Why Is My Water Bill So High? Hidden Leaks Explained

Did your water bill suddenly double or triple? You're not alone. Many Central Florida homeowners are shocked when they open their utility bill to find charges far higher than expected. Often, the culprit is a hidden water leak you can't see or hear.

How Much Water Can a Leak Waste?

The numbers are staggering. A single dripping faucet can waste over 3,000 gallons per year. But that's nothing compared to hidden leaks:

• Running toilet: Up to 200 gallons per day (6,000 gallons/month)
• Slab leak: 500-1,000+ gallons per day depending on severity
• Irrigation leak: Hundreds of gallons per watering cycle
• Underground pipe leak: Can waste thousands of gallons before detection

Common Causes of High Water Bills

1. Toilet Leaks

Toilets are the #1 cause of high water bills. A faulty flapper valve can silently leak water from the tank to the bowl 24/7. Try the dye test: put food coloring in your tank and wait 15 minutes. If color appears in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak.

2. Slab Leaks

Florida homes built on concrete slabs have water pipes running beneath the foundation. Over time, these pipes can corrode, shift, or crack. Because the leak is underground, you won't see water pooling—but your bill will reflect the loss.

3. Irrigation System Leaks

Your sprinkler system runs early in the morning when you're asleep. A broken head, cracked pipe, or faulty valve can waste enormous amounts of water without you ever noticing. Check for unusually wet spots in your yard or areas where grass is greener than the rest.

4. Water Heater Issues

A leaking water heater or the pressure relief valve can continuously drip water. Check around your water heater for puddles or moisture. In Florida's humidity, even small leaks can go unnoticed.

5. Underground Service Line Leaks

The pipe connecting your home to the city water main runs underground through your yard. Tree roots, soil shifting, or aging pipes can cause leaks that are impossible to see but easy to detect with the right equipment.

How to Check for a Hidden Leak

Try this simple test:

1. Turn off all water inside and outside your home
2. Locate your water meter (usually near the street)
3. Check if the flow indicator (small triangle or dial) is moving
4. If it's moving with everything off, you have a leak

When to Call a Professional

If your meter test indicates a leak but you can't find the source, it's time to call a leak detection specialist. Professional equipment like acoustic listening devices and thermal imaging cameras can pinpoint hidden leaks without tearing up your property.

At Active Leak Solutions, we specialize exclusively in finding leaks—not repairing them. This means you get an unbiased assessment focused solely on locating the problem. We serve Deltona, Orlando, Sanford, Kissimmee, and all of Central Florida.