Guide · 3 steps · ~2 min
High bill — but no leak?
When the meter is quiet, interrogate rates, sewer, and outdoor schedules.
If your water bill is high but you can't find a leak, the usual causes are a longer billing period, seasonal outdoor use, a rate-tier jump, sewer charges based on winter usage, or an estimated meter read that's now catching up. Compare gallons per day (not bill totals) against the same month last year before assuming the meter is wrong.
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Step 1
Confirm the leak screen really passed
Overnight no-use + toilets. “I don’t hear dripping” is not a test.
Meter test -
Step 2
Compare units and rates MoM
Flat use + higher $ → rate/fee/sewer story. Higher use + clean indoor tests → outdoor or occupancy.
Compare bills -
Step 3
Interrogate irrigation timing
Outdoor can be 30%+ of household use nationally and much higher in dry climates. Clock-based controllers waste water; weather-based / WaterSense controllers can cut irrigation sharply.
Irrigation timer spike
Lock in the savings with the next step below.
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