check these places thoroughly. Once found, the leak(s) can be repaired for a fraction of the cost if the leak gets worse and causes damage to walls, ceilings, and/or floors.

Common Leak Areas

Of course, the leaks you can see and are therefore easier to report and fix include:

• Shower heads
• Kitchen and bathroom faucets
• Under the sink
• On the floor around the washing machine or dishwasher

The hidden leaks that are harder to detect are:

• Inside the toilet
• From the pipes in the foundation
• The water heater tank
• The sewer line

If you see leaks, you can either repair them yourself or call the professionals if you are unsure or if they look a bit out of your skill set. These can typically be quickly repaired, and you can carry on as usual.

Hidden leaks can only be found with regular maintenance carried out by the plumbing team. They are trained to check and seek out hidden leaks while avoiding unnecessary costs.

Changes in Household Water Usage

Any change in the demand for water at home will increase your bill. Small, occasional increases won’t affect the bill too much at the month’s end, but bigger, longer-lasting changes will.

In the summer, for instance, you may use more water for gardening or setting up the swimming pool in the backyard. Then, there are parties and holiday gatherings, which will result in additional toilet flushes, handwashing, and laundry.

Unexpected (or even expected) house guests who stay for a long period of time will  also have an effect on your expenses. Additionally, things like an increased amount of cooking, water to boil, etc. will raise the bill.

Seasonal Usage Spikes

We all like to enjoy a fresh and healthy-looking garden with blooming flowers and BBQ get-togethers. When the weather is nice and hot, we tend to spend more time outside, so we use more water during this period than we would any other time of the year.

We may use more water inside the house in the winter, but in the summer, it’s all about being outdoors. For residential plumbing, your local plumber can help you make your outdoor activities more water-efficient and can suggest improvements to keep your water use under control.

Running Toilets: A Sneaky Water Waster

Normally, toilets should fill up quickly after a flush. So, the longer it takes, the more water is being wasted via a sneaky leak. While the leak may not be visible from the outside, on the inside, even something like a worn flapper valve can cause water to run off where it’s not supposed to, and therefore prolong the fill time.

Older toilets are also known for using considerably more water than needed, so by talking to your professional plumber, you can check for leaks, upgrade, and save money and water usually all in one visit.

Contact Your Hamilton Plumber to Reduce Your Bills

There are a multitude of ways you can reduce your bills such as installing new upgrades like low-flow toilets, pressure-reducing valves, performance shower heads, and water-saving faucets.

However, the one thing you should always do is consult your local plumbing company. After an inspection, your plumber can give you the best advice possible. Depending on the age of the home, you may only need to replace the pipes themselves to ensure longevity.

If an upgrade is not required, then just making sure that your current appliances and plumbing system function without fail is another good reason to keep your Hamilton plumber on your favourite contact list.

Not only are they trained in all things plumbing, but they are a great resource that can advise you on the latest technology to help you save water and money. They can install and repair various fixtures, as well as carry out routine maintenance and leak detections when necessary.

If you are looking for money-saving plumbing solutions, then your plumber in Hamilton likely has them.