Why Is My Water Bill So High? Common Culprits and Solutions

Published December 20, 2024

A surprise spike in your water bill can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re a first-time renter in Glen Burnie or a seasoned homeowner in Annapolis, seeing those extra dollars on your bill might leave you scratching your head.

Don’t worry—you’re not alone, and the reasons behind high water bills are often simpler than you’d expect. Let’s walk through the common culprits and practical solutions to help you get your water usage (and your bill) under control.

1. The Sneaky Drip: Leaky Faucets and Pipes

Think about the last time you noticed a drip from your kitchen sink or bathroom faucet. Unfortunately, even a small leak can waste a surprising amount of water over time.

For residents in Pasadena or Severna Park, where older homes are common, hidden leaks in aging plumbing systems can drive up your water bill without obvious signs. If there’s a pipe leaking behind your walls or underground, the problem might be even worse. You can easily tighten a loose faucet or replace a worn washer if the leak is external.

However, if you suspect a hidden leak, such as damp spots on walls, unexplained puddles, or a continuously moving water meter when no water is in use, it’s time to call a licensed plumber. Professionals have the tools to detect and repair leaks without tearing apart your home unnecessarily.

What You Can Do:

Check for visible drips around your faucets, showerheads, and pipes under sinks.
If you can’t find the source, try turning off all the water in your home and watch the meter. If it’s still moving, you’ve likely got a hidden leak.
For hard-to-find issues, it’s best to call a professional plumber who can inspect and repair the problem.

2. Toilet Trouble: The Hidden Water Waster

Toilets are notorious for wasting water without anyone noticing. If your toilet is running after you flush—or even if it looks fine but has a silent leak—it can waste hundreds of gallons of water every month. The culprit is usually a worn-out flapper, which is the rubber piece inside the tank that stops water from flowing into the bowl.

How to Check:

Add a few drops of food coloring to the tank (where the water collects). Wait 10–15 minutes without flushing. If the color appears in the bowl, you’ve got a leak.
Replacing a flapper is a quick fix and costs just a few dollars. You can find step-by-step guides online, or a plumber can do it for you if you’re not feeling handy.
However, if the problem persists despite these repairs, a plumber can inspect the internal components for more complex issues. A professional can also ensure the toilet is installed correctly and working efficiently to prevent future leaks.

3. Old Appliances That Drink Too Much Water

If your home still has older appliances like a washing machine, dishwasher, or even an outdated water heater, they might be using more water than necessary. Over time, newer models have become much more efficient, meaning they use less water to get the same job done.

If your appliances are showing their age and your water bill is consistently high, it might be time to consider upgrading. While new appliances can be a bit of an investment upfront, they’ll save you money on water and energy bills over time.

4. The Great Outdoors: Sprinklers, Hoses, and Spigots

If you have a yard or garden, outdoor plumbing can be another big reason for water waste. Leaks in sprinkler systems, cracked hoses, or dripping spigots can quickly add up, especially if you don’t notice them right away. Even a small leak outside can waste hundreds of gallons over the course of a few weeks.

Simple Fixes:

Check your yard for soggy spots or puddles that don’t seem to go away. These could be signs of a leak in your sprinkler system or outdoor pipes.
Tighten hose connections and inspect sprinklers for cracks or damage. Replacing a sprinkler head or fixing a leaky spigot is usually a quick and inexpensive fix.
While replacing a cracked hose or tightening a loose spigot is manageable, identifying underground irrigation system leaks often requires professional expertise. A plumber or irrigation specialist can use advanced tools to locate and repair these leaks without disrupting your entire yard.

5. A Faulty Water Meter Could Be the Problem

If you’ve checked your home for leaks, updated your appliances, and adjusted your habits, but your water bill is still unusually high, there’s a chance the problem isn’t on your end. Sometimes, water meters can malfunction and overestimate how much water you’re using. In Millersville and Riva, where many homes rely on older water systems, a professional assessment can help pinpoint less obvious issues.

What To Do:

Contact your water utility provider to request a meter inspection. They’ll check to see if the meter is working properly.
You can also track your own water usage for a few days and compare it to the meter’s readings to spot discrepancies
If they determine the meter is accurate, a professional plumber can perform a thorough inspection of your home’s plumbing to rule out hidden issues.

6. Your Daily Habits Might Be Adding Up

Sometimes, the issue isn’t with your plumbing or appliances—it could just be a matter of everyday habits. We all have routines that feel harmless, like enjoying a long, relaxing shower, running the dishwasher before it’s full, or leaving the water on while brushing your teeth. These small things don’t seem like much in the moment, but over time, they can quietly contribute to higher water bills.

Simple Adjustments to Consider:

Try shortening your showers a bit, and consider switching to a water-saving showerhead. These are affordable, easy to install, and can help reduce water usage without sacrificing comfort.
Wait until you have a full load before running the dishwasher or washing machine to make the most of each cycle.
Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving—it’s a small step that can save a surprising amount of water over time.

Making these small changes doesn’t mean giving up the things you enjoy. It’s about finding a balance that helps conserve water and keeps your bill more manageable, all while fitting seamlessly into your routine.

Stay Ahead of the Problem

No one likes a high water bill, but the good news is that most issues can be fixed quickly and affordably if you know where to look. Regular maintenance can go a long way in preventing surprises, so make it a habit to inspect your home’s plumbing every so often.

Need Help? Call Elite Plumbing & Home Services

If you’re still scratching your head over a high water bill, don’t wait until the problem gets worse. At Elite Plumbing & Home Services, we’ve been proudly serving homeowners across Pasadena, Annapolis, and beyond for over 20 years. We specialize in finding and fixing leaks, upgrading appliances, and helping homeowners save on their water bills.

With over 20 years of experience, we’re here to make sure your plumbing works exactly as it should—without breaking the bank. Call us today at (443) 343-2284 or visit our website to schedule an inspection.