The average U.S. household uses roughly 30,000 gallons of water annually. Based on this usage, most homeowners pay $80 per month for their water bill. However, plumbing leaks, billing discrepancies, municipality infrastructure issues, and more can push usage and monthly costs higher.
How Infrastructure and Billing Issues Are Making Water Unaffordable for Some American Households
Many things are making water unaffordable for some households, and some are outside their control. Studies show that in some parts of the country, infrastructure and billing issues are behind high, unaffordable water bills for some households.
Some of these include leaking and aging pipes, overread meters, and expensive infrastructure improvement projects that further drive up the cost of each bill.
Data from the EPA shows that aging infrastructure, operational expenses, billing errors, and other external factors left an estimated 12 million to 19 million U.S. households struggling with unaffordable water bills in 2024.
7 Reasons Why Homeowners Get Hit With Higher Water Bills That Are Not Related to Infrastructure or Billing Issues
Public infrastructure and billing issues are to blame for higher water bills, but they only account for a small percentage. Most issues that drive up the average water bill occur in the home rather than outside it. Some of the things that can quickly drive up a household’s water bill include the following:
- Hidden water leaks – When hidden leaks go undetected and unresolved, they can waste up to an additional 10,000 gallons of water annually. These same leaks can increase the average household’s water bill by 10% or more. Hidden leaks often occur when the piping behind walls, in ceilings, or under a home’s foundation develops holes or cracks.
- Toilet leaks – Around 10% of U.S. homes have water leaks that waste 90 or more gallons of water daily, and a running toilet is one of the top culprits. Corroded flush valve seats, cracked overflow tubes, faulty flappers, and malfunctioning fill valves are the most common contributors.
- Seasonal changes – The use of irrigation and sprinkler systems to water lawns and gardens during warmer months can send water bills soaring. The same applies to frequently refilling a pool to combat evaporation. Depending on the pool size, a refill could mean using an extra 1,000 to 3,000 gallons of water per month. That alone can add an extra $20 to $500 to a household’s average monthly water bill.
- Old pipes – Homes with pipes that are over 20 years old can leave homeowners stuck with high water bills. Very old pipes, especially copper, galvanized steel, or polybutylene ones, are prone to developing pinholes, small leaks, corrosion, large cracks, and other failures that can increase water usage.
- High water pressure – One of the fastest ways to damage pipes and incur higher water bills is to have the water pressure in your home set too high. According to nearly all plumbers, the ideal water pressure in a home is 40 to 80 pounds per square inch (PSI ). Over time, water pressure exceeding this range can damage appliances, fixtures, and pipes, all of which can lead to a higher monthly water bill.
- Irrigation problems – Several irrigation problems can spike monthly water bills for homeowners. Some of the most common include broken sprinkler heads, timer malfunctions, and clogged nozzles, all of which can cause overruns in automatic irrigation systems.
- Water heater issues – The older a water heater is, the more likely it is to cause problems. Water heaters that are 10 to 15 years old often develop internal leaks or efficiency problems that lead to increased water usage and higher energy costs. Slow tank leaks and pressure relief valve leaks can do the same.
Signs of a Hidden Water Leak
Most contributors to higher water bills are pretty easy to identify. But the same can’t be said for hidden water leaks that occur underground, in ceilings, or behind walls. Some of the most common signs of hidden water leaks in a home include the following:
- Cracks in walls or floors
- Damp or warm spots on flooring or concrete slabs
- Dripping, hissing, or running water sounds coming from faucets and appliances that are off
- Mold and mildew growth
- Musty or foul odors
- Peeling or bubbling paint
- Reduced water pressure
- Water stains on ceilings or walls
- Warped or buckling floors
Consequences of Ignoring Consistently High Water Bills
Things can quickly go from bad to worse when homeowners ignore consistently higher water bills caused by hidden and not-so-hidden water leaks. Along with wasting thousands of gallons of water and incurring higher utility costs, ignoring a higher-than-usual monthly water bill can lead to the following:
- Appliance failure
- Foundation damage
- Increased risk of fire or electrical shocks if leaks involve electrical outlets, wiring, or appliances
- Pest infestation
- Sewage backups
- Toxic mold and mildew growth
- Wood rot in structural framing
When Should You Call a Professional Plumber?
If you suddenly start receiving consistently higher water bills from your utility company or notice leaks in your home, hidden or obvious, you should contact a professional plumber as soon as possible.
Professional plumbers use a wide range of specialized equipment to identify foundation leaks, behind-the-wall pipe leaks, and other leaks before they can cause structural damage and other problems.
Depending on the severity and type of leak, repair options might include pipe patches, clamp repairs, or the replacement of damaged PEX pipes. Other options include trenchless pipe lining, section repiping, or, in extreme cases, a whole-home repiping.
Hire a Professional Tampa Bay Area Plumber Today
Many things can cause plumbing leaks in a home, and the longer they go undetected and unresolved, the more costly they become. If you have noticed any signs of plumbing leaks in your home, consider contacting Tampa Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for expert leak detection.