A sudden spike in your water bill can be frustrating, especially when nothing in your routine has changed. Often, the culprit is a hidden plumbing issue or something you’d never suspect.
On average, a family uses about 300 gallons of water each day, but a leaky toilet alone can waste up to 200 gallons daily. That’s nearly doubling your usage — and your bill. In this guide, we’ll explore the most common causes of higher water bills and how to fix them.
1. Undetected Leaks
Leaks are among the most common causes of unexpected water bill increases. Many go unnoticed, especially when they occur behind walls or underground. A dripping faucet might seem minor, but over a year, it can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water.
Hidden leaks often stem from aging washers, loose fittings, or worn-out showerheads. Behind-the-wall pipe damage can persist for months before any signs like water stains appear. Underground pipes are especially tricky; if you notice unusually lush grass or pooling water in your yard, it could be a sign of a leak.
If you’re in Kalispell or the surrounding Flathead Valley and suspect a hidden leak, our team at Wild West Plumbing, Heating & Cooling can perform a full inspection and pinpoint the issue.
2. Constantly Running Toilet
A running toilet is one of the biggest sources of wasted water. A worn-out flapper, faulty fill valve, or cracked overflow tube can allow hundreds of gallons to drain away every day.
To test for a leak, place a few drops of food coloring in the tank and wait 15 minutes, without flushing. If the color appears in the bowl, there’s a leak that needs repair. If you’re unsure of the cause, we can inspect your toilet and identify the fix.
3. Water Softener Malfunction
Water softeners help protect your plumbing, but if they malfunction, they can drive up your water bill quickly. Frequent cycling, stuck regeneration mode, or leaking valves are all red flags.
If you notice your softener running too often or see water pooling nearby, it’s time for an inspection. Worn-out components or misconfigured settings could be wasting hundreds of gallons a day without you realizing it.
4. Faulty Water Heater
A leaking water heater can quietly drain your budget. Pressure relief valves, corroded pipe connections, or worn seals may drip intermittently, often directly into a drain, making it hard to detect.
Sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank reduces capacity and forces the unit to work harder. This can increase pressure and trigger the relief valve more frequently, leading to more water loss. Our team can flush your tank and check the entire system for signs of wear.
5. Increased Seasonal Usage
In Kalispell, hot summer days often mean more outdoor water use. Whether you’re watering your lawn, filling the pool, rinsing off gear, or hosting guests, it all adds up. Pools alone can lose thousands of gallons through evaporation over the season, especially with the sun evaporating ¼ inch of water or more per day.
Even extra showers or gardening can raise your usage without you noticing.
6. Irrigation System Issues
Small irrigation system problems can lead to major waste. A tiny 1/32-inch hole in a sprinkler line can lose up to 6,000 gallons of water a month. Clogged nozzles, cracked pipes, and leaky valves are common culprits.
If your sprinklers are set to water during the hottest part of the day, much of it may evaporate before it even reaches the roots. In the Flathead Valley, watering in the early morning or evening can help conserve water.
7. High Appliance Usage
Older appliances can be major water users. Traditional washing machines may use up to 50 gallons per load, and dishwashers aren’t far behind, especially during the holidays or when hosting guests.
To reduce usage, only run washers and dishwashers when full. Upgrading to ENERGY STAR®-rated appliances can significantly cut your water and energy bills over time.
When to Contact a Reliable Plumber
If your water bill keeps climbing and you can’t identify the cause, it’s time to call in the pros. At Wild West Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we’ve proudly served Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, and the surrounding Flathead Valley since 1986. We’re committed to helping you find and fix plumbing issues before they turn into costly repairs.
We also offer heating and cooling services, making us your trusted partner for year-round home comfort. Contact Wild West Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today to schedule an inspection and get your water usage back under control.
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