During the summer months, many homeowners notice an uptick in their water usage and their utility bills. While some increase is expected due to watering the lawn, washing cars, or kids being home from school, a sudden or unusually high water bill in Virginia could indicate a more concerning issue: a hidden plumbing problem.

As experienced local plumbers serving Virginia Beach and surrounding neighborhoods, we’ve helped countless homeowners uncover the real reasons behind their inflated summer water bills. If your monthly water usage seems off the charts, here’s what might be going on and what to do about it.

1. Hidden Plumbing Leaks

Hidden leaks are one of the most common causes of a high water bill, and also one of the hardest to detect without professional tools. These leaks can occur behind walls, under slabs, in crawl spaces, or even in outdoor irrigation systems.

Warning Signs of a Hidden Leak

• Water meter moves even when all water is off
• Moldy smells or unexplained dampness indoors
• Unusually low water pressure
• Cracks in the foundation or walls
• Higher water bills despite no increase in usage

Even a small leak (such as a pinhole in a pipe) can waste hundreds of gallons a day. Over time, this not only drives up your utility bills but can also cause serious water damage to your property.

If you suspect a leak but can’t find any obvious signs, contact us for professional plumbing leak detection. At Blessings Plumbing, we utilize advanced diagnostic tools to quickly and non-invasively locate hidden leaks.

2. Worn-Out or Inefficient Fixtures

Outdated toilets, faucets, and showerheads are often overlooked contributors to high water bills, especially in older homes. Fixtures manufactured before the 1990s often use significantly more water than today’s efficient models.

Common Fixture Problems

• Running toilets: Can waste up to 200 gallons per day
• Leaky faucets: Even a slow drip adds up to about 3,000 gallons a year
• Inefficient showerheads: Older models use up to 5 gallons per minute

Install low-flow, EPA WaterSense-rated fixtures to reduce water usage without sacrificing performance. Our team can help you select and install high-quality fixtures designed to save water and lower your monthly bills.

3. Outdoor and Underground Leaks

Summer is when your home’s outdoor plumbing works hardest (sprinkler systems, hose bibs, and outdoor showers are all in frequent use). If any part of that system is leaking underground, it may go unnoticed for weeks or even months.

Signs of an Outdoor Leak:

• Soggy patches in your yard or garden
• Water pooling around the foundation
• Dying or overly lush grass 
• An irrigation system that never seems to shut off

Tree roots can also grow into underground pipes, causing cracks or blockages. Over time, this leads to major water loss and damage.

It’s recommended to have your irrigation system inspected at least once a year. At Blessings Plumbing, we can evaluate your outdoor system for leaks, broken sprinkler heads, or cracked underground pipes.

4. Slab Leaks

Homes built on concrete slabs are vulnerable to water leaks occurring in pipes underneath the foundation. These can be caused by shifting soil, corrosion, or poor pipe installation.

Slab Leak Red Flags:

• A sudden spike in your water bill
• Warm spots on your floor
• The sound of water running beneath your home
• Unexplained cracks in walls or baseboards

Slab leaks are particularly urgent because they can compromise your home’s structural integrity if left untreated. If you suspect a slab leak, don’t wait. Call a plumbing professional in Virginia Beach. 

5. Seasonal Behavior Changes Can Mask Problems

It’s important to remember that seasonal changes in behavior. House guests staying over, watering the lawn daily, or kids home for summer break can camouflage underlying plumbing problems. For example, an already-leaking toilet might go unnoticed because higher water use seems “normal” during the summer. Likewise, you may not notice a dripping outdoor spigot while you’re running sprinklers daily.

Track your average daily water use using your utility provider’s online tools or apps. If your usage seems high even during weeks of low outdoor activity, it could be a sign of an undetected plumbing issue.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

If your water bill is unusually high and none of your daily habits have changed, it’s time to call in the pros. Blessings Plumbing has decades of experience helping homeowners identify and fix summer plumbing issues of all types.

We offer:

• High-tech plumbing leak detection
• Fixture replacement and upgrades
• Outdoor system inspections
• Pipe repair and repiping services
• Transparent, up-front pricing

Proudly Serving Virginia Beach and Surrounding Areas

At Blessings Plumbing, we’re proud to serve neighborhoods throughout Virginia Beach, including Lynnhaven, Kempsville, the Oceanfront, Princess Anne, Pungo, Dam Neck, Kings Grant, and more. 

Our skilled team is familiar with the unique plumbing challenges of the region, from sandy soil that affects underground pipes to salt air that can corrode fixtures. When you work with Blessings Plumbing, you're getting more than a plumber; you’re getting a partner who knows your community.

Stop Guessing. Start Saving.

Don’t let a high water bill in Virginia go unchecked. Unseen plumbing issues can drain your wallet and damage your home. Let the pros at Blessings Plumbing inspect your system and deliver lasting solutions to your summer plumbing concerns.

Call us today at 757-425-7790 to schedule your inspection, or request service online.