Why Is My Water Bill So High? Common Causes & What to Do About It

May 11, 2025

Unexpected High Water Bill can be so frustrating, let us help!

It’s happened to all of us: you open your utility bill and your jaw drops. How is your water bill suddenly sky-high? Whether it’s a slow leak or something more serious, unexpected water usage usually means one thing—your plumbing system is trying to tell you something.

At Lone Star Plumbing Works, we’ve helped countless Central Texas homeowners figure out what’s behind their rising water costs. Here’s what might be going on—and how we can help you get it under control.


Common Causes of a High Water Bill

  1. Running Toilets
    This sneaky issue can waste up to 200 gallons per day. A worn-out flapper or malfunctioning fill valve can silently send your water usage through the roof.
  2. Leaky Faucets or Fixtures
    Even a drip-a-second faucet adds up over time. The average leaky faucet can waste 
    3,000+ gallons a year—that’s real money down the drain.
  3. Underground or Slab Leaks
    If you don’t see any obvious leaks but your water bill is still climbing, it could be a 
    leak under the foundation or in the main line. These are harder to spot but can cause serious long-term damage.
  4. Faulty Water Softener
    A malfunctioning softener can cycle too often or not shut off properly, using more water than necessary.
  5. Outdoor Leaks or Irrigation Problems
    Broken sprinkler heads, underground lawn leaks, or improperly set timers can lead to thousands of wasted gallons each month—especially in spring and summer.
  6. Water Pressure Too High
    Excessive pressure can cause tiny leaks throughout your plumbing system. We often find 
    failing PRVs (Pressure Regulating Valves) are to blame in hill country homes like those in Lakeway, Buda, and Dripping Springs.


How Lone Star Plumbing Works Can Help

We’re not just here to fix the symptom—we want to find the root cause. Here’s what we offer:

  • Whole-home leak inspections
  • Toilet & fixture testing and repair
  • Water pressure checks & PRV replacement
  • Camera inspections for hidden or underground leaks
  • Water softener evaluations

We’ll walk you through the findings and give you honest, no-pressure options to fix it.


Honest Work. Locally Owned. Quality Driven.

High water bill? Let’s fix that. Contact Lone Star Plumbing Works and we’ll help you track down the problem and make it right—whether it’s an easy repair or something that needs deeper digging. We serve homeowners across Austin, Buda, Round Rock, Lakeway, Dripping Springs, and beyond.


📞 Call 512-704-8680 | 📱 Text 737-355-9525
Serving Central Texas with integrity, skill, and maybe a treat for the dog.


Lone Star Plumbing Works

Your trusted partner for plumbing leak detection and water-saving repairs in Austin, TX.

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