Why Your Water Bill Suddenly Spiked (and What to Do)

A shockingly high water bill usually means one of two things: a leak, or a change in how much water you use. Here is the quick diagnostic process plumbers follow.

Step 1: Do the meter test

Turn off every water source in the home, then watch the meter for 15 minutes. If it moves, you have a leak somewhere.

Step 2: Check the usual suspects

• Running toilets (add food coloring to the tank, and if color reaches the bowl, it is leaking).
• Dripping faucets.
• Irrigation timers stuck on, a common culprit in hot Valley summers.
• A leaking water heater base.