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Last Revised: 3/20/2025
Do you hold your breath every time you open your water bill? Are you left scratching your head month after month, searching for answers about why it’s so high? If rising water bills have become a source of frustration, it’s time to rethink how you use water in your house.
Most of us unintentionally waste far more water than we realize, however there’s good news: the reasons this happens aren’t a secret.
Once you understand why your bills are getting higher, lowering them becomes easier than it may seem at first. For over 75 years, Mattioni has been helping homeowners address their water bills and sharing strategies to lower them. We’ve found that awareness of the issue is the most critical step in the process.
If you’re searching for answers to your water bill questions, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll take a close look at the most common ways that we waste water in our home, giving you actionable insight into your water usage. Let’s start with a closer look at where water is most frequently used in the home, before diving into the biggest sources of wasted water.
Where is Water Used Most?
Most of the water used in a typical home goes toward just a few key activities. Bathrooms are the biggest culprits, with toilets and showers alone accounting for 44% of household water use. Washing clothes (17%) is another major contributor, as well activities at your faucet like washing hands, dishwashing, and cooking (19%).
Perhaps not surprisingly, a leak in your plumbing system can account for as much as 12% of your home’s consumption. Understanding where the most water is used is the first step toward making meaningful reductions.
The 5 Biggest Household Sources of Wasted Water
1. Inefficient or Leaking Toilets & Needless Flushes
Toilets are one of the biggest sources of wasted water in our homes as most toilets use more than a gallon of water per flush (GPF). Modern high-efficiency toilets typically use between 1.28 and 1.6 gallons, a significant reduction from older models which sometimes use over 5 gallons.
Each additional time you flush something down the toilet instead of using a trash bin, your water usage unnecessarily increases by at least a gallon.
Slow and silent leaks inside the toilet tank can also waste countless gallons per day if left unaddressed. If you hear noises coming from our toilet when you’re not using it, it may be a leak that needs to be repaired.
2. Long Showers & Waiting for Hot Water
Showers and bathtubs can be major contributors to waste water – just a 10-minute shower typically uses about 25 gallons. For a household of four, that totals over 36,000 gallons and an extra $200-$500 per year, depending on the flow rate of your showerhead.
Many people also waste water by taking excessively long showers or letting the water run for several minutes before stepping in, waiting for it to get hot. This habit alone can send several gallons of extra water down the drain every day.
3. Leaks in Your Plumbing System
Household plumbing systems can waste water in ways that aren’t immediately obvious. Old or corroded pipes frequently develop leaks over time, allowing water to escape in places we may not see.
Homes with excessively high water pressure also end up using more water than necessary while also placing stress on fixtures, often leading to future leaks. Without regular inspections, these issues can go unnoticed for months or even years, leading to countless gallons of wasted water.
4. Poorly Managed Irrigation Systems
Many homeowners unknowingly overwater their lawns, either by watering too frequently, for too long, or with an inefficient sprinkler system. A running garden hose can use more than 10 gallons of water per minute, which not only wastes water but may potentially deliver more water than the soil can absorb. Additionally, leaks in sprinkler systems can go undetected for weeks or longer.
At Mattioni, we don’t offer irrigation services, however our plumbers can help provide further advice and strategies to cut back your outdoor water usage.
5. High Water Pressure in Your Plumbing System
Most people don’t think about their home’s water pressure unless it’s too low, however it can be a big source of wasted water if it’s too high. Excessive water pressure not only adds to your water bill, it also puts unnecessary strain on your plumbing system, leading to leaks, pipe damage, and skyrocketing water bills.
When water pressure is too high (above 60 psi), every faucet, showerhead, and appliance in your home uses more water than needed. For instance, a high-pressure showerhead can waste dozens of extra gallons per use compared to a low-flow model.
Lower Your Water Bill Starting Today
For too long, homeowners have been overpaying for water they don’t even use. Now that you know the six biggest culprits, you have the power to take control. Start with one or two small fixes – like checking for toilet leaks or limiting dishwasher and washing machine cycles – and see the difference in your next bill.
When it comes time to replace plumbing equipment in your home, invest in high-efficiency showerheads, toilets, and low-flow faucets to see a noticeable drop in your water bill. Every small step adds up, and the sooner you make a change, the sooner you’ll see the difference – not just in your water bill, but in your home’s environmental impact.
If you’re unsure where to begin, consulting with a professional plumber for advice on sustainable water usage strategies is always a good call to get set on the right track. Schedule a consultation with one of our master plumbers by calling (610) 400-8510 or by booking an appointment online today.
Don’t wait – Check. Fix. Upgrade. Start now and breathe a sigh of relief the next time your water bill comes in the mail.
