Nobody likes to be surprised when they open their monthly utility bill to discover that it's significantly higher than they'd expected. This can be especially frustrating if you don’t know the reason why.
When it comes to your water bill, a little bit of sleuthing on your part could help you determine why you might be paying more than normal.
Here are a few potential reasons why your water bill could be higher, from things like a running toilet, a leaky fixture or even a water leak.
Running Toilets
Your toilets make up a higher percentage of your home's water usage than you probably think. If your toilet is suffering from a leak or is constantly running, that can lead to a lot of wasted water and a higher water bill.
If your toilet is constantly running, first check your flapper and seals. They may either not be secured properly or wearing out entirely, allowing water to run unchecked.
Thankfully these can often be easily realigned or replaced with simple toilet repairs.
Leaky Fixtures
A leaky fixture such as a faucet or shower head isn’t as costly as a leaky toilet bowl, but it can still add up over time.
Your fixture’s washers, O-rings, or seals may be deteriorating or have downright fallen apart, requiring replacement.
If the problem runs deeper, it may require a professional plumber in Springfield, MO to fix.
Increased Water Usage
Sometimes higher water bills are simply the result of increased usage. Have you started running the irrigation system for your yard?
Think about how you typically tackle water-related tasks around the house. Do you run the dishwasher or do laundry even when your machines aren’t full?
Do you spend more time in the shower than necessary or let the water run while you're brushing your teeth?
Changing some of your daily habits can add up to make for some big savings on your water bill.
Leaky Water Line
The underground lines that carry water to your home can crack and leak due to factors like invasive tree roots or simply old age.
A telltale sign of a water leak in your water line is if you spot damp patches around your lawn.
Since these pipes are underground, consider consulting a plumber in Springfield, MO for pipe repair.
Rate Hikes
The price of everything seems to be going up these days. Unfortunately, our water bills are not exempt from this.
Your local municipality might raise water bills due to aging infrastructure, advanced water treatment costs, or water becoming more scarce.
Depending on the situation, these hikes may be temporary, but they're usually permanent.
If you’re still having trouble determining the reason for your higher water bill, you can reach out to the municipality and see if there might be a problem with the billing on their end.
No one wants to pay more for their water bill than they have to. By being alert to potential causes, you can take care of the problem and save money in the long run.
If you find yourself stumped why your water bill is higher despite your best efforts, or if your solution requires repairs, call the professionals here at United Plumbing.
We can help you determine the reason for your higher water bill, get the problem fixed, and put your wallet at ease.