Why Is My Water Bill So High in Macon, GA?

Key Points 

• High water bills may be caused by simple issues like a running toilet or high usage, or by hidden plumbing leaks that require professional repair.
• In Macon, the average household water bill is approximately $43 per month, and is expected to rise by $6.23 per month in the next year. 
• If your water bill seems excessively high or you’ve noticed signs of water leaks, Ricky Heath Plumbing’s leak detection services can pinpoint the source of the water waste and find a solution.

How Much Are Water Bills in Macon on Average?

Have you found yourself asking, “Why is my water bill so high?” With the price of just about everything going through the roof these days, it’s more important than ever to closely examine your monthly bills and other expenses to identify wasteful spending and potentially save money. 

Macon’s utility bills may be rising, but the cost of water shouldn’t be shockingly different now than what you’re used to. So, how much are water bills on average? In Georgia, the average water bill runs at about $43 per month. Over the next few years, you can expect this cost to rise by about $6.23 per month, according to the Macon Water Authority. 

Reducing water costs can be as simple as making small adjustments or hiring a Ricky Heath plumber for repairs. Learn the most common reasons your water bill may be rising and how to solve these issues. 

Common Causes of High Water Bills

Here are nine common causes of high water bills in your area.

Running toilets

Your toilet accounts for about 30% of your indoor water use and is a major leak risk. If your toilet’s running or leaking, it can waste up to 6,000 gallons of water per month. To check for toilet problems, listen for hissing or running sounds, or add food coloring to the water in your toilet tank and check the toilet bowl after 15 minutes. If the dye shows up in your toilet bowl, there’s a leak.

Leaky faucets or shower valves

If your faucet or shower valve is leaking one drip per second, it can waste roughly 17 gallons of water a day. Make sure to visually check faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures around the house for possible leaks. This is especially true for older fixtures. Middle Georgia has high mineral content in its water, which leads to faster faucet valve wear. Upgrading can stop your shower from leaking into your basement, and help you save water and money.

Leaking washing machine or dishwasher 

Do a visual check for water or warped flooring under your dishwasher and washing machine, and check for a musty smell. A leaking appliance may cause hidden damage under the floors and in the walls that only our highly trained plumbers can detect. 

If a leak’s not the issue, you may also want to consider investing in a high-efficiency appliance. According to CNET, an ENERGY STAR-certified dishwasher can save almost 5,000 gallons of water a year.

Damage or leaks in the lateral water line

Old pipes, cracks, an invading tree root, and more can cause damage to your lateral water line, resulting in water loss. Bibb County homes on larger lots may have longer water lines that can make leaks harder to detect. Ricky Heath plumbers use specialized equipment to quickly find and fix or replace water lines.

Underground or slab leaks

The Macon region has heavy clay soil that can shift, leading to underground pipe damage and slab leaks. Our plumbers can locate the source of the leak and choose the least invasive repair or replacement method. 

Underground sprinkler system leaks

If your sprinkler system’s water lines are underground, they may also be sensitive to shifting clay soil, which can cause them to crack over time. It can be tricky to detect these underground leaks without the help of a professional plumber.

Faulty water heaters causing excess usage

High mineral content in the water can cause sediment buildup or corrosion in your hot water tank and pipes, leading to leaks, reduced heating efficiency, and other problems that increase your water use. If your water bills skyrocket, it could be a sign that your water heater is about to fail. 

Old pipes or failing fittings in older Macon homes

Older Georgian homes have aging water lines, which are more likely to cause hidden leaks, waste water, and increase your bills. Signs your old pipes need replacing include visible corrosion, low water pressure, discolored water, frequent clogs, and unexplained high water bills. 

Increased summertime water usage and bad habits

Summer irrigation spikes are common due to outdoor watering in neighborhoods like Lake Wildwood and Wesleyan Woods. Water usage typically increases in the summer when we’re washing our cars, playing with the hose, and filling swimming pools. 

Some common poor water use habits include taking long showers, overwatering lawns, doing half loads instead of full loads in the washing machine or dishwasher, and keeping the water running while brushing your teeth.

A faulty or inaccurate water meter

If you suspect a problem with your water meter, contact your water company. They’re responsible for making sure your meter is accurate. Signs of a faulty or inaccurate water meter include:

• Visible damage to the meter
• Malfunctioning shut-off valve
• Leaks at the meter
• Erratic readings 

Hidden Plumbing Problems That Lead To Bill Spikes

Dripping water behind the walls or in the ceilings, slab leaks, and underground plumbing issues can go unnoticed for a long time. They’re nearly impossible to see unless you know what you’re looking for. 

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 10% of US homes leak 90 gallons of water a day. These leaks can amount to roughly 10,000 gallons of water wasted each year. If your water bill has increased and you don’t know why, a licensed plumber can help eliminate the issue.

How To Reduce Your Water Bill

Here are a few tips on how to reduce your home’s water bills: 

• Avoid overwatering your lawn.
• Invest in high-efficiency appliances. 
• Flush the toilet less and take shorter showers.
• Lower your home’s water pressure.
• Make sure all leaks are repaired quickly. 
• Install water-saving fixtures and timers. 

When To Call a Macon Plumber About a High Water Bill

Don’t hesitate to call a local Ricky Heath plumber if your water bill has spiked and you haven’t changed your water use significantly. We provide expert leak detection services, water heater repair, and plumbing expertise to fix the problem for you as soon as possible.

Contact Ricky Heath for All Your Plumbing Needs

The trained and experienced plumbers at Ricky Heath will be more than happy to fix leaks or address any other plumbing problem you face. We offer customer-focused plumbing services 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. Contact us today to schedule service for your Georgia home.