Why is my water bill so high?

If you have noticed a steady increase in your water bill, it may be time to do some investigating. Sometimes the reason is unexplainable, and your bill will level itself out over time. At other times, a change in your bill could mean a problem needs to be addressed. You may have noticed a huge jump in your water bill for many reasons, and we’re breaking them down for you!

Undetected Leaks

A higher water bill can regularly be attributed to a hidden leak in your home. Leaks can develop over time, starting out small and ineffective and becoming a significant issue. We advise checking your home for any unusual sounds, damp spots, or dripping from any faucets. An average leak can waste nearly 180 gallons of water per week. If you are suspicious of a leak in your home but can’t quite locate it, contact Eastern Plumbing. We can identify the source of the leak and solve the problem quickly, preventing any further damage to your home.

Inefficient Appliances

Older appliances can be another contributor to higher water bills. Unlike newer, energy-efficient appliances, older ones typically use more water. Upgrading your appliances could significantly impact your water bill and cut water usage by 20%. You could even potentially save nearly $400 every year when you upgrade. We would advise considering appliances like:

• low-flow toilets
• tankless water heaters
• smart irrigation systems
• high-efficiency washing machines
• any ENERGY-STARⓇ appliances

Water Usage

If you’ve determined that you don’t have a leak in your home, and your appliances are all new and energy-efficient, you may need to consider your family’s water usage. Frequent showers, daily loads of laundry, and consistent dishwasher cycles can all impact your monthly water usage. An average shower uses around 2.5 gallons per minute, and baths use even more. Shaving off a few minutes of your shower time could save hundreds of gallons of water every month. Other common habits that may increase water usage:

• running the dishwasher when it isn’t full
• leaving the faucet on while you brush your teeth
• using outdated appliances
• running the sink or shower until it is the ideal temperature

Faulty Water Heater

A faulty or malfunctioning water heater can also affect your water usage. If there is a leak or crack in the tank, then water is being wasted every second. Make sure to check the thermostat setting as well. If the temperature is set too high, you are likely paying to boil water that would be too hot to use. An inefficient water heater can be a huge water waste source and cause issues like low water pressure. Eastern Plumbing can regularly service your water heater, providing repairs or installations.

Eastern Plumbing is proud to provide plumbing services to eastern North Carolina 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are concerned about an increase in your water bill, our team of trained professionals can help. We can check your home for hidden leaks, recommend and install efficient appliances, and service or repair faulty water heaters. Call us at 252-758-7579 to schedule any plumbing services.