A high sewer bill is almost always tied to increased water consumption. Since municipalities typically can't measure the exact wastewater leaving your home, they estimate it based on how much water you use.
Since sewer charges are often based on the amount of water used, any rise in your water consumption can directly impact your sewer costs. Activities like filling a swimming pool, watering your lawn more frequently, or having guests over for extended periods can all lead to increased water and sewer charges.
Since sewer charges are based on how much water you use, a few simple changes can make a big difference and help you start saving right away.
Activities like long showers, frequent laundry loads, or irrigation can all lead to higher water and sewer charges—especially if your fixtures aren't designed for efficiency. Older toilets, for example, can use up to 5 gallons per flush, compared to the 1.28 gallons modern models use.
Actually, it is not unusual across the country for a sewer bill to be higher than the corresponding water bill. As environmental regulations have become more and more stringent over the past few decades, the costs of treating waste water to required levels have risen substantially.
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.
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. Some leaks are easy to find, such as a dripping faucet or running toilet.
The primary reason why a sewer bill is so high is because of leaks somewhere in the plumbing, usually in a toilet. Leaks may also happen from the water heater, an outdoor faucet, or even the sewer pipes themselves.
Showers: Longer or more frequent showers, especially with guests, can significantly increase water use. A single 10-minute shower can use 20–50 gallons.
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.
A 10-minute shower typically uses 15 to 25 gallons (57 to 95 liters) of water. The exact amount depends on your showerhead's flow rate:
Some common causes of high water bills include:
In the average home, the appliances and fixtures that use the most water are the toilet, washing machine, and shower. Together, these three account for the vast majority of indoor household water consumption.
Use less water and save on your sewer bill
Tree roots, pipe corrosion, shifting soil, and grease or debris clogs are common causes of common sewer line problems.
A typical toilet leak at 1/4 gallon per minute will waste over 10,800 gallons each month. This wasted volume will more than double the average water/sewer bill.
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.
A 2,000-square-foot house typically uses between 900 and 1,200 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per month, which breaks down to about 30 to 40 kWh per day and roughly 10,800 to 14,400 kWh annually.
The "3-minute shower rule" is a widely recommended dermatologist tip that involves applying moisturizer to damp skin within three minutes of stepping out of the shower. This "magic window" takes advantage of your skin's hydration while it is still damp, sealing in moisture before it can evaporate.
A 10-minute shower typically costs between $0.25 and $0.65. This total comes from two factors: the physical water and the energy required to heat it.
Yes, flushing the toilet increases your water bill, as every flush uses fresh, potable water. However, the cost of a single regular flush is quite small, typically ranging from fractions of a cent to just a few cents.
A few common culprits are driving up your wastewater bill, and they often go unnoticed: Leaks, especially silent toilet leaks, can waste thousands of gallons without any visible signs. Old or inefficient appliances like 3+ gallon-per-flush toilets or top-load washers use far more water than modern alternatives.
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.
Water Rates: Cover the cost of treating, pumping, and delivering clean water to your home. Water Rates: First 1,000 gallons = $12.25, after the first 1,000 gallons, the rate is $8.18 per 1,000 gallons. Sewer Rates: Cover the collection and treatment of wastewater from your property.