A sudden spike in your water bill can feel like it came out of nowhere. One month everything looks normal, and the next month the bill jumps—sometimes by a lot. In our experience, a “mystery” high water bill is usually caused by one of two things: increased usage you didn’t notice, or a leak you can’t see.

If you’re dealing with a high water bill and you’re in North Atlanta areas like Roswell, Marietta, Smyrna, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, or Cumming, call us at Specialty Plumbing and Drain LLC. Our master plumber will help you get answers fast, and we can pinpoint hidden problems with professional leak detection and inspection. We’re a 5-star Google rated team, we provide emergency plumbing services, and when repairs are needed we can also discuss trenchless plumbing and trenchless water line repair options in qualifying situations.

First: is your water bill actually “high,” or is it estimated?

Before you assume you have a leak, check your bill for wording like:

• “Estimated read”
• “Estimate”
• “Actual read” (or similar)

Sometimes a utility company estimates usage for a month or two, then does an actual read later—and the “high bill” is a correction. If the bill is marked estimated, it’s still worth checking for leaks, but the spike may not reflect real current usage.

The most common reasons your water bill is suddenly high

Here are the top causes we see when homeowners call us about a sudden increase.

1) A running toilet (the #1 hidden water-waster)

A toilet that runs intermittently or continuously can waste a surprising amount of water—often without making obvious noise all day. Common causes:

• Worn flapper
• Fill valve issues
• Float set too high
• Chain problems causing the flapper not to seal

Quick check you can do:

• Put a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank
• Wait 10–15 minutes without flushing
• If color appears in the bowl, the toilet is leaking

If you want it fixed quickly and correctly, call us. Our master plumber can repair or replace the internal components and make sure you’re not paying for water you never used.

2) A leaking faucet or fixture (small drip, big cost over time)

A dripping faucet seems minor, but constant dripping adds up—especially if it’s hot water (because you also pay to heat it). Check:

• Kitchen faucet
• Bathroom sinks
• Tub spouts
• Showerheads (look for dripping after the shower is off)

If you see mineral buildup around a fixture or moisture that never fully dries, it may be leaking more than you think.

3) A hidden leak under a sink, behind a toilet, or in a wall

Some leaks don’t drip into plain sight—they soak into cabinets, subfloors, or drywall. Signs of a hidden leak:

• Musty smells
• Warped cabinet bottoms
• Bubbling paint
• Soft drywall
• Mold/mildew that keeps returning
• Warm spots on floors (can indicate hot water line leaks)

If you’re noticing any of these, call us. We can help locate the source and stop the damage before it becomes a bigger restoration project.

4) A leaking water heater or water heater relief valve

Water heaters can leak from:

• The tank itself (more urgent)
• Connections at the top
• The temperature/pressure relief valve
• The drain valve

Check the area around the water heater for moisture, rust streaks, or pooling water. If you see active leaking, call us immediately—this can turn into significant water damage fast, and it may require emergency service.

5) A main water line leak (often no obvious indoor signs)

A leak in the main water line (between the meter and the home) can cause a big bill increase and may not show up inside at all. Possible signs include:

• A soggy or unusually green patch of grass
• Standing water near the meter box
• Erosion or sinkholes forming
• Water sounds when nothing is running
• A noticeable drop in water pressure

Mainline leaks are one of the most important reasons to call us quickly. Our master plumber can confirm what’s happening and explain repair options, including trenchless water line repair when the situation qualifies—often reducing disruption compared to traditional digging.

6) Irrigation system leaks or misprogramming

Sprinkler systems are a common cause of “mystery” water usage spikes. Check for:

• Broken sprinkler heads
• Zones running longer than usual
• A controller that reset after a power outage
• Wet spots along irrigation lines

If your bill spikes during warmer months or right after landscaping work, irrigation is a prime suspect.

7) A slab leak (more common than people think)

A slab leak is a leak in a water line under the foundation. It can be hard to detect early, but it can drive bills up quickly. Common signs include:

• Warm spots on the floor
• The sound of running water when everything is off
• Cracks in flooring or foundation (not always)
• Sudden mildew smells
• Water pressure changes

If you suspect a slab leak, don’t wait. Call us so our master plumber can locate the leak and recommend the safest repair path.

8) Increased household usage (easy to overlook)

Sometimes the bill is high for normal reasons:

• Guests staying over
• Kids home from school
• Filling a pool or hot tub
• More laundry than usual
• Pressure washing
• New appliance usage

It’s still worth doing the leak checks below, but don’t overlook the simple explanation.

How to check for a leak fast: the water meter test

Here’s a quick, reliable test you can do before calling us (and it helps us too).

1. Turn off all water inside and outside the home
   No faucets, no toilets running, no dishwasher/laundry, no irrigation.
2. Find your water meter and look at the leak indicator
   Many meters have a small triangle or dial that moves when water is flowing.
3. Watch it for 5–10 minutes
   If it moves while everything is off, you likely have a leak.

If you confirm meter movement, call us at Specialty Plumbing and Drain LLC. Our master plumber will take it from there and help you pinpoint the source quickly.

What not to do when your water bill spikes

A few mistakes can cost you time and money:

• Don’t ignore it for “one more month” (leaks usually get worse)
• Don’t rely on chemical leak “fixes” or miracle additives
• Don’t start tearing into walls without a plan
• Don’t assume it’s the utility’s fault until you’ve done the meter test

The fastest path is diagnosis first, then the right repair.

How we diagnose a high water bill (our process)

When you call us, we’ll typically:

• Ask a few quick questions about symptoms (pressure, sounds, wet spots, toilets running)
• Perform targeted checks on common culprits
• Use professional methods to locate hidden leaks when needed
• Explain what we found in plain language and show you evidence when possible

We’re known for being professional, informative, transparent, and timely—so you’ll understand what’s happening and what your options are.

Repair options: from simple fixes to trenchless solutions

Many high-bill issues are simple (toilet rebuild, faucet repair, valve replacement). But if the problem is underground or behind finished surfaces, we’ll recommend the most practical approach.

If the issue involves underground lines, we can also discuss:

• Trenchless plumbing repair (for certain sewer/drain line situations)
• Trenchless water line repair (for qualifying water service line leaks)

Our goal is always to fix the problem with the least disruption possible—without cutting corners.

When a high water bill is an emergency

Call us for emergency plumbing services if:

• You see active flooding or standing water
• You suspect a main line break
• You hear water running constantly and can’t locate it
• You see water near electrical outlets/panels
• Your water heater is leaking significantly

Fast response can prevent major damage.

Water bill suddenly high? Call us and we’ll help you find the cause.

If your water bill is high all of a sudden, don’t guess and don’t wait. We’ll help you confirm whether it’s a leak, locate the source, and fix it the right way. Call us at Specialty Plumbing and Drain LLC to schedule service. Our master plumber and 5-star rated team are ready to help—whether you need a quick repair, leak detection, or emergency plumbing support.