Why Is My Water Bill So High? A Plumber Might Have the Answer

A sudden spike in your water bill can feel frustrating. You’re using water as usual, but the cost keeps climbing. Maybe you double-checked the meter. Maybe you even turned off all faucets and still saw the numbers rise. So what’s going on?

Many homeowners experience this surprise, and it’s more common than you’d think. The cause is usually hidden behind walls, underground, or inside worn-out pipes. That’s why you need to look beyond the surface and hire a plumber Glendale.

This blog will uncover what might be driving your high water bill.

The Silent Drip: Leaky Faucets Waste More Than You Think- Hire a Plumber

Let’s start with the basics. A dripping faucet may seem harmless, but it adds up fast. Even a small leak can waste gallons of water each day. You might not hear it over everyday life, yet it’s still draining your wallet.

Worn-out washers or loose parts are usually the cause. While a single drip may look tiny, thousands pass through in a week. According to the EPA, one faucet leaking one drop per second can waste over 3,000 gallons yearly.

That’s money going down the drain.

Running Toilets Never Take a Break

Toilets are quite culprits. A running toilet may not make much noise, but it wastes water around the clock. The issue often involves a worn flapper, a broken fill valve, or poor float adjustment.

Here’s how a running toilet can drive up your water bill:

• A faulty flapper can leak up to 200 gallons per day.

• Constant running adds 6,000+ gallons to your monthly use.

• Most toilet leaks are silent—you may never hear a thing.

• Dye test kits or food coloring in the tank help detect leaks.

Even if your toilet works fine otherwise, it might be working overtime behind the scenes.

Underground Leaks Are the Sneakiest of All

Sometimes, the problem isn’t inside your home. Underground leaks between the house and the water meter are hard to spot. Since the pipes are buried, water may seep out without you noticing.

The soil often absorbs this water, so there’s no visible puddle. But your meter keeps spinning, and your bill keeps growing. These leaks may come from old pipes, shifting ground, or tree root damage.

You may notice low water pressure or a hissing sound near the foundation. In such cases, a professional inspection is key. Left unchecked, this issue can waste thousands of gallons per month.

Faulty Appliances Can Run Up the Tab

Washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters can develop silent leaks. Even a minor malfunction can send your water use soaring. And unless you inspect these appliances closely, the damage may go unnoticed.

Watch for these signs of water loss in household appliances:

• A puddle under the water heater or near laundry hookups

• A dishwasher that doesn’t fully shut off or drain

• Water softeners are running more frequently than usual

• Hoses or seals that feel damp or corroded

Appliance issues don’t always break the machine—they cost you extra without warning.

Sprinkler Systems Can Leak Without a Sound

Many homes use automatic sprinklers. They’re helpful during summer, but also easy to overlook. A cracked sprinkler head or broken underground pipe can leak nonstop without making a splash.

You might notice soggy patches in the yard or weaker water pressure in parts of the system. Another clue? Your lawn stays too wet, even without rain.

Regularly walking your property and checking the system can help spot early signs. If ignored, a small break in a sprinkler line can waste hundreds of gallons weekly.

Don’t Forget the Role of Seasonal Use

Not all high bills are caused by leaks. Seasonal changes, like summer heat or guests staying over, can raise water use. Pool filling, gardening, and frequent showers add up.

However, if the increase is dramatic or doesn’t line up with your lifestyle, that’s when you should dig deeper. Compare your bill to last year’s for the same month. If there’s a major spike and no clear reason, it’s time to consider a hidden problem.

A monthly log of your usage helps spot patterns and catch problems before they grow.

Sewer Problems Often Lead to Higher Bills

Water in must go out. If something blocks or damages your sewer line, it can cause backups, pooling, or extra stress on your system. While sewer issues don’t always affect your water bill directly, they often signal a larger plumbing issue.

Sewer problems to watch for include:

• Foul odors near drains or outside your home

• Slow-draining sinks, tubs, or toilets

• Gurgling sounds are made when water flows

• Wet spots near your foundation or lawn

In such cases, it’s wise to get a Sewer Line Service Glendale expert involved quickly. A slow drain might seem minor now, but could lead to major repairs and rising bills.

When It’s Time to Call a Pro

Sometimes, a quick DIY fix is enough. But other times, you need help from someone who knows what’s happening behind the scenes. A professional inspection can make all the difference if you’ve tried checking for leaks and still can’t find the cause.

For example, a Plumber Glendale expert can test water pressure, inspect lines, and use camera tools to detect hidden damage. Homeowners often don’t realize the damage until it’s too late. Whether it’s a small leak or a larger concern, getting the right help matters.

Even better, many Plumber professionals offer water usage audits to identify inefficiencies before they turn costly.

If it’s an emergency—say a burst pipe, sewage backup, or flooding—don’t wait. You’ll want an Emergency Plumbing Contractor near me to step in fast. Acting quickly protects your property, water supply, and wallet.

Don’t Let Hidden Water Problems Drain Your Wallet

A high water bill can catch you off guard. But there’s usually a reason—and often, it’s hidden in the pipes, the appliances, or even beneath your yard. You can stop waste in its tracks by keeping an eye out for leaks, checking appliances, and being mindful of usage.

When in doubt, don’t second-guess. Reach out to a trusted local expert. Prime Plumbing LLC has helped countless homeowners solve water mysteries and prevent damage before it spreads.

Sometimes, the best way to save money is to fix what you can’t see. So the next time your water bill seems suspiciously high, don’t panic—just look a little closer.