High Water Bill? Left Wondering Why Did My Water Bill Go Up? Plumbing Causes in North Texas

If your water bill suddenly increased without any major changes in your daily routine, there’s a good chance your plumbing is using more water than you realize. Across Plano and other North Texas communities, unexpected spikes in water bills are often caused by hidden leaks, aging fixtures, or malfunctioning systems that continue to run even when you’re not using water.

Before assuming it’s a billing mistake, it’s important to understand what may be happening behind the scenes.

Common Plumbing Issues That Raise Your Water Bill

1. Hidden Leaks or Slab Leaks

Many homes in Plano, Allen, Frisco, McKinney, and surrounding cities are built on concrete slabs. When a pipe located under the foundation leaks, the water escapes continuously out of sight. You may never see standing water, but you might notice:

• A warm spot on the floor

• Moist carpet or baseboards

• Musty odors

• Cracks along walls or floors

• A sudden rise in your water bill

Slab leaks can waste hundreds or even thousands of gallons each month and require professional inspection.

2. Running Toilets

A running toilet is one of the most common and expensive causes of high water usage. A worn flapper, faulty fill valve, or stuck float can cause water to run constantly. One running toilet can waste up to 200–5,000 gallons of water per day. If you hear trickling water or the tank keeps refilling without being flushed, it needs attention.

3. Leaking Faucets and Shower Valves

In North Texas, hard water creates mineral buildup that damages seals and cartridges inside faucets and shower valves. Even a slow drip can waste a large amount of water over time. What seems minor can add up quickly on your bill if it’s left unresolved.

4. Irrigation and Outdoor Leaks

Many North Texas homes use automatic sprinkler systems. Underground cracks, broken sprinkler heads, or stuck valves can leak continuously. If your yard remains wet when it hasn’t rained, or your driveway or sidewalk stays damp, your irrigation system could be wasting water.

5. Malfunctioning Water Softeners

Because our region experiences hard water, many households use softeners and filtration systems. When these systems malfunction, they may flush water continuously down the drain. This often goes unnoticed until the water bill arrives.

6. High Water Pressure

Water pressure that is too strong can increase your usage and cause leaks behind walls or in valves. If your faucets seem unusually powerful or noisy, your water pressure may be exceeding recommended limits and causing hidden damage.

How to Check for Hidden Issues

Before calling a plumber, you can try a few simple tests:

• Turn off all faucets and appliances, then check your water meter. If it continues to move, there is a leak.

• Add food coloring to the toilet tank. If the color appears in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak.

• Look for dampness around floors, baseboards, and cabinets.

• Inspect your sprinkler system for soggy areas or constant drips.

• Listen for dripping, running water, or cycling equipment near toilets, water heaters, or softeners.

If these checks do not reveal the problem, the leak is likely hidden and requires professional detection.

Is a High Water Bill an Emergency?

A high water bill doesn’t always mean immediate danger, but it should never be ignored. A sudden increase in water usage is often a warning sign that water is escaping somewhere it shouldn’t. Ignoring the problem can lead to:

• Water damage inside walls or flooring

• Foundation issues

• Mold growth

• Higher repair costs in the future

Addressing the issue early prevents extensive and expensive damage.

Areas in North Texas Where We Commonly See High Water Usage Issues

High water bill complaints are common in:

• Plano

• Allen

• Frisco

• McKinney

• Richardson

• Wylie

• Murphy

• Sachse

• Garland

• The Colony

These communities have a high number of slab foundations, widespread irrigation systems, and hard water conditions, all of which can contribute to unexpected spikes in water bills.

High Water Bill? MRC Plumbing Solutions Can Help.

If your water bill suddenly increased and you’re not sure why, MRC Plumbing Solutions can diagnose the issue, stop wasted water, and prevent damage to your home.

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