Yes, a broken water heater can directly cause a high water bill. The most common culprit is a failed Temperature and Pressure (T&P) relief valve or a rusted, cracked tank leaking water continuously. If the heater is leaking, it wastes water directly and can cause spikes in both water and energy costs.
A Malfunctioning Water Heater
Your water heater is also a potential source of a high water bill. For example, the pressure relief valve, or T&P valve, could fail and allow water to continuously leak out. Alternatively, the tank itself could corrode and develop a leak over time.
An unusually high water bill is most often caused by a leak or change in water use. Some common causes of high water bills include: A leaking toilet, or a toilet that continues to run after being flushed, most common. A dripping faucet; a faucet drip can waster 20 gallons or more of water a day.
Signs a Water Heater is Going Bad
Average monthly water bill
The average water bill in the U.S. is $49 per month, with most bills falling between $40 and $60 per month. However, monthly water bills range from $15 to $100+, depending on the household size, water usage, and location. A typical family of 4 uses over 300 gallons of water per day.
What is Average? The water industry estimates that an average person uses 3,000 gallons of water monthly, so a family of 4 would use 12,000 gallons for bathing, cooking, washing, recreation and watering. But a lot of factors come into play when calculating average use.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a full bathtub requires about 70 gallons of water, while taking a five-minute shower uses 10 to 25 gallons. You might argue that very few people fill the tub to the top, but a simple calculation shows that either way, baths use more water.
Traditional tank water heaters last 8 to 12 years, while tankless models typically last 15 to 20 years. Lifespans vary greatly depending on water quality, unit design, and whether you perform regular maintenance like flushing the tank and checking the anode rod.
Electric vs. Gas Safety Limits: With electric water heaters, minor external leaks may allow brief continued use, provided water isn't contacting any electrical components. For gas heaters, any gas smell or pilot light issues demand immediate shutdown and professional assessment.
Water leaks are perhaps the most common type of water heater issue you'll face. Any water heater will start to leak eventually, as by nature water will eventually corrode your tank and create microscopic cracks or fractures. However, this isn't always a sign that your tank is what's leaking.
Toilet and faucet leaks
The most common cause for a high water bill is running water from your toilet. A continuously running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons a day or more depending on the volume flow down the drain.
To find a hidden water leak, start with the water meter test: turn off all indoor and outdoor water sources, then check if your water meter is still moving. If it is spinning, document the reading, wait 2 hours without using water, and check it again to confirm an active leak.
leaks on your internal pipe work are likely the reason for your increased water bill. We recommend fixing any leaks you find around your home. Remember, you pay for all the water you use, including leaks around your home. For help fixing any leaks - you can find Water Safe approved plumbers here.
A 50% household increase in tap water use = about 5,000 gallons, or $15 on your bill. Small, localized leaks can still waste up to 6,000 gallons per month. Large leaks and underground pipe bursts are the primary cause of huge water bill increases.
A 10-minute shower typically uses 12 to 25 gallons of hot water, depending on your showerhead's flow rate and how hot you keep the water.
More people than usual staying in your home. New appliances that use more water, such as a power shower or garden sprinkler. Your previous bill being based on estimates rather than a meter reading. Leaks on pipes, toilets, taps or other appliances.
Key signs your water heater is failing include active leaks, rust-colored water, loud popping noises, and a lack of hot water. If your unit is over 10 years old or requires frequent repairs, it is likely nearing the end of its lifespan.
Yes, you can shower with a broken water heater, as long as the problem isn't an active, hazardous leak. You have two main options: take a strictly cold shower, or use a makeshift method to heat your own water.
When a water heater goes bad, it usually fails in one of two ways: a slow loss of hot water or a catastrophic tank leak. Over time, sediment buildup and internal rust degrade the unit, resulting in property damage, sudden repair bills, or expensive energy waste.
A: Traditional tank water heaters usually last 8–12 years, while tankless units often last 15–20+ years. Q: Should I replace my water heater if it's over 10 years old? A: Often yes. Even if it still works, the risk of leaks and sudden failure increases significantly after 10 years.
A new 40-gallon water heater costs between $𝟒𝟎𝟎 and $𝟐,𝟎𝟎𝟎 for the unit alone, depending on the fuel type, brand, and efficiency. When factoring in professional installation, the total typically ranges from $𝟖𝟎𝟎 to $𝟑,𝟎𝟎𝟎.
Replace your water heater if it is leaking from the tank, shows visible rust, or is over 8–12 years old. You should also consider replacement if you notice rumbling/banging noises, a drop in hot water capacity, or require frequent, costly repairs on an aging unit.
The 4-minute shower rule is a sustainability and cost-saving initiative advising people to limit their daily showers to four minutes or less. This practice helps conserve water, reduce energy used for heating, and lower household utility bills by limiting consumption to approximately 36–40 liters (roughly 9.6–10.5 gallons) per shower.
Top 5 Water Wasters in Your Home
No, you should not wash your hair every time you shower. For most hair types, washing daily with shampoo strips your scalp and hair of natural oils (sebum), leading to dryness, breakage, and scalp irritation.