Is Your Water Bill Too High? 7 Common Reasons Why—and What You Can Do About It

Have you opened your water bill lately and nearly spit out your coffee? You're not alone. High water bills are a common frustration for homeowners, especially when there’s no obvious reason for the spike. But often, the cause is something quietly happening behind the scenes—within your plumbing system.

Here are seven of the most common reasons your water bill might be too high, along with expert-backed tips on how to stop the drain on your budget.

1. Leaky Toilets

A leaky toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water a day—and you might not even hear it. That’s because some leaks are silent. Want to test it yourself? Add a few drops of food coloring to your toilet tank, wait 10–15 minutes without flushing, and check the bowl. If the water is colored, you’ve got a leak.

Quick fix: In many cases, replacing the flapper valve is all it takes. But if the problem persists, it might be time to call a professional.

2. Dripping Faucets

That “little” drip from your kitchen sink may not seem like a big deal, but over time it adds up—fast. According to the EPA, a faucet leaking one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water per year.

Quick fix: Replacing a worn-out washer or cartridge can usually solve the issue.

3. Hidden Plumbing Leaks

Some of the worst leaks are the ones you don’t see. Pipes running through walls, under floors, or underground can spring leaks without any visible signs. You might only notice a change in water pressure, musty odors, mold, or, of course, an unusually high water bill.

Quick fix: If you suspect a hidden leak, a licensed plumber can use leak detection tools to pinpoint the problem without tearing into your walls blindly.

4. Old or Inefficient Appliances

Appliances like dishwashers and washing machines that are more than 10 years old typically use more water than necessary. Newer models, especially those with the ENERGY STAR® label, are designed to conserve both water and energy.

Quick fix: Newer models, especially those with the ENERGY STAR® label, are designed to conserve both water and energy—and help avoid a high water bill. 

5. Lawn OVER-WATERING

Your lawn might be sipping more than its fair share of your water bill. Automated sprinkler systems are a common culprit, especially if they run too frequently or during the heat of the day when water evaporates quickly.

Quick fix: Adjust your watering schedule, check for leaks in your irrigation system, and consider a smart irrigation controller that uses weather data to optimize watering.

6. Constantly Running Toilets

Sometimes a toilet doesn’t just leak—it runs continuously. This is usually due to a faulty fill valve or flapper that doesn’t close properly. If you hear your toilet refilling long after it's been flushed, this might be your issue.

Quick fix: Replacing the internal components is a simple, inexpensive fix. Still not sure? We’re happy to take a look.

7. Increased Household Use

Sometimes the increase is totally normal—more people in the house, new appliances, or lifestyle changes like working from home or kids being out for summer break.

Quick fix: Track your water usage month over month. If your bill jumps without a clear reason, it may be time to call in a professional to rule out leaks or inefficiencies.

Final Thoughts

A high water bill shouldn't be a mystery. If you’ve ruled out obvious increases in usage and still can’t figure out why it's climbing, it's time to dig deeper—literally. From silent toilet leaks to hidden pipe bursts, there are a number of reasons your plumbing may be costing you more than it should.

At MasterCraft Plumbers, we help homeowners in Carlsbad and Murrieta identify water wasters and get their systems running efficiently again. Whether it’s a small leak or a full-blown plumbing issue, we’ve got you covered.

Not sure what’s causing the spike? Call us for a quick inspection—you might be surprised at how much you can save just by fixing one sneaky issue.