Summer usually means your water bill goes up a little.
You're watering the lawn, filling the kiddie pool, washing the car, and everyone seems to be taking an extra shower after spending the day outside. A small increase is completely normal.
But what if your bill jumped much more than expected?
According to the EPA, the average household's leaks can waste nearly 10,000 gallons of water every year, and about 10% of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more each day. That's a lot of water, and money, literally going down the drain.
Before you chalk it up to the summer heat, here are some of the most common reasons your water bill may be climbing and what you can do about it.
Your Lawn Could Be Using More Water Than You Think
If you have an irrigation system, it's one of the first places to check.
Even a small issue can waste hundreds of gallons of water over the course of a month, especially if it's programmed to run several times a week.
Take a walk around your yard while the sprinklers are running and look for:
- Sprinkler heads spraying sidewalks or driveways
- Broken or clogged sprinkler heads
- Water pooling around sprinkler zones
- Zones running longer than necessary
- Irrigation systems running after a rainfall
Pro Tip: Watering early in the morning is usually the most efficient. Less water is lost to evaporation, giving your lawn more time to absorb the moisture.
That Dripping Outdoor Faucet Isn't "Just a Drip"
A hose bib that drips every few seconds may not seem like a big deal, but small leaks add up over time. The same goes for cracked garden hoses, worn hose washers, and loose connections.
While you're outside, check:
- Hose bibs
- Garden hose connections
- Outdoor faucets
- Hose splitters
- Sprinkler hose connections
They're quick fixes that can save both water and money.
Summer Break Changes How Much Water Your Family Uses
Sometimes there isn't a plumbing problem at all.
Think about how much your routine changes during the summer.
Are the kids home all day? Have you had family visiting? Is everyone taking extra showers after swimming, sports, or yard work?
More people at home usually means:
- More laundry
- More dishes
- More toilet flushes
- More showers
- More water bottles being filled
- More time spent outside using hoses and sprinklers
If your household has been busier than usual, some increase in your water bill is perfectly normal.
A Running Toilet Can Waste Thousands of Gallons
A toilet doesn't have to be overflowing to waste water. In fact, many running toilets are nearly silent.
According to the EPA, a running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water every day if left unrepaired.
A simple way to check is with a few drops of food coloring.
Add food coloring to the tank, wait about 20 minutes without flushing, and then look inside the bowl. If color appears, water is leaking through the flapper and the toilet likely needs repair.
Hidden Leaks Aren't Always Inside Your Home
Not every plumbing leak leaves water under your sink.
Some happen underground or outside, making them much harder to notice.
Keep an eye out for:
- Soggy areas in your yard
- Grass that's noticeably greener in one spot
- Water collecting near sidewalks or driveways
- A water meter that keeps moving even when no water is being used
These can all be signs of a hidden leak that deserves a closer look.
Your Water Softener Could Be Using More Water Than Necessary
Your water softener probably isn't something you think about often, but if it isn't operating efficiently, it may be using more water than it should.
Watch for signs like:
- More frequent regeneration cycles
- Hard water spots returning
- Soap not lathering as well as it used to
Routine maintenance can help keep your system running efficiently while preventing unnecessary water use.
Don't Overlook Your Water Main
One of the most expensive causes of a high water bill is also one of the hardest to see.
A leaking or failing water main often develops underground, where homeowners don't notice it until the symptoms become more obvious.
Some warning signs include:
- A sudden spike in your water bill
- Lower water pressure throughout your home
- Wet or muddy areas in the yard
- The sound of running water when everything is turned off
- Unexplained cracks near your driveway or sidewalk
If your water main is damaged or has reached the end of its lifespan, replacing it may be the best long-term solution to protect your home and prevent ongoing water loss.
When Should You Call a Plumber?
If you've checked the obvious culprits and your water bill still doesn't make sense, it's probably time for a professional inspection.
Some plumbing issues are easy to spot. Others happen behind walls, underground, or in places homeowners rarely look. Catching them early can prevent larger repairs and stop you from paying for water you're not actually using.
If you've noticed an unexplained increase in your water bill or suspect a hidden plumbing issue, we're here to help. Our goal is to help you stop wasting water, avoid bigger repairs, and keep your plumbing running efficiently all summer long.
