One can live without electricity or gas but not water. Therefore, you should expect to pay for water each month.
Most residents in Charlotte, NC, pay, on average, $75.98 monthly for water (according to Charlotte Water).
However, sometimes water bills can be higher than what you anticipated. And, if the high water bill remains persistent for months, then it is undoubtedly something to worry about, as it is not only bad for your wallet but also indicates that there is something abnormal with the waterline system.
If not recognized immediately and resolved, they can cause some severe damage to the pipelines of your home, office, or shop.
If you find yourself questioning, “Why is my water bill so high?” — read on as we discuss the possible reasons for this problem and how you can lower utility costs in the future.
Possible Reasons for High Water Bills
There are several reasons your water bills may be through the roof, but here we will focus on the top reasons for high water bills. You can also find solutions to these common problems so you can take back control of your utility costs.
Water Pipe Leakage
In most cases, the most prominent cause of a high water bill is water leaking from pipes. People often dismiss this cause for plumbing issues, saying there is a “high water bill but no visible leak.”
The problem is that most water pipes are typically located in hidden places, so leakages are hard to find.
Thus, locating these hidden leaks is pretty tricky. Usually, one cannot find them until a high water bill is sent.
These leaking water pipes are not only responsible for high water bills, but they can also damage your house by seeping into the walls and ceilings, causing the paint to fade or the wood to swell.
Therefore, once you get a high water bill, start determining whether water leaks are responsible for them.
You can use special equipment such as water leak detectors, try home remedies like dyeing the tank, or even call for professional help to locate the faulty pipelines. We offer leak detection and repair services throughout the Charlotte area.
How To Solve It?
Many people ask what to do if the water bill is too high due to leaking water pipelines. The simple solution to this ailment is calling for professional help.
You can temporarily fix these leakages through DIY methods. But, one should know that a permanent fix requires professional help.
If you don’t hire a company, the plumbing leak will worsen, and you will continuously receive a high water bill.
Faulty Toilets And Bathroom Equipment
If you have received a high water bill but have no leaks, a faulty and outdated toilet or bathroom equipment may be the culprit.
Over time, flushing systems, faucets, and shower heads can lose their functionality. Even when you twist their handles to stop them, the water continues to leak.
This minor amount of water constantly drips and can cause significant water loss. Thus, such old and faulty fixtures are primarily responsible for a high water bill.
For this reason, you must regularly check your bathroom plumbing fixtures and analyze whether they are responsible for a high water bill.
How To Solve It?
If you have found faulty fixtures causing abnormally high water bills, replacing them with new and updated equipment is the only viable option.
It is best not to repair them because they will likely revert to causing high water bills. Thus, to avoid any such cases in the future, you must replace them. Our experienced plumbers can assist with this.
Meter Reading Mistakes
Another reason why you may receive a high water bill despite no leak being present is because of false meter readings.
There have been numerous cases where there was nothing wrong with the water pipeline system. Instead, the meter was responsible for showing inaccurate and enhanced readings.
So, if you don’t find anything problematic with the waterline system of your house or office, go check the meter readings and match them with the ones on your bill.
If the figures aren’t accurate, then the reason for your high water bill might be a false reading.
How To Solve It?
Solving this issue isn’t in your hands. You need to submit a complaint to the office that takes meter readings and generates bills.
You will need to ask them to change your faulty meter or get it fixed. In most cases, the office will provide you with a new meter.
However, if you are expecting a refund for your high water bill, then you can also submit an application for this purpose.
But, in most cases, refunds aren’t given. Instead, one is compensated for the meter and its installation.
Keep A Close Eye Over Water Waste
Sometimes, you receive a high water bill, but you observe no apparent water leaks or faulty faucets and shower heads in your home or building. Meter readings might also be accurate.
In such situations, it might be possible that faulty equipment is not to blame; instead, you and other household members have shown inadequate water usage.
Thus, for people who often ask, “My water bill is high — what do I do?” it is vital to keep a close eye on water usage at your home or office.
Sometimes, people may portray utter ignorance and leave the faucets, taps, and shower heads ON. As a result, their water bills go drastically up.
Install a Leak Detector to Stay Ahead of Future Problems
To prevent leaks from going unnoticed and causing your water bill to spike, consider investing in a leak detector like the Flo Smart Water Monitor & Shutoff. This advanced device monitors your home’s water usage 24/7. It not only detects leaks but can also identify usage patterns that could lead to higher bills in the future.
The Flo Smart Water Monitor & Shutoff sends real-time alerts to your smartphone whenever it detects a potential leak. This gives you the opportunity to address the problem immediately, preventing any further water waste and keeping your water bill in check. If you’re interested in this leak detection device and how it can help you keep from asking, “Why is my water bill so high?” all the time, ask our expert plumbers for assistance.
Other Tips for Improving the Efficiency of Your Home’s Plumbing System
While installing a leak detector is a significant step towards lowering your high water bill, there are other measures you can take to improve the efficiency of your home’s plumbing system:
- Install water-efficient appliances: Consider switching to water-efficient appliances, such as low-flow showerheads and dual-flush toilets. These devices are designed to use less water without compromising their functionality.
- Use your dishwasher wisely: Only run your dishwasher when it’s full. Dishwashers use about the same amount of energy and water regardless of the number of dishes inside, so get the most out of each cycle.
- Upgrade to an Energy Star washing machine: Energy Star washing machines use 33% less water and 25% less energy than regular washers.
- Install a tankless water heater: Tankless water heaters provide hot water only as it is needed. They don’t keep a tank full of hot water, which can save you money.
- Use smart irrigation systems: Smart irrigation systems use weather data and sensors to automatically adjust watering schedules to the needs of your plants. This can significantly reduce outdoor water usage, helping to lower your water bill.
Get Help Lowering Your Water Bill Today
Do you need professional assistance? Then look no further than Superior Plumbing & Drains, LLC. We have over 30 years of experience and can get to the bottom of your high water bill in a matter of no time. Contact us today for any plumbing repair you need to be taken care of in Charlotte, NC, or the surrounding areas.
