Why Is My Water Bill So High?

Learn 3 common causes for high water bills.

If you’ve noticed increasingly high water bills lately, you might be wondering: “Am I using that much water, or is there a problem in need of fixing?”

Good question, you’re not alone!

Assuming your water usage habits have not changed, high water bills can be due to several culprits. In Queens, NY, they tend to be caused by the following issues:

• Dripping faucet
• Toilet leak
• Broken pipe

To help you troubleshoot your water bill increase, we’ll discuss each problem below. We’ll also review how to fix each problem and hopefully save you some money on next month’s bill.

Looking for a trusted Queens plumbing pro for help with your high water usage problem?
Contact Ranshaw today: (718) 767-0707. We’re a licensed plumbing company and will send a highly-trained plumber to inspect for leaks and any plumbing concerns you may have.

A dripping faucet may not seem like that big of a deal, but did you know that it can waste 8 gallons of water (or more) per day?

That’s no small amount, so if your water bill is abnormally high, checking for leaky or dripping faucets should be the first thing on your to-do list.

Typically, a dripping faucet will be something you hear (usually because it’s an annoying sound). Still, sometimes it can happen in places like the utility room, where you’re not within earshot. During your inspection, check all the faucets in your home. Even if there’s only the slightest drip, you’ll want to address it ASAP.

Corrosion or worn-out washer parts commonly cause dripping faucets. Depending on the type of faucet (e.g., compression, ball, cartridge, etc.) that you have, the necessary repair will vary. If you're confident in your plumbing skills for the repair, ensure that you turn off the water supply beforehand.

If you’re not comfortable doing a DIY fix, it’s best to call in the professionals. At Ranshaw, our skilled plumbers can fix most faucet repairs in just a single visit. Give us a call at (718) 767-0707 or book an appointment through our website.

A leaking toilet can also cause your water bill to increase. But unlike a dripping faucet, toilet leaks can cost much more.

In fact, according to the EPA, a large toilet leak can waste 200 gallons of water per day.

While that number sounds too big to be true (especially if you don’t have 200 gallons of water on your bathroom floor), the waste occurs when leaking water funnels back into your drain pipes— without you even knowing.

Many reasons can cause your toilet to leak. Even if you aren't sure that the toilet is the culprit behind your high water bills, it still pays to have a qualified plumber inspect it. If a toilet repair is needed, your pocketbook will thank you in the long term!

If you have a broken freshwater pipe, it could be leaking water and causing an increase in your water bill.

Depending on the pipe's location, you may hear a dripping sound, but make sure to check below all sink cabinets for a visual inspection.

If you notice leaking water dripping from a pipe, place a bowl or cup directly underneath it immediately. You don’t want to risk water damage to your cabinetry, drywall, or flooring.

In addition to laying down a collection bowl or cup, you could also temporarily patch the broken pipe with some duct tape. If the leak is small and your plumbing skills are good, you can patch the pipe using epoxy. However, it’s best to call in the professionals if you have a cracked pipe. Not only will they have the tools and experience needed to patch the pipe quickly, but they’ll also make sure the job gets done correctly.

Learn more about the pipe leak repair services offered by Ranshaw. Our skilled plumbers are experts when it comes to repairing cracked/leaking pipes.

When in doubt, check your water meter.

Some water leaks occur behind a wall, ceiling or floor, which can make detection difficult. If you can’t find any visual signs of a water leak after inspecting your home, it’s always a good idea to check your water meter. If a water leak is the cause of your high water bill, your water meter will indicate this.

First, you need to make sure all water sources (fixtures/appliances) are shut off or not in use. If no fixtures or appliances are being used, the flow indicator (red dial) on your water meter should not be moving. If it is moving with all fixtures and appliances turned off, this is most likely an indication of a water leak.

For more than 60 years, Ranshaw has served Queens residents with expert plumbing service. Our highly skilled and trained plumbers have the knowledge needed to fix all your plumbing concerns. We guarantee satisfaction with our thorough diagnostics and speedy repairs.

Learn more about what to expect when hiring Ranshaw by visiting our plumbing service overview page.