A sudden spike in your water bill can be alarming, especially if your water usage habits haven’t changed. For many homeowners in Camas, Washington, this is a common concern. High water bills aren’t just frustrating—they’re often a sign that something’s wrong with your plumbing system.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top reasons your water bill might be climbing and how a licensed Camas plumber can help bring it back down. Spoiler alert: It’s not always about how long your showers are!
🚱 1. Hidden Leaks Can Drain Your Wallet
One of the most common—and sneakiest—causes of a high water bill is leaking pipes. According to the EPA’s WaterSense Program, household leaks waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water nationwide every year. A small drip from a faucet can waste up to 3,000 gallons per year.
Common hidden leaks include:
- Toilet flappers that don’t seal properly
- Underground irrigation lines
- Slab leaks under your home
- Water heaters or pipes inside walls
A professional plumber can conduct a thorough leak inspection using advanced equipment like acoustic sensors and thermal imaging, which can detect hidden problems without tearing open walls.
🚿 2. Inefficient Fixtures Cost More Than You Think
Do your toilets, faucets, or showerheads pre-date the 1990s? If so, you could be flushing money down the drain—literally.
Older fixtures often use 2–3 times more water than today’s WaterSense-labeled alternatives. For example, older toilets use up to 6 gallons per flush, compared to the modern standard of 1.28 gallons.
A plumber can help by:
- Replacing outdated fixtures with EPA WaterSense models
- Installing low-flow aerators and efficient showerheads
- Upgrading to dual-flush or pressure-assisted toilets
👉 Learn more about water-saving upgrades in our post: Best Plumbing Upgrades for Camas Homes in 2025
🧰 3. Faulty Water Pressure Regulators or Valves
High or fluctuating water pressure can cause pipes and appliances to wear out faster—and waste water. If your water pressure exceeds 80 psi, it can cause micro-leaks, which are small enough to go unnoticed but large enough to increase your bill.
A qualified plumber in Camas can test your home’s pressure and install a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) if needed, ensuring your plumbing system stays within safe operating levels.
🧺 4. Outdated Appliances and Fixtures
Dishwashers and washing machines are among the top water consumers in the home. If yours are more than 10–15 years old, they may be using twice the water of modern ENERGY STAR® models.
A plumber can recommend high-efficiency upgrades and ensure all connections are leak-free and properly installed.
🌧️ 5. Outdoor Water Waste
In Camas, many homeowners rely on irrigation systems or outdoor spigots to water lawns and gardens. Leaks in these systems are often invisible but contribute significantly to high water bills.
Signs of outdoor leaks:
- Wet patches or soggy spots in the yard
- Mold or mildew near foundation walls
- Unexpected spikes in usage during dry months
A plumbing professional can inspect your sprinkler lines, hose bibs, and irrigation timers to ensure your outdoor water usage is under control.
🧑🔧 How a Local Plumber in Camas Can Help
Rather than guessing the cause of your rising water bill, an experienced plumber can:
- Perform a whole-home plumbing inspection
- Use non-invasive leak detection tools
- Upgrade you to efficient WaterSense fixtures
- Test and balance your water pressure
- Provide smart plumbing solutions like leak detectors and timers
At Einstein Pros Camas, our licensed technicians are trained to detect inefficiencies, install water-saving products, and restore your system to peak performance.
We proudly serve Camas homeowners with fast, reliable, and eco-conscious plumbing services that help lower water usage—and your monthly bill.
💡 Pro Tip: Monitor Your Meter
You can do a quick leak test yourself by turning off all fixtures and appliances, then checking your water meter. If the dial keeps moving, you likely have a hidden leak. But for a full diagnosis and fix, it’s best to call the pros.
📞 Ready to Save Water and Money?
If you’re seeing unexplained spikes in your Camas water bill, don’t wait. Schedule a professional inspection with Einstein Pros Camas today.
🔧 We’ll pinpoint the issue, offer affordable solutions, and help you enjoy a worry-free plumbing system that saves water for your home—and the planet.