(That Don’t Mean You Have a Plumbing Problem)
Seeing your water bill suddenly jump can be a stressful surprise. Your first instinct might be to worry about leaks, burst pipes, or other costly plumbing issues, but that’s not always the case. Sometimes, a higher water bill is simply the result of lifestyle changes, seasonal factors, or routine home maintenance. At Ben Franklin Plumbing, we’re a business, for sure, but we’re also people and community members who care about our neighbors first and foremost. We’re always here when you need us, however, you may find one of the following scenarios at play.
Top Reasons for Rising Water Bills That Aren’t Plumbing Related
- Increased Household Water Usage
This is the most straightforward reason, especially in the summer and early fall when kids are home from college and many people travel to visit family and friends. Have you had more people staying with you recently? More people mean more showers, laundry, dishes, and toilet flushes. Even a few extra guests can cause a noticeable jump.
- Seasonal Changes and Outdoor Watering
Summer and dry seasons often mean watering your lawn, garden, or filling a pool. Outdoor water use can cause your bill to spike dramatically, especially if you have automatic sprinklers or irrigation systems that run frequently.
Even if you think you’re watering just a little, it adds up - especially if rain has been scarce and your plants are thirsty.
- Filling or Maintaining a Pool or Hot Tub
Speaking of pools, filling one can use thousands of gallons of water in a short time. And ongoing maintenance like topping off evaporation or cleaning can also increase your water usage. If you’ve recently added a pool or hot tub, or if you’ve had to refill due to leaks or splashing, this will show up on your bill.
- Running Water for New Projects
New home projects can cause water use to spike without any plumbing leaks. For example, pressure washing your driveway, washing your car frequently, or even new landscaping with water features can add up.
- Changes in Appliances or Usage Patterns
Have you purchased a new appliance recently? Or do you have appliances that are nearing the end of their efficiency lifespan? In both cases, these machines could be using more water or have longer cycles than before or their inefficiency is using more resources to perform its tasks. For older appliances, you may want to consider investing in a new model that may have a efficiency rating.
- Municipal Water Rate Increases or Billing Errors
Sometimes the spike isn’t about your water use at all. Municipalities occasionally raise water rates, and these changes can lead to higher bills even if you didn’t change your habits.
Additionally, billing errors happen. A misread meter or a clerical error could explain a sudden increase. As a rule of thumb, it’s always a good idea to scan your water bill when it comes to catch any administrative changes or mistakes early.
If your bill seems suspiciously high, call your water provider to ask about rates or request a meter reread.
- Faulty Water Meter
Your water meter itself might be malfunctioning. If it’s running fast or registering water flow when none is happening, it can cause inflated bills. Meters don’t break often, but they do wear out or become faulty, especially if they’re old. If you suspect this, ask your utility to test or replace the meter.
- Evaporation and Increased Humidity Impacting Water Use
This one is less obvious but can matter if you use humidifiers or misting systems at home, especially in dry climates. Also, if you have a garden, evaporation rates can cause you to water more without realizing just how much extra water is being lost.
- Using Water for Pets or Livestock
If you recently got pets or livestock, or changed how you care for them, their water needs might push your usage higher. From filling water bowls, cleaning kennels, or washing animals, water use for pets can add up quickly, especially with multiple animals.
What Should You Do If Your Water Bill Spikes?
Before assuming there’s a plumbing problem, go through this checklist:
- Review your household activities: Has something changed in the last month? New guests, garden watering, or projects?
- Check your outdoor water use: Sprinklers, pools, or car washing?
- Look for billing errors: Contact your utility for explanations or meter checks.
- Inspect your water meter: See if it’s running when no water is in use.
- Watch for seasonal or municipal rate changes: Check your bill for rate increases or notifications.
When to Worry About Plumbing Problems
Of course, some water bill spikes do signal plumbing issues. If your water meter is spinning rapidly when no one’s using water, you hear running water with no apparent source, or you notice unusually damp spots, that’s when it’s time to call your local Ben Franklin Plumbing professional.
A sudden water bill spike can feel alarming, but it’s important to remember that plumbing problems are just one piece of the puzzle. Changes in your household, weather, water use habits, and even your utility’s billing practices can all lead to higher bills.
By understanding these common causes, you’ll be better equipped to identify the real reasons behind a spike and know when to seek professional help.
Let the insured, bonded, and certified professionals at Ben Franklin Plumbing address your plumbing concerns correctly, safely, and affordably the first time. We’ve been proudly serving customers in Charlotte and the surrounding area for decades, including Indian Trail, Concord, and Mooresville.
Visit http://www.benfranklinplumbing.com or call our 24/7 customer service line today (704) 802-1379.
