How to Handle High Water Bills? If your water bill is excessive, you may not be living a water efficient lifestyle. Instead, you might have a plumbing system problem. Even a tiny leak in a pipe can dramatically alter your water usage. To figure out which causes your water bill, check your meter and water bill to find the root cause of your water problem. Once you find the culprit, work on changing your bad habits to reduce your water consumption.

Common causes of high water bills

There are many reasons that you might be receiving a high water bill. Keeping a log of your water use can help you notice any unusual patterns in your bills. Depending on how much water you use, you may have an underground pipe break that requires extensive repair work. Or, your water bill might simply be an indication of an activity that is causing the water to use more than usual. Whatever the case, you should consult a plumber to determine the root cause.

In addition to these common causes, you can also look for changes in your lifestyle. Whether you’ve recently had a baby, installed new appliances, or started a new gym, a high water bill could be indicative of a problem with your plumbing system. You can also eliminate bad habits that are wasting water, such as letting your faucet run when brushing your teeth, shaving your legs, or taking a full bath.

Checking for leaks

Leaks are one of the most common reasons for high water bills, and they can cause your consumption to spike out of proportion. While some leaks are small and hidden, most require a little detective work. If you’re experiencing a sudden increase in your water bill, there’s a good chance you have a toilet leak, which can waste hundreds of gallons of water daily. Luckily, identifying toilet leaks is a simple and inexpensive process.

Leaks can also affect your plumbing system. Water lines that connect to your appliances are notorious for leaking, and leaks around them can drive your bills sky-high. If you suspect a leak, call a plumber to investigate. The appliance itself may be causing the problem, or it may be something else altogether. In either case, it’s vital to check your appliances and water lines for leaks before you call a plumber.

Getting a courtesy consumption adjustment

Getting a courtesy consumption adjustment to manage your high water bills may be the best option for you if you have recently experienced a water leak. You can request a leak adjustment for up to two of your bills, as long as your account meets the necessary criteria and includes the required documents. If you have not received your adjustment yet, do not worry. Fountain Valley provides assistance to residents who have experienced leaks that have led to high water bills. To request a leak adjustment, you must first identify the leak and submit the form within 30 days. If you have received two of these affected bills in a row, you can request an additional adjustment.

Once your account has been active for 12 months, you may be eligible for a courtesy consumption adjustment. This adjustment will reflect the amount of water that you used above the normal amount. However, this adjustment will not reduce your bill to its normal amount. This adjustment will only apply to water you have wasted, and not to the water you used to replace damaged pipes or fixtures. Generally, it is around 30 percent of the high water bill.