Have you recently opened your water bill only to be shocked by the total? If your water usage hasn’t changed dramatically, an unusually high water bill can be both confusing and frustrating. While seasonal changes or additional guests can account for a small increase, a sudden spike may be a red flag that something’s wrong—like a hidden leak in your plumbing system.
In this post, we’ll walk you through common causes of a high water bill, how to check for leaks, and what steps to take to avoid future surprises.
Common Causes of a High Water Bill
Before jumping to conclusions, it’s helpful to understand what might be causing that higher-than-usual number. Some common reasons include:
Leaky toilets or faucets
Broken sprinkler heads or irrigation system issues
Running appliances (dishwashers, washing machines) more frequently
Underground pipe leaks
Dripping outdoor spigots or hoses
Even a small drip can add up quickly. In fact, a faucet leaking at one drip per second can waste over 3,000 gallons of water per year. That’s enough to significantly inflate your bill.
How to Check for Leaks in Your Home
1. Start with Your Water Meter
Your water meter is the best place to start when hunting for hidden leaks. Here’s how:
Turn off all water-using appliances, including sinks, showers, toilets, and outdoor irrigation systems.
Locate your water meter (usually in a basement, garage, or outdoor pit).
Check the leak indicator—a small triangle or dial that spins when water is moving through the system. If it’s spinning and you’ve turned off everything, you likely have a leak.
If you don’t have a leak indicator, note the meter reading and wait 1–2 hours without using any water. If the reading changes, that’s another clue.
2. Inspect Toilets
Toilets are one of the most common sources of hidden leaks. A flapper valve that doesn’t seal properly can cause water to continuously trickle into the bowl.
How to test it:
Add a few drops of food coloring into the tank.
Wait 10–15 minutes without flushing.
If color appears in the bowl, you’ve got a leak.
3. Check Faucets and Showerheads
Look and listen for drips or moisture around faucet bases and showerheads. Even minor leaks can become costly over time.
4. Inspect Outdoor Fixtures
Outdoor leaks often go unnoticed. Check hoses, spigots, and sprinkler heads. If your yard has soggy patches, you might have an underground irrigation leak.
5. Look for Signs of Water Damage
Unexplained mold growth, warped floors, water stains, or musty smells can all indicate a hidden leak inside walls or under floors.
Could It Be a Problem With the Meter?
If you’ve ruled out all obvious leaks and your water usage habits haven’t changed, there’s one more thing to check—the water meter itself. Faulty meters are rare, but they can malfunction and record usage inaccurately.
Here’s what you can do:
Compare your usage: Review your recent bills and see if the usage patterns make sense. Look for sudden spikes that don’t match your habits.
Test your meter: Turn off all water in your home. Record the meter reading, wait a few hours without using any water, and check the reading again. If it increases while no water is running, it could be a leak—or the meter could be faulty.
Contact your water provider: If you suspect a malfunction, call your utility company. They can test or replace the meter and may offer a temporary billing adjustment while investigating the issue.
What to Do If You Find a Leak
If you detect a leak and it’s a simple fix—like tightening a faucet or replacing a toilet flapper—you might be able to handle it yourself. But for more complex issues like pipe leaks or irrigation system problems, it’s best to call a licensed plumber.
Additionally, some water utilities offer leak adjustment programs. If you’ve repaired the issue and can provide proof, you may be eligible for a partial refund or billing adjustment.
Prevent Future Surprises
Regularly inspect your plumbing and appliances for wear and tear.
Install leak detection devices or smart water meters that alert you to unusual usage.
Schedule annual plumbing inspections, especially if you live in an older home.
If you’re serious about protecting your home—and your wallet—from water damage, it might be time to invest in an automatic leak detection system like the Moen Flo. These smart devices monitor your home’s entire water system 24/7 and alert you to unusual activity before small leaks turn into big (and expensive) problems.
What Is the Moen Flo?
The Moen Flo is a smart water monitoring and shutoff device that’s installed on your home’s main water line. It uses advanced sensors and machine learning to track your water usage in real time. If it detects an anomaly—such as continuous water flow, unusual spikes, or a slow drip—it sends an instant alert to your smartphone through the Flo by Moen app.
Even better? If you don’t respond or the leak poses a serious threat, Moen Flo can automatically shut off your water supply, helping prevent flooding and major damage.
Benefits of Smart Leak Detection Systems
Real-time monitoring: Get notified instantly if something seems off, even when you’re away from home.
Automatic shutoff: Stop leaks before they spiral into major damage.
Water usage insights: Track and manage your household water consumption for improved efficiency.
Lower insurance premiums: Some insurance providers offer discounts for homes equipped with leak detection systems.
Who Should Consider One?
Smart leak detectors like Moen Flo are especially valuable if you:
Own a second home or vacation property
Travel frequently
Live in an area with old plumbing
Have experienced leaks or water damage in the past
Want peace of mind and modern home protection
