Summer is all about backyard barbecues, sprinklers running, and kids on school break. It’s also the season when water bills quietly climb. Between filling pools, watering lawns, and longer showers after hot days outside, households can see their usage jump significantly from June through August.

The good news? A few smart plumbing habits, plus attention to some easy fixes, can make a real difference on your monthly statement.

Check for Leaks You Don’t Know About

Leaks are the sneakiest cause of high water bills. A single dripping faucet can waste more than 3,000 gallons a year. A running toilet can waste even more. The trouble is, many leaks go unnoticed because they’re slow or hidden behind walls.

A quick way to check for hidden leaks is to turn off everything in your home that uses water, then watch your water meter for 15 to 20 minutes. If the numbers move, water is going somewhere it shouldn’t be.

For faucets, the fix is often as simple as replacing a worn washer or O-ring. Toilets are a little trickier. Add a few drops of food coloring to the tank and wait 15 minutes without flushing. If the color shows up in the bowl, your flapper valve needs replacing. Both repairs are affordable and fast when handled by a plumber.

Give Your Water Heater Some Attention

Your water heater works year-round, but summer is actually a great time to service it. Sediment builds up at the bottom of the tank over time, forcing the unit to work harder and use more energy to heat the same amount of water. Flushing the tank once a year removes that buildup and helps the system run more efficiently.

While you’re at it, check the temperature setting. Many water heaters are set higher than necessary right out of the box. Setting yours to 120°F is enough for comfortable showers and household needs, and it can shave a noticeable amount off your energy bill each month.

Upgrade to Low-Flow Fixtures

If your showerheads and faucet aerators are more than 10 years old, they’re likely using far more water than they need to. Modern low-flow showerheads use around 2 gallons per minute, compared to older models that can use 4 or more. You won’t notice the difference in pressure, but you’ll notice it when the bill arrives.

A plumber can install new fixtures quickly, and many homeowners are surprised by how fast the savings add up over a full season of summer showers.

Be Smart About Outdoor Water Use

Outdoor watering is one of the biggest culprits behind summer bill spikes. Watering in the early morning, before the heat of the day sets in, reduces evaporation and means your lawn and garden actually absorb more of what you’re putting down. Watering at midday can waste a significant portion of the water before it ever reaches the roots.

Also worth checking: your outdoor hose connections and irrigation lines. A slow drip at a spigot or a small crack in a soaker hose can add up to thousands of wasted gallons over a summer. These are quick fixes that pay off right away.

It can also be a good idea to check for backflow issues. To learn more, check out last month’s blog! 

Consider a Whole-Home Plumbing Inspection

If your home is more than 15 to 20 years old and has never had a plumbing inspection, summer is a great time to schedule one. A professional plumber can spot early signs of pipe corrosion, slow leaks behind walls, and fixtures that are working harder than they should be. Catching problems early is always less expensive than waiting for something to fail.

Since 1946, Madsen, Inc. has helped Pennsylvania homeowners keep their homes running well and their bills under control. Our licensed plumbers handle everything from leak repairs and fixture upgrades to full system inspections. If your water bill has been higher than expected this summer, give us a call at (610) 356-4800 to schedule your plumbing inspection today. We’ll help you find where the water is going and get it back under control.