Why Your Water Bill Suddenly Spiked (And How to Find the Plumbing Cause)
When higher water bills aren’t inflation—they’re your home trying to warn you about a plumbing problem.
Introduction
Opening your utility bill and seeing a sudden jump in your water usage is enough to make any homeowner stop in their tracks. In Cambridge, Ontario, many homeowners assume a higher water bill is caused by seasonal changes, city rate increases, or extra laundry during the summer months. While those factors can play a role, a sharp or unexplained spike is often a sign of an underlying plumbing issue.
Water doesn’t disappear on its own. If your bill increases without a clear explanation, there is usually a reason—and more often than not, it’s happening somewhere inside your plumbing system. Hidden leaks, failing fixtures, aging pipes, or malfunctioning appliances can quietly waste thousands of litres of water without obvious signs.
In this article, we’ll break down the most common plumbing-related causes of rising water bills, how to identify them, and what Cambridge homeowners can do to stop water waste before it turns into a costly repair.
1. How Much of an Increase Is Normal?
Before assuming something is wrong, it’s important to understand what counts as “normal” water usage.
A household’s water consumption can fluctuate slightly depending on factors like:
- Seasonal outdoor watering
- Guests staying in the home
- New appliances
- Increased laundry or dishwashing
However, if your bill jumps by 20 percent or more with no lifestyle change, that is rarely normal. A sudden spike is one of the most common warning signs of a plumbing issue that needs attention.
2. Hidden Leaks: The Most Common Culprit
Hidden leaks are one of the leading causes of unexplained water bill increases. These leaks occur behind walls, under floors, or underground, where they can go unnoticed for weeks or even months.
Common locations for hidden leaks include:
- Water supply lines behind drywall
- Pipes under concrete basement slabs
- Connections inside cabinets
- Outdoor water lines running to hose bibs
- Aging copper or cast iron pipes
Even a small leak can waste thousands of litres of water per month. A slow drip inside a wall may not make noise or leave visible water damage right away, but your water meter will notice.
Signs of a hidden leak can include:
- Consistently higher water bills
- Warm or damp spots on floors
- Musty smells
- Mold or mildew growth
- Water meter movement when no fixtures are running
3. Running Toilets Waste More Water Than You Think
A running toilet is one of the biggest silent water wasters in any home. Many homeowners ignore it because the toilet still “works,” but the amount of water lost can be staggering.
A faulty flapper, fill valve, or overflow tube can cause water to continuously flow from the tank into the bowl. In some cases, a running toilet can waste over 700 litres of water per day.
Common causes include:
- Worn rubber flappers
- Mineral buildup from hard water
- Improper float adjustment
- Aging toilet components
If you hear your toilet refilling randomly or running long after a flush, it’s costing you money every hour it goes unrepaired.
4. Leaky Faucets and Fixtures Add Up Fast
A dripping faucet may seem harmless, but over time it can significantly increase your water usage. One slow drip per second can waste thousands of litres annually.
In Cambridge, hard water is a common issue. Mineral buildup can wear down washers, cartridges, and seals faster, causing leaks in:
- Kitchen faucets
- Bathroom taps
- Shower valves
- Outdoor spigots
Leaks that start small often get worse, especially under higher water pressure. Ignoring them not only raises your water bill but can lead to fixture damage and water stains.
5. Underground and Outdoor Water Line Leaks
Outdoor plumbing problems are often overlooked, especially in colder climates where homeowners assume leaks only happen indoors.
Common outdoor leak sources include:
- Cracked hose bibs
- Underground supply lines
- Irrigation system failures
- Hose connections left on over winter
A cracked underground line may never surface visibly, but it can steadily leak water into the soil. This type of leak often causes dramatic bill increases without obvious signs inside the home.
6. Water Pressure Issues Can Increase Usage
High water pressure doesn’t just damage pipes—it also increases water consumption. When water pressure is too high, fixtures release more water per use, whether you notice it or not.
Signs of excessive water pressure include:
- Aggressive water flow from taps
- Banging or knocking pipes
- Short fixture lifespan
- Frequent leaks
High pressure means every shower, toilet flush, and appliance cycle uses more water than necessary. Over time, this drives up utility costs and increases wear on your plumbing system.
7. Aging Plumbing Systems in Older Cambridge Homes
Many homes in Cambridge still rely on older plumbing materials such as galvanized steel or cast iron. As these pipes age, corrosion and internal buildup restrict flow and create weak points where leaks form.
Older systems are more prone to:
- Pinhole leaks
- Cracked joints
- Internal corrosion
- Pipe collapses
Because these issues often develop slowly, homeowners may only notice the problem once their water bill increases or damage becomes visible.
8. Faulty Appliances Can Waste Water
Appliances that use water are another hidden source of waste when they malfunction. Washing machines, dishwashers, and water softeners rely on internal valves and sensors that can fail over time.
Common appliance-related water issues include:
- Washing machines overfilling
- Dishwashers leaking internally
- Water softeners stuck in regeneration cycles
- Hot water tanks leaking at the base
Because these leaks are often contained within the appliance or drain directly into plumbing lines, they can go unnoticed for long periods.
9. How to Check for a Leak Using Your Water Meter
One of the easiest ways to determine if you have a plumbing leak is by checking your water meter.
Steps:
- Turn off all water-using fixtures in your home.
- Make sure no appliances are running.
- Locate your water meter and note the reading.
- Wait 30 to 60 minutes without using any water.
- Check the meter again.
If the reading changes, water is flowing somewhere—and it shouldn’t be.
10. When to Call a Professional Plumber
Some plumbing issues are simple fixes, but others require professional equipment and experience. If your water bill remains high despite checking obvious sources, it’s time to call a licensed plumber.
Professional leak detection tools include:
- Acoustic leak detection
- Thermal imaging
- Pressure testing
- Camera inspections
Early detection can save thousands in repairs and prevent structural damage.
Final Thoughts
A sudden spike in your water bill is not something to ignore. It’s often the first warning sign of a plumbing issue that, if left untreated, can lead to costly damage and long-term problems.
Whether the cause is a hidden leak, a running toilet, aging pipes, or faulty appliances, identifying the issue early is the key to protecting your home and your wallet.
If you’re dealing with an unexplained increase in water usage, a professional plumbing inspection can provide answers—and peace of mind—before the problem escalates.