7 Possible Causes of Your High Water Bills

Water bills are rising faster than the sea levels. Without a doubt, there will be a correlation between the increasing global temperatures and the increased scarcity of water resources in the future. Yet, this isn’t to say that water bills have to rise faster than your salary.

Chances are you’re asking “But why is my water bill so high?”. Rising water bills can give bigger clues into what’s going on both in your home and around the world. And, if you spot anything unusual, that can also show your bills are about to skyrocket.

So, to make sure that you are getting value for money with your water bill, we’ve put together this guide explaining 7 possible causes of your high water bills.

1. Hard-To-Detect Water Leaks Causing High Water Bills

Whatever meter you have in your home, do check for leaks as they’re the primary cause of high water bills. If it’s a surface type, then chances are your pipe’s corroded or damaged in some way. So have it checked or replaced by an expert plumber.

But what if the leak isn’t that easy to spot? Specialists like Blair and Norris can help with underground pipes and wells that either thaw in winter or corrode over time, causing such leaks to occur when you least expect it.

And, what happens if the leak is only in one sector of your property? Again, a history of water bill usage will help you detect the change.

2. Using Too Much Water Due To Lifestyle Change

Have you had a recent lifestyle change, such as a new car or a new partner in your life? Or you’re moving house? Whatever it is, it could be affecting your water usage. You’re using more water than you were before.

We aren’t advising that you don’t shower for days or rely on the rain to wash your car for you. Instead, if you’re wondering how to save water, try and reduce your daily shower time by a minute. Those 365 minutes a year will also give you an extra 6 hours of your life to treat yourself to the money you’ve saved!

3. Inefficient Use Of Working Household Appliances

You may have a modern, high-tech washing machine in your home. But are you using it correctly? As with most high-tech products, if you use them incorrectly then their water efficiency will be reduced.

So, first off, the wash temperature should be warm rather than hot and all the laundry items should be put in according to their instructions. For example, do not overload the drum, and remember to always use the right detergent. You won’t get any better results from a high-quality washing machine than you would from a cheap one if you don’t use it correctly.

4. Your Household Appliances Might Have Broken

Your high bill might also or show a problem with your meter that needs fixing. Otherwise, you might have a leaky appliance in the kitchen. Or, when you’ve been taking those extra showers recently, you might have noticed the showerhead is leaking.

Either way, go round your house and check all your appliances to see if there’s anything that needs replacing or mending. If there isn’t, it’s one less thing to worry about when diagnosing your home water usage bills.

5. Local Water Rates Have Increased

The government might have increased rates for service, the cost of energy has gone up, or there’s been an increase in mandated delivery charges. Sometimes this is unavoidable, such as the government raising taxes. Still, in other situations, it’s due to the wider population not looking after their water consumption, thus causing price increases.

Most often, erratic price changes occur based on supply and demand, which usually means a drought causing a water shortage. The public increase their water usage by filling up swimming pools and watering the plants.

6. Landscaping and Gardening in Hot Weather

It’s common for homeowners to fill their gardens with plants and flowers, but the amount of water they need is often overlooked. The result? You’re paying for a green grass lawn that’s only a few inches high and hundreds of dollars worth of flowers or plants that have died due to overwatering.

If landscaping your garden is essential to water use, make sure you’re using the right equipment to cut water usage. For example, a rain barrel, a hose-reel, or a soaker hose could help you reduce your water consumption.

7. There’s a Possibility of Billing Errors

Water companies and their representatives admit bills aren’t always accurate. Thus, householders can save money by taking some simple measures. Checking your meter readings is a great way of keeping on top of things, as well as checking your usage itself.

Sewerage rates also vary from town to town, and often by how much the water companies charge you for extra water stolen each month (known as stolen water). This service charge comprises a percentage of the total bill – it’s calculated on top of any rate increase for the service.

There may be a clerical error at the billing end, so if you’re sure you’ve done everything you can to rectify the issue. You’re still getting a surge in your billing, then get in touch with your supplier and see what’s causing the issue.

High Water Bills Can Highlight Issues Before It’s Too Late

After analyzing the data to determine what might be causing your high water bills, you can take steps to reduce your usage and save money. The key is to be vigilant about monitoring your usage each month and take action whenever possible to reduce the amount of water you’re using.

For more top lifestyle tips, keep reading around our blog and see what you can find!