Why is My Water Bill So High

Many homeowners in Westmont, IL and surrounding areas are surprised by unexpected spikes in their water bills, often with no clear explanation at first glance. While seasonal usage or household changes can play a part, one of the most common and overlooked causes is an issue within your home’s plumbing system. Hidden leaks, running toilets, inefficient fixtures, or aging pipes can quietly drive up water usage without any visible signs.

At LaCassa Plumbing, we specialize in identifying and fixing the plumbing problems that lead to high water bills. Whether it’s a hidden leak behind the wall or a malfunctioning appliance, we bring the tools, expertise, and commitment to restore efficiency and lower your bill.

Common Reasons Why You Have a High Water Bill

1. Leaky faucets or fixtures

Even a small, slow drip can waste hundreds of gallons of water each month without any visible flooding or damage. Over time, worn-out washers, loose fittings, or corrosion in the faucet assembly can lead to continuous leaks that silently inflate your water bill. 

Many homeowners delay addressing these issues because the problem seems minor or non-urgent. However, the cumulative cost of wasted water can be significant, especially in households with multiple leaky fixtures.

A professional faucet and fixture repair service will fix the visible drip and also inspect the internal components to identify the root cause. Whether it’s mineral buildup, degraded seals, or faulty valve mechanisms, an expert plumber has the tools and training to disassemble and reassemble fixtures properly, ensuring a tight seal and fixtures are restored to full efficiency to save you money on every future water bill.

2. Leaking or running toilets

This typically wastes up to 200 gallons per day without any obvious signs. Some of the common culprits include a faulty flapper valve, a malfunctioning fill valve, or a misaligned float that prevents the tank from sealing properly. 

In some cases, leaks occur silently into the bowl, which makes them easy to miss. Homeowners may notice the sound of water running occasionally or a slight movement in the bowl water, but many ignore it until they eventually discover a spike in their bill.

A licensed plumber can quickly diagnose and resolve running toilet issues by conducting complete toilet repair services. Instead of relying on DIY fixes that can solve the problem temporarily, professional technicians can inspect the internal components, replace worn-out parts, and ensure that water flow is calibrated correctly. 

3. Hidden pipe leaks (walls, floors, foundation)

Unlike visible drips, these leaks often go undetected for weeks or months, slowly wasting water while potentially damaging structural elements of the home. Warning signs may include unexplained water bill increases, damp spots on floors or walls, mold growth, or the sound of running water when fixtures are off. These leaks are difficult to find and also dangerous to ignore, since they can lead to rot, foundation issues, and long-term property damage.

Hidden leaks require advanced plumbing expertise and diagnostic tools. A professional plumbing company uses non-invasive leak detection technologies such as acoustic sensors, infrared imaging, or pressure testing to pinpoint the exact location of the leak without tearing into walls or flooring unnecessarily. 

If the issue is found beneath the foundation, a specialized slab leak repair is necessary, which includes either spot repair, rerouting, or repiping. In homes with widespread pipe deterioration, repiping may be the most effective long-term solution. 

4. Old or corroded piping

Over time, pipes made from outdated materials such as galvanized steel or cast iron begin to degrade, leading to internal corrosion, mineral buildup, and small, persistent leaks. These issues may not necessarily lead to visible water damage but they can reduce water pressure, restrict flow, and cause undetected water loss within walls, ceilings, or underground. In addition, old pipes are more vulnerable to sudden bursts or large-scale failure, especially if left unaddressed.

Repiping is often a recommended solution. Old, worn-out plumbing lines are replaced with modern, durable materials such as PEX or copper. A professional plumbing company will assess the condition of the entire system, identify corroded or leaking sections, and recommend either partial or whole-house repiping based on the severity of the issue. 

5. Leaky kitchen sink or inefficient fixtures

Drips from the faucet, seepage around the base, or slow leaks under the sink may seem minor, but they add up quickly on your water bill. In addition, older or low-quality faucets may use more water than necessary due to poor design or internal wear. Even small inefficiencies in heavily used areas like the kitchen can have a big impact on water consumption over time.

Professional kitchen sink repair addresses leaks at the source whether it’s a damaged seal, corroded pipe joint, or loose fittings. A licensed plumber will inspect both visible and hidden components to ensure the sink functions efficiently without water loss. 

Coupled with faucet and fixture repair, experts can upgrade worn parts or install water-saving models that improve flow control without compromising performance. 

6. Water heater leaks or inefficiency

Over time, traditional water heaters can develop internal corrosion, sediment buildup, or loose connections, all of which reduce heating efficiency and may cause small, continuous leaks. 

Even without visible puddles, these issues can waste large volumes of water as the system struggles to maintain temperature, resulting in more water being drawn before hot water reaches your faucet. In some cases, older units simply consume more energy and water due to outdated technology.

If this is your issue, contact a professional plumber for a thorough water heater repair to fix leaks, flush out sediment, and restore efficient function. If the unit is nearing the end of its lifespan or the cost of repairs outweighs the benefits, water heater replacement, which includes energy-efficient or tankless models, may be a better alternative. 

For homes already using tankless systems, tankless water heater repair ensures optimal performance with minimal water waste. 

7. Inadequate water pressure due to pipe issues

Low or inconsistent water pressure may be a symptom of clogged, partially blocked, or aging pipes that are forcing your plumbing system to work harder, leading to increased water usage. Mineral buildup, grease, debris, or even small tree root intrusions in the drainage system can restrict water flow, causing users to run taps longer to achieve the desired pressure. This inefficient usage often results in higher water bills, especially in homes with older plumbing infrastructure.

A licensed plumber can restore proper pressure and flow through drain cleaning and repair to solve the buildup and blockages that reduce efficiency. For more severe obstructions or heavy buildup, hydro jetting is a powerful and eco-friendly solution that uses high-pressure water to clear out pipes thoroughly. 

8. Broken or aging garbage disposal 

Beneath the kitchen sink, garbage disposal seals wear out, internal components corrode, or the unit cracks, allowing water to drip slowly and go unnoticed until damage or a high water bill arises. These leaks can lead to wasted water and even damage cabinetry or flooring. A poorly functioning disposal may force the sink to drain inefficiently and lead to indirect water overuse as users run water longer than necessary.

Trust a licensed plumbing professional to quickly assess and perform garbage disposal repair, fix minor leaks, replace seals, or realign components to restore proper function. If the unit is beyond repair due to age or extensive damage, then garbage disposal installation of a new, efficient model will eliminate water waste and restore smooth sink operation.

9. Cracked sewer lines causing backup and excess usage

Cracked or damaged sewer lines can likely lead to backflow, slow drainage, or continuous water usage as fixtures attempt to compensate. When sewer pipes are compromised due to ground shifting, root intrusion, or age, wastewater flow is disrupted. 

In severe cases, this can cause repeated flushing, clogged drains, or unnecessary water running, all of which contribute to unusually high water bills. Because these problems occur underground, they often go unnoticed until symptoms become severe or utility costs spike.

A licensed plumber will inspect the lines using advanced diagnostic tools like sewer cameras to locate the crack, break, or blockage in such a case. From there, he can perform sewer repairs or, if needed, replace entire sections of damaged piping using traditional methods.

10. Bathroom fixture leaks or outdated plumbing

Dripping faucets, corroded pipes, or inefficient showers are frequent and often underestimated because of high water bills. Older bathrooms may have fixtures that use significantly more water than modern, water-efficient models. Slow leaks in tubs, under vanities, or in shower plumbing can go undetected for weeks, quietly wasting hundreds of gallons. Over time, this drives up utility costs and can lead to water damage and mold growth in hidden areas.

A comprehensive bathroom remodel by a professional plumbing company will replace old, leaky fixtures with high-efficiency alternatives and update outdated piping to prevent hidden leaks. Services like shower installation allow homeowners to upgrade to low-flow, high-performance units that reduce water use without sacrificing comfort.

11. Malfunctioning or aging sump pump

This can lead to unexpected water accumulation in basements, especially during heavy rains or high groundwater conditions. When a sump pump fails to activate properly or cannot handle the volume of water, it may result in minor flooding or standing water that homeowners attempt to remove using excess tap water through cleaning efforts, wet vacuums, or dehumidifiers. Eventually, the indirect water usage can drive up water bills, particularly in homes with recurring sump pump problems.

A sump pump repair can address issues such as float switch malfunctions, clogged discharge lines, or worn-out motors. If the pump is beyond its service life or insufficient for the home’s needs, sump pump replacement ensures reliable performance and flood prevention. 

Why Choose LaCassa Plumbing to Help Lower Your High Water Bills

Plumbing with Integrity, Rooted in Family Values

Our approach is grounded in the principles of trust, respect, and care. These are the values instilled by our founder, a dedicated father of three. Proudly serving Naperville and neighboring DuPage County including Darien, Burr Ridge, Downers Grove, and surrounding areas like Westmont, Wheaton, and Lisle, we treat every customer’s home with the same attention and commitment we’d give our own.

Certified, Covered, and Proven Experts

Backed by full licensing, insurance, and hands-on expertise, our skilled plumbers deliver thorough, reliable service on every job. With years of field experience, we’re trained to detect issues others might overlook whether it’s a concealed leak in a Villa Park basement or a deteriorating gas line in Clarendon Hills.

Honest Assessments and Clear Pricing

Transparency is at the heart of everything we do. If your plumbing is in good condition, we’ll let you know. If repairs are needed, we’ll walk you through the details by providing photos, thorough explanations, and an upfront estimate so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

No surprises. No pressure. Just trusted plumbing service that puts your needs first.

Schedule a service with us today. With LaCassa Plumbing’s regular inspection services, you’re guaranteed to spot the issues behind your high water bills.

Don’t wait for a leak to tell you there’s a problem. Be proactive. Be protected.

Contact LaCassa Plumbing today to schedule your inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a small leak really cause a high water bill?
Yes, even a slow drip can waste hundreds of gallons per month and significantly raise your bill.

How do I know if a hidden leak is causing the problem?
Signs include unexplained spikes in your bill, damp spots, mold, or the sound of running water when everything is off.

Will replacing old fixtures help lower my water bill?
Yes, modern water-efficient fixtures use less water without sacrificing performance.

Can a faulty water heater increase my water bill?
Yes, leaking or inefficient water heaters can waste water and energy, leading to higher utility costs, especially if local water rates are high.

Do you offer inspections to diagnose high water bills?
Absolutely. We provide detailed plumbing inspections to identify leaks, inefficiencies, or failing components.