High Water Bill Concern

If you've opened your latest water bill and nearly spit out your coffee, you're not alone. Many homeowners in Broken Arrow and across Tulsa are dealing with surprise charges that don’t seem to make sense, especially during the winter when pools and sprinklers aren’t even being used.

At Spot On Plumbing, we’ve heard from a lot of frustrated folks asking the same thing: Why is my water bill so high all of a sudden? Whether you’re worried about a water leak, a busted pipe, or something else entirely, we’re here to help break it all down.

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Water Leak

Leaks are the number one cause of a high water bill. It might sound obvious, but many water leaks go undetected for weeks or even months, especially if they’re underground or behind walls. A running toilet or a slow-dripping faucet may not seem like a big deal, but over time, they can waste thousands of gallons of water.

Some of the most common hidden leak spots include:

  • Dripping bathroom or kitchen faucets

  • Pipe burst incidents inside walls or under your foundation

  • Irrigation systems with damaged lines

  • Leaking hot water heaters

Quick DIY Tip:

Turn off all the water inside and outside your house. Then check your water meter. If it's still moving, you’re likely losing water somewhere, time to call in the pros.

Increase in Water Bill

A lot of Broken Arrow homeowners recently noticed a spike in their water bills, even higher than in the summer months when they were filling pools and watering their lawns. One reason is a rate increase that started in October. The City of Broken Arrow raised rates by $0.40, which does make a small difference.

But a 40-cent bump shouldn’t turn a $150 bill into a $400 one. That’s why it’s so important to check for the real cause. In some cases, a busted pipe under your slab or a leaky outdoor faucet could be wasting water nonstop without you realizing it. Other times, your water meter may be faulty and reading incorrectly.

Another thing to think about? Household habits. Are you taking longer showers? Have guests staying over? Running the dishwasher half full? These little things add up.

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Tips for Reducing Your Water Bill

Here are some easy ways to get that high water bill under control:

Fix Leaks Fast

  • Replace leaky toilet flappers (easy DIY fix)

  • Repair dripping faucets

  • Inspect for pipe burst damage or water spots

Be Smart with Appliances

  • Only run your dishwasher or laundry machine when full

  • Upgrade to water-efficient washers, toilets, and faucets

Outdoor Watering Smarts

  • Water in the early morning or evening

  • Use a smart irrigation system that adjusts for rainfall

  • Cover your pool to reduce evaporation

Watch Your Hot Water Heater

  • Check for leaks or signs of wear

  • If it’s over 10 years old, consider replacing it with a tankless model

  • A leaky water heater can silently waste hundreds of gallons

Test Your Water Meter

  • Turn off all water and check if the meter still moves

  • Use a bucket to measure how much water flows vs. what the meter records

And of course, if you’re not sure what’s going on, call Spot On Plumbing. Our licensed plumbers in Tulsa can inspect for hidden leaks, do water usage tests, and help prevent serious damage from things like a pipe burst or slab leak.

Water Leak

Water Usage Facts

Wondering what normal water use looks like? Here's a breakdown:

  • Average per person: About 3,000 gallons/month

  • Family of four: Around 12,000 gallons/month

  • Toilet flush: 5–7 gallons (older models), 1.5 gallons (newer ones)

  • Shower: 2–6 gallons/minute depending on showerhead

  • Tub bath: About 36 gallons

  • Outdoor watering: 5–10 gallons per minute

So if you’ve got a leaky faucet dripping once every second, that’s about 3,000 gallons wasted in a month. That’s like flushing money down the drain, literally.

Summary

High water bills can feel frustrating, especially when you’re not using more water than usual. But the truth is, there’s often an easy fix, once you find the cause. Whether it’s a hidden water leak, a busted pipe, or an old water heater that’s gone rogue, there are solutions.

If you’re noticing low water pressure, strange wet spots, or suspect you’re losing water, don’t ignore it. At Spot On Plumbing, our plumbers in Tulsa are here to help you stay on top of your home’s plumbing system. Let us find the leak, repair the issue, and help bring that high water bill back down where it belongs.

Give us a call today. We’re Your Dog’s Favorite Plumber! We are your trusted plumber with over 1,685 Google reviews.

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