TroubleshootingUpdated July 16, 2026
A sudden jump in your water bill gets your attention. For Des Plaines homeowners, this usually points to hidden leaks or wasted water somewhere in the house. Even small drips add up fast, and unnoticed problems can cost hundreds if left unchecked. Our plumbing team sees these situations all the time, especially in neighborhoods with older pipes and diverse home ages. Knowing where to look and what to check saves money and prevents bigger headaches down the line.
Common Reasons for Higher Water Bills
Most unexplained water bill spikes come from leaks you can't always see. The causes vary depending on your home's plumbing age and condition. For single-family homes built decades ago, we often find worn-out supply lines, toilet valve failures, or slow leaks hiding behind walls or under slabs. In newer builds and multi-unit properties, fixture leaks and faulty connections can also waste water.
- Toilet flappers or fill valves letting water run constantly
- Leaky supply lines under sinks, behind washers, or at the water heater
- Pinholes or cracks in copper or galvanized pipes
- Outdoor hose bibs or irrigation lines left on or cracked by the winter freeze
- Basement foundation seepage raising humidity and masking plumbing leaks
Des Plaines draws its water from Lake Michigan, and the supply is moderately hard. Mineral buildup in pipes and fixtures sometimes increases the risk of cracks or failed seals, especially where older plumbing meets newer repairs.
How Clay Soils and Local Conditions Affect Leaks
Our local clay soils and the moderate water table make basement seepage a familiar issue in Des Plaines. Homes near the Des Plaines River or in low-lying parts of town can see water intrusion that mimics indoor plumbing leaks. Also, freeze-thaw cycles each winter stress pipes, leading to bursts or slow leaks below ground or in crawl spaces. In houses with a sump pit and pump, we check for overflows or stuck float switches that might create hidden damp areas.
Many area homes combine older piping, like galvanized or cast iron, with newer copper or PEX. Pipe transitions can be weak spots. We often see corrosion or small leaks at these joints, especially if the water heater anode rod hasn't been checked in years. For a closer look at sump systems protecting against basement water, see our Sump Pump Services page.
DIY Checks Before Calling In the Pros
There are a few things you can do before calling our crew. These steps can help narrow down if the spike is from indoor use, a hidden leak, or something outside:
- Listen for running water in toilets when no one is using them, worn flappers are a classic culprit.
- Check for damp spots under sinks, behind appliances, and around your water heater. Even a slow drip will raise your bill.
- Inspect outdoor hose faucets and irrigation lines, especially in spring after a freeze.
- Review recent water heater performance. If it's leaking or cycling on and off too often, you lose both water and energy. Our Water Heater Services page explains warning signs to watch for.
- If you have a water meter, check it during a period when no one is using water. If it keeps spinning, you have a hidden leak.
Even if you don't see water on the floor, pay attention to musty smells or mold near walls and floors. These can point to leaks inside walls or under concrete slabs.
When Professional Leak Detection Makes Sense
Some leaks are easy to spot, but others require the tools and experience of a trained plumber. If you've checked the basics and your water bill is still too high, it's time for a professional inspection. Our team uses acoustic sensors and pressure testing to locate leaks in crawl spaces, under slabs, and even behind finished walls. Clay soils in Des Plaines make slab leaks tricky because water can migrate before surfacing. Hidden leaks also cause foundation problems if left unchecked.
Mechanical parts like supply valves, shutoffs, and flex lines are all prone to wear. We often find that a slow drip at a supply line or an unnoticed toilet valve can waste thousands of gallons a month. For leaks at main shutoff valves, or problems with aging pipes throughout the home, read about our Pipe Repair & Repiping services.
Preventing Future Bill Surprises
Leak prevention doesn't have to be complicated. Simple steps like inspecting fixtures and checking under sinks every few months go a long way. Annual plumbing inspections catch most issues before they become expensive. We also recommend occasional drain line cleaning, since clogs can back up water and create pressure on pipes, learn more about this on our Drain Cleaning page.
For owners of older homes or properties near the river, watch for signs of main water line leaks in the yard or sidewalk. Soggy patches or unexplained puddles in dry weather can point to a supply line issue. If you're seeing these, our Leak Detection & Repair page describes our process for pinpointing the source and making permanent fixes.
If your water bill has spiked and the cause isn't obvious, our plumbers can help. Call us at 224-257-7145 for thorough leak detection and honest repairs in Des Plaines homes of any age.