Why Is My Water Bill So High in New York?
January 05, 2026
When the cost of living in New York City is already as high as the skyscrapers, getting an unexpectedly expensive water bill is never pleasant. Yet, it's a common occurrence for many New York homeowners. Usually, it can be attributed to:
- Leaky fixtures and running toilets
- Hidden pipe leaks
- Faulty water meters and billing errors
- Seasonal usage spikes
In this guide, we’ll break down the key factors behind high water bills, so you can better understand the cause and learn what steps to take to fix it.
Act Now to Bring Down Your Soaring Water Bill
Struggling with high water bills and need the assistance of a professional? Contact Ranshaw today. With over 60 years of experience, our experts know how to pinpoint the cause of excessive water usage and provide lasting solutions. From fixing leaky pipes to replacing outdated fixtures and appliances, we’ll take care of everything needed to bring your water costs back under control.
Leaky Fixtures and Running Toilets
That dripping faucet isn't as harmless as it looks. Even one drip per second adds up rapidly, wasting over 3,000 gallons of water (or over 180 average showers) per year. The same can be said about your toilet or showerhead.
If you're worried about a faucet or showerhead, look for:
- Noticeable dripping water
- Water pooling around the base of a faucet
- Mineral buildup around the faucet
- Water stains
You might have a running toilet if you notice:
- Constant refilling sounds
- The toilet flushing on its own
- Water trickling into the bowl
You can also test for a running toilet by putting a few drops of food dye into the tank. Let it sit without flushing for half an hour. If the water in the bowl is stained the same color you put into the tank, it's leaking.
Hidden Pipe Leaks
Even minor pipe leaks can lead to rapidly inflated water bills. In fact, a higher-than-normal water bill is often the only sign you've developed a leak somewhere difficult to detect, like under a floor, underground, or behind a wall. If you see an unexplained spike in usage, a leak is the likely culprit.
You might also notice other signs, such as:
- Reduced water pressure
- Mold
- Unexplained wet spots on the ceiling, floors, or walls
If you suspect a leak, call in the professionals. Our experienced plumbers know how to identify and locate hidden leaks that could be driving up your water bill.
Faulty Water Meters and Billing Errors
Water meters determine your monthly bill, but they're not infallible. Older models can be more unreliable as components wear out. Common signs of an issue include:
- Unexpectedly high water bills compared to previous months, even when your water usage hasn't changed
- The meter continues running when the water isn't being used
- Readings appear erratic or inconsistent
- The meter has visible damage, like cracks or corrosion
- There's water pooling around your water meter
You can also perform a quick test to see if the meter is to blame:
- Make sure there's no water being used anywhere in your home, and then check the meter reading.
- Fill a 5-gallon container with water.
- Check the reading on your meter to confirm it went up 5 gallons.
If the reading doesn't match the water usage, get in touch with your water provider or a plumber to inspect the meter.
Seasonal Usage Spikes
Sometimes, water usage spikes with seasonal fluctuations. If you have a swimming pool or regularly water your lawn, it's normal to see higher bills in the summer. During the winter, you might leave a faucet dripping to prevent freezing pipes or have holiday guests using your shower more frequently.
If you've lived at your current address for several years, compare your usage to past seasons. If usage seems excessively high without a good explanation, there's likely a problem somewhere.
Try being mindful of your water consumption and implement conservation practices like:
- Watering your lawn conservatively during cooler hours
- Using mulch around plants to reduce how frequently they need to be watered
- Keeping your home and pipes properly insulated so pipes don't freeze and leak
- Installing water-efficient appliances and fixtures
Don't Let Leaks Drain Your Wallet — Get Expert Help Today
Did your water bill suddenly skyrocket? Whether you have a running toilet, a leaking fixture or a plumbing issue you can’t pinpoint, we have you covered. Don't just take our word for it — check out our 4.8/5-star rating on Google.