High Water Bill? Here’s What Might Be Leaking
Coastal Rooter helps San Diego homeowners find the hidden plumbing leaks that drive up water bills. A sudden spike in usage often means something is leaking—whether you see it or not.
Getting hit with a high water bill can be frustrating—especially if your usage habits haven’t changed. When this happens, the cause is usually a leak. Some are easy to spot, while others hide behind walls, under floors, or underground.
Here’s how to find out what’s leaking, where to look, and what to do if your water bill suddenly climbs.
Common Culprits Behind a High Water Bill
Small leaks can waste thousands of gallons a month without any obvious signs. The most common causes include:
- Running toilets: One leaky toilet can waste up to 200 gallons a day.
- Dripping faucets: Even a slow drip adds up quickly.
- Leaky irrigation lines: Underground sprinkler system leaks often go unnoticed.
- Water heater leaks: Slow drips at the bottom or from the relief valve increase water use.
- Slab leaks: Hidden leaks under your foundation can silently waste water and damage your home.
How to Tell If You Have a Leak
Not all leaks are visible. If your water bill is unusually high, start with this checklist:
- Check your water meter: Turn off all faucets and appliances, then watch the meter. If it’s moving, there’s a leak.
- Listen for sounds: Hissing or dripping noises from walls or floors may indicate a hidden leak.
- Inspect toilet tanks: Put food coloring in the tank. If it seeps into the bowl without flushing, there’s a leak.
- Look for damp spots: Water stains, warped flooring, or mildew smells often signal trouble.
Still unsure? Schedule a plumbing inspection to track down the source.
Toilet Leaks: The Most Common Water Wasters
Toilets are the number one cause of unexpected water usage. A faulty flapper valve or fill mechanism can allow water to run constantly.
Signs your toilet is leaking:
- You hear running water when no one’s using it
- The tank refills randomly throughout the day
- Water movement in the bowl when idle
These fixes are often simple and affordable—if caught early.
Outdoor Leaks That Raise Your Bill
Leaks outside are harder to notice but just as damaging. Check for:
- Damp ground around hose bibs or sprinkler heads
- Unusually green or growing patches of grass
- Water pooling near walkways or foundation
San Diego’s dry climate means these signs are even more noticeable during drought months. If your irrigation system hasn’t been checked in a while, now’s the time.
Hidden Indoor Leaks
Leaks behind walls, under sinks, or around appliances may not show up until damage is done.
Look around:
- Water heater base and relief valve
- Dishwasher and fridge connections
- Shower and tub valves behind walls
- Laundry room hookups
Even pinhole leaks in copper pipes can waste hundreds of gallons a month. Explore our leak detection services.
Slab Leaks: Silent and Expensive
Homes with concrete slab foundations are especially vulnerable to hidden leaks. These occur when a pipe under the slab cracks or bursts.
Warning signs:
- Warm spots on the floor
- Cracks in tile or flooring
- Low water pressure
- Rising water bills without visible leaks
Slab leaks can lead to foundation damage, so early detection is key. Coastal Rooter uses non-invasive tools to locate and repair them fast.
What San Diego Homeowners Should Know
Many San Diego homes have older plumbing systems that are more prone to corrosion, pinhole leaks, and root intrusion.
Coastal Rooter helps local homeowners:
- Diagnose high water bills quickly
- Detect hidden leaks with modern tools
- Fix plumbing problems before they get expensive
“Our bill doubled and we couldn’t find the problem. Coastal Rooter found a leak under the house and fixed it without tearing up our floors.” — San Diego homeowner
Regular plumbing checkups are the best defense. Book one today if your bill is unusually high.
How to Prevent Future Surprises
- Inspect toilets and faucets monthly
- Watch your water meter for signs of leaks
- Replace hoses on appliances every 5–7 years
- Check irrigation systems seasonally
- Schedule annual plumbing maintenance
For more tips, the EPA’s WaterSense program offers excellent resources on tracking water usage and fixing leaks.
