Leading Causes For A High Water Bill
Shocked by Your Water Bill? Here’s What Central Coast Homeowners Should Check

There’s nothing quite like the "bill shock" of opening your latest water rates from Central Coast Council only to find a sudden, unexplained spike in your water usage.
If your habits haven't changed, you haven't filled a pool or had extra guests staying over, a high water bill is usually a red flag for a hidden plumbing issue. At Clays Plumbing, we help families from Woy Woy to Wyong track down these "invisible" money-drainers.
Here is your checklist of what to look for when your water bill starts climbing.
1. The "Silent" Runner: Leaking Toilets
A leaking toilet is the #1 cause of high water bills on the Central Coast. Often, you can’t even hear the leak. If the internal seal (flapper) or inlet valve is worn, water trickles constantly from the tank into the bowl.
- The Test: Put a few drops of food colouring into the toilet tank (don't flush!). Wait 15 minutes. If the colour appears in the bowl, you have a leak that could be wasting hundreds of litres a day.
2. Dripping Taps and Showerheads
It looks small, but a single tap dripping once per second can waste over 10,000 litres a year. On the Coast, our salty air can sometimes lead to faster corrosion of outdoor garden taps. Check your kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and garden taps for any signs of moisture.
3. Hidden Pipe Leaks (The Invisible Threat)
Not all leaks leave a puddle. On the Central Coast, many homes are built on sandy soil or clay, which can shift and cause underground pipes to crack.
- Look for: Patches of unusually green grass in your yard, damp spots on your driveway, or a musty smell inside cupboards.
- The Meter Test: Turn off every tap and appliance in the house. Go out to your water meter. If the dial is still spinning, water is escaping somewhere in your line.
4. Hot Water System Relief Valves
Your hot water unit has a Pressure Temperature Relief (PTR) valve. It’s normal for this to drip slightly while the unit is heating, but if it’s running constantly, it’s a sign the valve has failed. This doesn't just waste water; it wastes the energy used to heat it, hitting your wallet twice.
5. Faulty Irrigation and Timers
With our beautiful Central Coast gardens, many of us rely on automatic irrigation. A cracked poly-pipe underground or a solenoid valve that doesn't close properly can leak for weeks before you notice. Regularly inspect your sprinkler heads and check that your timer hasn't been reset by a power outage.
How to Lower Your Water Bill (And Keep It Down)
Once we’ve fixed the immediate problem, Clays Plumbing recommends these proactive steps to keep your Central Coast Council bills under control:
- Upgrade to WELS-Rated Fixtures: Swapping old showerheads for 3-star WELS-rated models can save a family of four significant amounts on their annual bill.
- Install a Pressure Limiting Valve: As mentioned in our Water Hammer guide, high pressure causes leaks. A PLV protects your whole home.
- Annual Maintenance Plumbing Check: A quick "health check" once a year by a licensed plumber can catch a pinhole leak before it becomes a burst pipe.
Received a "High Usage" Notice?
Central Coast Council often sends out "high usage" letters if they notice your meter reading is significantly higher than the same period last year. If you’ve received one of these, don’t wait. Clays Plumbing offers professional leak detection services across the Central Coast. We use specialised equipment to find leaks behind walls and underground without digging up your yard.
Stop pouring money down the drain.
Are you looking for an expert plumber in your local area? Contact us today
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