Is That High Water Bill a Leak? Here's How to Find Out

Jarrid Perry
Sep 19
2 min read

Have you opened your water bill lately and thought, “There’s no way we used that much water!”If your bill is suddenly higher than normal, you might have a hidden water leak in your home. Even small leaks can waste thousands of gallons of water every month, and cost you big time. The good news? There are a few simple steps you can take to check before calling in the pros.

1. Start with Your Water Meter

One of the easiest ways to test for a hidden leak is at your water meter:

Turn off all faucets and appliances inside and outside the house.
Go to your water meter and see if the leak indicator (a small dial or triangle) is moving.
If it’s spinning when no water is being used, you probably have a leak.

2. Listen for Running Water

Walk through your home and listen closely. Common culprits are:

Toilets: a running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons a day.
Faucets: even a slow drip adds up quickly.
Walls or floors: sometimes you’ll hear a faint hissing or trickling sound.

3. Check for Damp Spots or Musty Smells

Leaks don’t always show up as standing water. Signs include:

Damp drywall, bubbling paint, or warped flooring.
Wet spots in the yard where there shouldn’t be any.
Musty odors, which can signal hidden moisture and mold.

4. Don’t Forget the Outdoors

Irrigation systems and outdoor spigots are notorious for sneaky leaks. Walk your yard and look for:

Soft or muddy patches of ground.
Sprinkler heads that dribble when turned off.

When to Call a Pro

If you’ve done these checks and still aren’t sure, don’t wait. Professional leak detection uses advanced tools to pinpoint the problem without tearing up your home. At American Plumbing Company, we help families in Bryan, College Station, and surrounding areas find and fix leaks quickly—before they turn into major damage.

💧 Bottom Line: A sudden spike in your water bill is often your home’s way of telling you something’s wrong. Take a few minutes to check, and if you suspect a leak, give us a call. We’ll help you protect your home, your wallet, and your peace of mind.

📞 Call us today at (979) 324-7611 or schedule online at AmericanPlumbingCompany.net.