Your monthly water bill just arrived, and it's something of a shock. You owe a lot more than you usually do. What happened? How can you get your bill back down again? Here are some of the most common reasons for a bill increase, and what you can do about them.

Leaks and Other Damage

The most likely culprit in a sudden rise in your water bill is a leak somewhere in your home. Water is running continually, without your knowledge, and the more it runs, the more you owe.

Check your faucets and showerheads to see if water is leaking. A leak of just one drop per second can waste 250 gallons per month, or over 3,000 gallons every year. Check your toilet too, to see how long it runs after you've flushed it. A leaky toilet is far more wasteful than a leaky faucet, turning out around 200 gallons of water every day.

Call your plumber to check your entire water system. In addition to the leaks you can see, there could be broken pipes or a host of other potential damage wasting water in places you can't see. Repairing these damaged portions can be expensive, but you'll spend much more in the long run if your water bills continue to climb.

If your water fixtures are more than a few years old, you might consider replacing them altogether. Newer fixtures are designed to conserve water, whereas older ones can be wasteful.

Lifestyle Changes

If there's no damage to your water system, then what's changed since your last bill might be you. As COVID-19 continues, a lot of us have been home considerably more than usual. That can lead to increased water use in a variety of ways, from making coffee at home, to having drinks with ice in them, to flushing the toilet more often. They might seem like small changes, but over time, they add up.

In addition, you could be taking longer showers, watering your plants more often, or other activities that increase your water usage and raise your bill. It might also be that your water company has simply raised your rates recently.

Your water rates are something you unfortunately don't have much control over. You can contact your water provider and ask if there are any discounts you might qualify for, such as for military personnel, senior citizens, or those in financial hardship. This can remove some of the burden.

As for lifestyle changes, however, there are a number of ways to conserve water. Set a timer when you shower and limit it to no more than 8 minutes. Make sure you only put full loads into the dishwasher or washing machine to get the most out of them and cut down on extra loads.

When it comes to watering your lawn, do it longer, but less often. Giving it more water will allow it to soak into the roots, so it stays hydrated longer. If you only give it a sprinkling, the water will remain on the surface, evaporating quickly and forcing you to water more often, using more water in the long run.

By being proactive, having leaks repaired, and adjusting your lifestyle, you can greatly reduce the amount of water you use in your home. To learn more ways to conserve water and reduce your bills, or to check your home for leaks, contact our experts at David Gray Plumbing.