Common Causes of High Water Bills
When it comes to high water bills, the issue can usually be traced to a few key problems. Many of these problems are easily overlooked, but they can lead to significant water wastage over time. Here are the most common reasons behind a high water bill.
1. Hidden Leaks
Leaks are the number one cause of unexpected and sudden increases to your water bill. A small leak in a toilet, tap, or pipe may seem inconsequential, but it can waste hundreds or even thousands of litres of water each month.
Toilets
A leaking toilet is particularly sneaky. Often, homeowners don’t notice a toilet leak because it can occur silently. A trickle of water from the cistern into the bowl can run non-stop, adding up to significant water waste. To spot a leak, perform the simple food colouring test:
- Add a few drops of food colouring to your toilet cistern (not the bowl).
- Wait 10-15 minutes and check the bowl. If you see coloured water without flushing, you’ve got a leak.
This silent leak could waste over 16,000 litres of water per year, significantly boosting your bill. If you suspect a leak, be sure to check out our guide to slow leak detection.
Taps
A dripping tap may seem harmless, but over time, it can add up. Even a small drip every second can waste up to 2,000 litres of water per month. Inspect all taps regularly, paying attention to those that appear to be “off” but continue to drip. It’s a simple fix to replace washers or seals that may be worn out.
Underground Leaks
Some leaks occur underground or in inaccessible areas, making them hard to spot. You might not notice the water loss until the damage is done. If you notice unusually green patches in your garden or damp patches on floors, these could be signs of a leak in underground pipes.
Water stains or a drop in water pressure can also indicate an underground leak.
Irrigation Systems
Garden irrigation systems are another common culprit of high water usage. If your sprinkler system is malfunctioning, it could be wasting water without you realising. Check your sprinklers (sprinkler heads and overall systems) and hoses regularly for signs of both major and minor leaks or faulty timers. Patches of overly green or soggy areas in the garden can be a sign that your irrigation system is running longer than it should.
2. Seasonal Water Usage
Water usage patterns often fluctuate with the seasons, particularly in Perth’s warm climate. During the hotter months, it’s natural for water bills to increase due to increased garden watering, pool top-ups, and more frequent showers. These seasonal spikes are often the result of habits that change with the weather.
Warmer Months
In summer, Perth’s residents use more water for activities like watering the garden, filling or topping up pools, and more frequent showers. Watering your garden or lawn, especially during the peak of summer, can account for a large portion of your water consumption.
Comparing Seasonal Bills
It’s important to compare your current water bill with your past bills to identify seasonal trends. For instance, your water usage in summer might be much higher than in winter, especially if you have a garden that requires regular watering or a pool that needs to be topped up.
3. Increased Household Activity
Changes in your household dynamics can also lead to higher water usage. Whether it’s a new family member, guests staying over, or increased usage of certain appliances, more activity at home usually leads to higher water consumption.
Household Size
If there are more people living in your home than usual, your water consumption is naturally going to rise. More showers, laundry, dishwashing, and general water use will all contribute to a higher water bill. Even a short-term increase in the number of people in your household, like having guests over, can significantly spike your bill.
Appliance Use
Additional appliances or increased use of existing ones also raises water consumption. For example, if you’ve started using your washing machine or dishwasher more frequently, this will show up in your water usage. Similarly, if you recently installed a new appliance, such as a water-intensive cooling system, it could be drawing more water.
4. Estimated Bills
Sometimes, high water bills are due to inaccurate or estimated meter readings. If your water provider couldn’t access your meter, they might have estimated your water usage based on previous consumption patterns. While this can happen from time to time, it’s always worth double-checking your bill for any discrepancies.
Meter Access Issues
An estimated bill is usually adjusted in the next billing cycle once a proper meter reading is taken. However, it’s worth verifying whether your meter reading was estimated or accurate. To do this, compare the meter reading on your bill to the reading on your actual meter.
5. Faulty or Inefficient Appliances
Older appliances and fixtures that are not working efficiently can waste large amounts of water without you even knowing it.
Dishwashers and Washing Machines
Old dishwashers and washing machines are notorious for using more water than newer, energy-efficient models. If your appliances are older, it may be time to replace them with models that use less water. Additionally, failing inlet valves and cracked hoses can lead to leaks inside these appliances, contributing to the overall water wastage.
Hot Water Systems
A faulty hot water system, such as a system that’s not heating water efficiently, could also be driving up your water usage. Hot water systems that are leaking or malfunctioning can waste substantial amounts of water without obvious signs. For tips on maintaining your water system, refer to our hot water system maintenance guide.
