07/11/2025
We often hear. Why is my water bill so high?
A high water bill is often caused by leaks, increased water usage, or a combination of both. Leaks, especially in toilets and faucets, can significantly increase consumption without noticeable signs. Increased water usage can stem from seasonal changes like summer watering, guests staying longer, or changes in household routines.
Here are some of the most common causes of a higher water bill.
1. Leaks:
• Toilet Leaks: A running toilet, even if it seems minor, can waste a substantial amount of water. Check the flapper valve in the tank for proper sealing and consider using dye tablets to detect leaks.
• Faucet Leaks: Dripping faucets, especially at a rate of one drip per second, can waste up to 20 gallons per day.
• Other Leaks: Inspect washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters for any signs of leaks or dripping.
• Outdoor Leaks: Check for leaks in your irrigation system, sprinkler heads, and hose bibs.
• Service Line Leaks: If the leak indicator on your water meter continues to spin after you've turned off all water-using appliances, there may be a leak between the meter and your home.
2. Increased Water Usage:
• Seasonal Changes: Watering lawns and gardens, filling pools, and increased outdoor activities during the summer months can lead to higher water bills.
• Guests: Having guests stay for an extended period can also increase your water consumption.
• New Appliances: New dishwashers, hot water tanks, or lawn sprinklers can also contribute to increased usage.
• Other Factors: Changes in your household size, such as new babies or extended stays, can also impact water consumption.
3. Other Potential Causes:
• Malfunctioning Appliances: Appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters can leak or malfunction, contributing to increased water usage.
• Water Softener Issues: Water softeners may malfunction and have high recharge rates, leading to increased water consumption.
• Catch-up Bills: If your previous bill was estimated and your actual usage was higher, you may see a higher bill when an accurate reading is taken.
4. How to Investigate:
• Check the Water Meter: Locate your water meter and check if the leak indicator is spinning when all water is turned off inside and outside your home. If it is, you likely have a leak.
• Inspect Toilets and Faucets: Check for running toilets and dripping faucets. Use dye tablets to detect toilet leaks.
• Inspect Plumbing Fixtures: Check for leaks under sinks, around water heaters, and behind appliances like washing machines.
• Check Outdoor Faucets and Irrigation Systems: Inspect for leaks in your irrigation system, sprinkler heads, and hose bibs.
• Consider a Professional Inspection: If you suspect a leak but can't find it, consider having 1st Call Plumbing & AC inspect your home's plumbing system.
The 1st Call team tackles the biggest and most complex plumbing jobs in the greater San Antonio area using industry-leading equipment and over 35 years of hands-on experience. We’ve seen it all, and we fix it all — the right way.
We have the Right Stuff for Plumbing Repairs, Done Right!
How to reach 1st Call Plumbing & AC:
• Call: 210-446-0200 or 830-302-4440
• Email: [email protected]
• Text / Chat through: www.1stCallPlumbingandAC.com
• Request an Estimate: https://1stcallplumbingandac.com/schedule-an-appointment
• Contact Us: https://1stcallplumbingandac.com/contact-us
1st Call Plumbing & AC
5511 Brewster St
San Antonio, Texas 78233
210-446-0200
In Boerne, Spring Branch, Bulverde, New Braunfels, Seguin & more call 830-302-4440
www.1stCallPlumbingandAC.com
1st Call Plumbing & AC is Insured and Licensed for your protection M-40881 & TACLA28438E.
A range of the minor and major Plumbing, AC and Water Treatment services 1st Call Plumbing & AC provides:
Plumbing
Find & repair leak, Leak detection, Repair faucet, Install faucet, Repair garbage disposal, Install garbage disposal, Repair shower, Repair toilet, Install toilet, Repair water heater, Install water heater, Water heater replacement, Repair outdoor systems, Repair pipe, Replace pipe, Repair sewer, Repair shower, Repair sewer line, Install sewer line, Replace water line, Tunneling, Slab leak, Unclog drain, Install Bathroom Vanity and Sink, Install Bathtub, Install Bidet, Install Shower & more.
HVAC Pro
AC maintenance, HVAC maintenance, A/C maintenance, Air Conditioning maintenance, Heating maintenance, Repair AC, Repair A/C, Repair air conditioner, Repair AC system, Repair AC unit, Repair HVAC, Install AC, Install AC system, Install AC unit, Install A/C, Install HVAC system, Install air conditioner, Repair heating system, Repair heater, Install heater, Install ducts & vents, Install heating system, AC Tune-Up, AC Tune Up, A/C Tune Up, HVAC Tune Up, Repair thermostat, Install thermostat, Repair ducts & vents, AC Diagnosis, AC Diagnostic, & more.
Water Treatment
Install Water Softener, Repair Water Softener, Fix Hard Water, Hard water softener system, Install Water softener system, Install Water Purifiers, Repair reverse osmosis system, Install reverse osmosis system, Water conditioning system installation & more.
Areas we serve:
Alamo Heights, Alamo Ranch, Anhalt, Balcones Heights, Bergheim, Boerne, Bulverde, Canyon Lake, Castle Hills, Castroville, China Grove, Cibolo, Converse, Cross Mountain, Dominion, Encino Park, Elmendorf, Fair Oaks Ranch, Garden Ridge, Grey Forest, Gruene, Helotes, Hill Country Village, Hollywood Park, Kirby, LaCoste, Lackland Air Force Base, La Vernia, Leon Valley, Leon Springs, Live Oak, Lytle, Marion, New Berlin, New Braunfels, Northcliffe, San Antonio, Scenic Oaks, Schertz, Sattler, Seguin, Selma, Shavano Park, Spring Branch, Startzville, Stone Oak, St. Hedwig, Terrell Hills, Timberwood Park, Universal City, Westcreek, Windcrest & more.
