Reasons The Water Bill Is High

Common Causes For Water Bill Spikes In Niceville, FL

If you’ve opened your latest utility bill and thought, “Why has my water bill doubled?” — you’re not alone. At McCullough Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical, we talk to a lot of Niceville homeowners facing unexplained high water usage. And often, the culprit isn’t always obvious.

A sudden spike in your water bill usually means one thing: water is going somewhere it shouldn’t be. Whether it’s a hidden leak, a running toilet or even issues with your irrigation system, high water bills are often a sign it’s time to call in a plumbing professional.

Let’s break down some of the most common reasons for high water bills in Niceville homes — and what you can do about them.

1. Hidden Plumbing Leaks

A high water bill due to a leak is one of the most common — and expensive — problems for local homeowners. Leaks under the slab, behind walls or in outdoor plumbing lines can waste hundreds (or even thousands) of gallons of water without you ever seeing it.

Signs you may have a hidden leak:

• Unexplained high water usage even when you’re not home
• Damp spots on floors or walls
• The sound of running water when everything is off
• Water meter spinning when no water is being used

If you suspect a hidden leak in your Niceville home, McCullough offers expert leak detection and plumbing repair services to help pinpoint the problem fast.

2. Running Toilets

Did you know a single running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day? That’s a surefire way to send your water bill sky-high.

A toilet may run because of:

• Worn-out flapper valves
• Loose or misaligned float
• Problems with the fill valve

Toilets are often the sneaky culprit behind unexplained high water usage, especially in older Niceville homes.

3. Dripping Faucets Or Showerheads

It may not seem like a big deal, but that slow drip adds up over time. A faucet dripping once per second can waste over 3,000 gallons of water a year. Multiply that by multiple fixtures, and you’ve got a real water waster.

Good news — these are typically easy and affordable repairs McCullough can handle quickly.

4. Irrigation System Leaks

Many homes in Niceville and along the Emerald Coast have irrigation systems to keep lawns looking their best. But a broken sprinkler head or underground irrigation leak can waste huge amounts of water — especially if it runs on a timer while you’re asleep or away.

Look for:

• Wet spots in the yard
• Areas of overly green or soggy grass
• Dripping sprinkler heads

Regular irrigation system inspections can help avoid these costly surprises.

5. Seasonal Water Usage Changes

Don’t forget — sometimes your water bill really is higher because you’re using more water. Summer in Niceville means more lawn watering, filling pools or washing cars. But if your bill has doubled without a clear reason, it’s worth investigating further.

6. Old Or Failing Plumbing Fixtures

Outdated toilets, faucets, or appliances may use far more water than today’s efficient models. If your home is older or hasn’t had recent plumbing upgrades, replacing fixtures could reduce your water usage and prevent future issues.

Don’t Ignore A High Water Bill — Call McCullough For Plumbing Help In Niceville, FL

If your water bill has doubled or you’re noticing unexplained high water usage, don’t wait to get help. At McCullough Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical, we help homeowners in Niceville, FL, and surrounding areas track down leaks, repair plumbing problems and lower those frustrating utility costs.

Give us a call today — let’s get to the bottom of your high water bill and help protect your home (and your wallet).