Why Are My Water Bills So High Suddently

You open your water bill and nearly spill your coffee. Nothing has changed… or has it?

If your house is suddenly using more water than usual, there is always a reason. Sometimes it is seasonal. Sometimes it is behavioural. And sometimes it is a hidden plumbing issue quietly costing you hundreds of dollars.

Here’s how to work out what’s happening and when it’s time to call a licensed plumber in Adelaide.

The most common cause of increased water usage is a leak. Not all leaks are dramatic burst pipes. Many are slow and silent. Common hidden leaks include:

• Underground pipe leaks
• Dripping taps
• Leaking shower heads
• Internal wall pipe leaks
• Slow toilet cistern leaks

A leaking toilet alone can waste thousands of litres per month. Because the water flows directly into the bowl, many homeowners never notice it.

Quick test:  Turn off all taps and appliances in your home. Check your water meter. If it is still spinning, you likely have a leak.

If you suspect a hidden leak, professional leak detection is the safest way to pinpoint the issue without unnecessary wall or floor damage.

High Water Bill​ Due to a Running or Faulty Toilet

Toilets are responsible for a large percentage of household water use. A worn flapper valve, faulty inlet valve, or misaligned float can cause continuous water flow. Signs your toilet may be the issue:

• You hear water running when no one has flushed
• The cistern refills frequently
• You notice a faint trickling sound

Toilet repairs are usually quick and affordable, but leaving the issue untreated can significantly increase your water bill.



Seasonal Changes and Hot Weather

Water use naturally increases during warmer months in Adelaide. Reasons include:

• More showers
• Increased lawn watering
• Filling pools
• Washing cars more frequently
• Evaporative air conditioning systems

If your usage spike aligns with hotter weather, irrigation systems and outdoor taps are worth checking for leaks or inefficient settings.

New Appliances or Household Changes

Have you recently:

• Installed a new washing machine or dishwasher?
• Had guests stay over?
• Had kids home during school holidays?
• Started watering a new garden?

Even small lifestyle changes can noticeably increase water consumption over a billing cycle.



Irrigation System Leaks

Automatic irrigation systems are a major culprit for high water usage. Underground pipe splits, broken sprinkler heads, or incorrect timer settings can waste thousands of litres before you even realise.

If your lawn looks unusually soggy or you notice pooling water, it’s time for an inspection.



Burst or Damaged Pipes

A partially burst pipe may not flood your home but can still leak continuously behind walls or under slabs. Warning signs include:

• Damp patches
• Mould growth
• Drop in water pressure
• Unexplained water sounds
• Sudden large bill increases

Burst pipe repairs should always be handled by a licensed plumber to prevent structural damage.

Want to know more? Check How Do I Know If My Pipes Are Leaking Underground?

Faulty Hot Water Systems

If your hot water system is leaking from the relief valve or tank, you may not notice unless you physically inspect it. Check around your system for:

• Pooling water
• Rust stains
• Continuous dripping from overflow pipes

Hot water leaks not only waste water but also increase energy bills.

How to Check If You Have a Water Leak

Here’s a simple step-by-step test:

1. Turn off all taps and water appliances.
2. Take a photo of your water meter reading.
3. Wait one hour without using any water.
4. Recheck the meter.

If the reading has changed, you likely have a leak somewhere in the system.

When Should You Call a Plumber?

Call a licensed Adelaide plumber if:

• Your meter test shows movement
• You cannot locate the leak
• You suspect a burst or underground pipe
• Your toilet continues running
• You notice damp walls or floors
• Your water bill has doubled without explanation

The earlier you fix the issue, the less damage and cost you face.

Can Ignoring High Water Usage Cause Bigger Problems?

Yes.

Ongoing leaks can cause:

• Structural damage
• Foundation issues
• Mould growth
• Timber rot
• Increased insurance complications
• Higher long-term repair costs

A small drip today can become a major repair tomorrow.



Need Help With High Water Bills in Adelaide?

If your house is using more water than usual and you are not sure why, our licensed plumbers can help.

At Best Plumbing Adelaide, we provide:

• Leak detection
• Toilet repairs
• Burst pipe repairs
• Hot water system repairs
• Irrigation fault diagnosis
• General plumbing inspections

We proudly service Adelaide, including the Northern Suburbs, Southern Adelaide and some regional areas.

Don’t ignore a spike in your water bill. Contact Best Plumbing in Adelaide and let’s find the cause before it becomes a bigger problem. Call (08) 8261 0165 now to book an inspection with a licensed local plumber.