Causes of High Water Bills

Water is a scarce resource in many parts of the world, and one that should be managed wisely. One person in the United States uses around 40-50 gallons of water each day on average. While at home, washing clothes, showering, and using the toilet are the three main contributing factors to water usage. However, if you do not think you are consuming any more water than average but your residential water bills are abnormally high, there could be something else going on. Here are some of the causes of excessive water bills. 

Leaks

Leaks in toilets, sink faucets, and appliances such as the dishwasher and washing machine can contribute to higher-than-expected water bills each month. A small drip on a faucet might not seem like a big deal, but when it drips continuously throughout the day, that adds up to a lot of water going literally down the drain for no purpose. However, some leaky pipes may not drip from the faucet and instead cause wet patches under the sink, mildew and mold in various places, and water damage to the floors, walls, and ceilings. In some cases, you can use a hydrostatic test pump to identify leaks in the plumbing system. 

Air Conditioners

If you have a water-cooled air conditioner, that can be another cause of higher than usual water usage. Check to see if there is a pattern of bills being higher during the warmer months, or months that have had an unseasonable warm spell. If there is, your air conditioner could be the culprit. It may help to purchase a newer, more energy-efficient air conditioner. While the upfront cost of doing this is high, it can pay off in the years to come in the form of lower water statements. 

Changes in Usage

Sometimes, people fail to take into account changes in water usage, either due to actions of their own or of others in the household. For example, guests staying over for a weekend, or college students coming home for the summer or for a holiday break, can both contribute to above-average water bills. Before worrying too much about leaky pipes or a faulty air conditioning system, think about whether the number of people in the house or your own daily habit could be contributing to the issue. 

If you are experiencing higher than normal water bills, consider whether one or more of these things could be the culprit.