Why Your Water Bill Suddenly Spiked in Plano: Hidden Plumbing Causes Homeowners Miss

MRC Plumbing Solutions – Serving North Texas
5 days ago
3 min read

Cracked brick wall leaking water, water meter on wet ground by houses, and open toilet tank with clear water in a tiled bathroom.

most cases, higher usage means water is escaping somewhere in or around your home—often out of sight. Many of the most expensive plumbing problems don’t show visible signs until the bill arrives.

At MRC Plumbing Solutions, we regularly help Plano homeowners identify hidden plumbing issues that quietly waste water and lead to costly repairs if ignored.

Common Hidden Reasons for High Water Bills in Plano Homes

Slab Leaks Beneath the Foundation

One of the most serious causes of unexplained water usage is a slab leak. Because many Plano homes are built on concrete slabs, a leaking pipe underneath the foundation can run nonstop without visible damage at first.

Warning signs may include:

Warm or damp areas on floors
The sound of running water when fixtures are off
Cracks in tile or flooring
A sudden spike in your water bill

If left untreated, slab leaks can damage flooring, foundations, and structural components.

Learn more about slab leak detection and repair:https://www.dfwplumber.net/slab-leak

Underground Yard or Main Water Line Leaks

Not all leaks happen inside the home. A cracked main water line or underground pipe can leak continuously without surfacing, especially in North Texas soil.

Signs homeowners often miss:

Unusually green or soft areas in the yard
Muddy patches during dry weather
Reduced water pressure indoors

Professional leak detection is often required to locate these issues accurately.

See our leak detection services:https://www.dfwplumber.net/leak-detection

Toilets That Quietly Run All Day

A running toilet is one of the most common—and overlooked—causes of high water bills. A worn flapper or failing fill valve can allow hundreds of gallons of water to pass through daily without making noise.

Simple test:

Add food coloring to the toilet tank
Wait 15 minutes without flushing
If color appears in the bowl, the toilet is leaking

These repairs are usually inexpensive compared to the cost of wasted water.

Aging Pipes in Older Plano Homes

Many Plano neighborhoods built in the 1980s and 1990s are now experiencing issues with aging plumbing systems. Small pinhole leaks inside walls or ceilings may never surface but still increase water usage month after month.

Undetected leaks can lead to:

Mold growth
Drywall and insulation damage
Wood rot and long-term structural issues

High Water Pressure or Failed Pressure Regulator Valve

Excessively high water pressure forces more water through fixtures than intended and accelerates pipe wear. A failing pressure regulator valve (PRV) can cause widespread water waste without obvious leaks.

Pressure testing is recommended if you’ve experienced repeated plumbing failures or unusually high usage.

How to Check for a Hidden Leak at Home

You can perform a basic check before calling a plumber:

Turn off all faucets, appliances, and irrigation
Locate your water meter
Watch the small leak indicator
If it moves, water is flowing somewhere

If the meter moves, a professional inspection is recommended.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

If your water bill increased and no obvious issue is found, delaying service often leads to more damage and higher repair costs. Professional diagnostics allow plumbers to locate leaks accurately without unnecessary demolition.

View our full list of plumbing services:https://www.dfwplumber.net/