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Why Your Water Bill Suddenly Increased: 7 Hidden Plumbing Problems to Check

  • Writer: adoghe ahuose erionamhen
    adoghe ahuose erionamhen
  • 4 days ago
  • 2 min read

A sudden spike in your water bill is one of the most frustrating surprises a homeowner can face. If you haven’t changed your daily water usage, the increase is almost always linked to a hidden plumbing issue. At Shamrock Plumbing, we help homeowners uncover these problems early so they can avoid major repairs and unnecessary expenses.


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Here are the 7 most common reasons your water bill may have increased — and what you should do next.


1. Hidden Leaks in Walls or Floors

One of the biggest causes of a high water bill is a leak you can’t see. A pipe could be dripping behind a wall, under the slab, or inside the ceiling.

Warning Signs

  • Damp patches or discoloration on walls

  • Warm spots on the floor

  • A musty odor

  • Mold growth

Tip:Turn off all fixtures and check your water meter. If it’s still running, you likely have a hidden leak.


2. A Running or Faulty Toilet

A running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day — even if you don’t hear it.

Common Causes

  • Worn flapper

  • Faulty fill valve

  • Loose flush handle

Quick DIY Test:Drop food color into the tank. If it seeps into the bowl, the flapper is leaking.


3. Dripping Faucets

One drip per second equals over 3,000 gallons of wasted water a year. Multiply that by multiple faucets, and the cost skyrockets.

Why It Happens

  • Worn-out cartridges

  • Failing O-rings

  • Loose handles

Tip:Fixing a faucet early saves money and prevents corrosion damage.


4. Leak in the Yard from Underground Pipes

Outdoor water lines can crack or loosen over time, especially after:

  • Soil shifting

  • Tree root intrusion

  • Freezing temperatures

Signs to Watch

  • Wet patches on your lawn

  • Unexplained puddles

  • Greener grass in one area


5. Increased Use of Water-Using Appliances

Sometimes the problem isn’t hidden — it’s habit-based. A new appliance can increase water use more than you expect.

Appliances that spike usage

  • Water softeners

  • Older dishwashers

  • Washing machines

Tip:Switch to water-efficient settings whenever possible.


6. Leaky Water Heater

A water heater leak often goes unnoticed because it hides behind the tank. But even small leaks create steady water loss.

Check for:

  • Water around the base

  • Rust

  • Dripping pressure relief valve

If your unit is 10+ years old, it may be time for a replacement.


7. Irrigation or Sprinkler System Leaks

Irrigation leaks often run every day without homeowners noticing.

Common Issues

  • Broken sprinkler heads

  • Underground pipe cracks

  • Faulty valves

Tip:Inspect your sprinkler system once a month — especially during summer.


How to Prevent Future Water Bill Spikes

✔ Inspect toilets and faucets regularly✔ Schedule routine plumbing checks✔ Watch your water meter for unusual activity✔ Fix small issues immediately before they become big repairs


When to Call Shamrock Plumbing

If your water bill jumped and you can’t find the cause, Shamrock Plumbing can help.

We offer:

  • Leak detection

  • Pipe repair

  • Toilet and faucet fixes

  • Water heater inspections

  • Irrigation system checks

A high bill is a warning sign — the sooner you address it, the more money you save.

 
 
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