If your water bill suddenly spikes — and your usage habits haven’t changed — your plumbing system could be the culprit. Hidden leaks, aging fixtures, or inefficient appliances can waste hundreds (or even thousands) of gallons of water each month without you noticing.

At Five Star Service Pros, we help Boise-area homeowners uncover and repair the plumbing issues that lead to rising utility costs. Here are seven of the most common water-wasting problems we see in homes across Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Nampa, and Caldwell — and what to do about them.

Hidden Leaks Behind Walls or Underground

Small, undetected leaks can quietly waste water 24/7. These often occur in walls, floors, slab foundations, or buried pipes.

What to look for:

• Unexplained wet spots or musty odors
  
• Foundation cracks or mildew growth
  
• A water meter that moves when no water is running
  
  

What to do:
Schedule a professional leak detection service. We use non-invasive tools to pinpoint hidden leaks before they cause major damage.

Running Toilets

A running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day — often due to a faulty flapper, worn flush valve, or fill valve issue.

What to look for:

• Constant trickling sounds after flushing
  
• Movement in the bowl when the toilet hasn’t been used
  
• Higher water bills despite normal usage
  

What to do:
Replace the flapper or fill valve, or schedule a repair. A toilet tune-up is quick, affordable, and can drastically reduce water waste.

 

Dripping Faucets

Even a slow drip — one per second — can waste over 3,000 gallons per year.

What to look for:

• Drips from kitchen or bathroom faucets when turned off
  
• Corrosion or wear around handles or spouts
  

What to do:
Replace worn washers or cartridges. Consider upgrading to water-efficient fixtures if your current ones are outdated.

 

Leaky or Faulty Irrigation Systems

Outdoor irrigation systems are a major source of seasonal water waste, especially if they’re old or poorly maintained.

What to look for:

• Soggy patches in the yard or water pooling near sprinkler heads
  
• High water bills during spring/summer
  
• Sprinklers that continue running after being shut off
  

What to do:
Inspect irrigation zones regularly and repair leaks, cracked fittings, or faulty timers. Consider installing a smart irrigation controller.

 

Water Heater Leaks or Sediment Buildup

A leaking or inefficient water heater can waste both water and energy — especially if it hasn’t been maintained.

What to look for:

• Water pooling around the base of the tank
  
• Lukewarm or inconsistent water temperature
  
• Popping or rumbling noises (indicates sediment buildup)
  

What to do
Flush the water heater annually and check the pressure relief valve. Replace old water heaters that show signs of rust or cracks.

High Water Pressure

While high pressure might seem like a luxury, it puts excess strain on your pipes and fixtures — leading to leaks and excessive water flow.

What to look for:

• Banging pipes when turning faucets on or off
  
• Premature wear on appliances or faucets
  
• Readings above 80 psi on a pressure gauge
  

What to do
Have a plumber test and adjust your pressure. Installing a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) can protect your entire system and reduce waste.

 

Outdated Fixtures and Appliances

Old toilets, faucets, and dishwashers use significantly more water than modern, high-efficiency models.

What to look for:

• Toilets installed before 1994 (can use up to 6 gallons per flush!)
  
• Faucets and showerheads lacking WaterSense labeling
  
• Appliances without ENERGY STAR certification
  

What to do:
Upgrade to low-flow toilets, aerated faucets, and efficient appliances. These replacements can pay for themselves quickly through monthly savings.

 

How to Lower Your Water Bill and Protect Your Plumbing

If you’ve ruled out lifestyle changes, chances are your plumbing is to blame for your high water bill. The good news? Most of these issues are preventable — or fixable with a quick service visit.

🛠️ Five Star Service Pros offers:

• Leak detection and pipe repair
  
• Toilet and faucet repairs or upgrades
  
• Water pressure diagnostics and adjustments
  
• Water heater maintenance and replacement
• Full plumbing inspections with upfront pricing

 

Serving Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Garden City, Nampa, and Caldwell

We help Treasure Valley homeowners uncover water waste, protect their plumbing systems, and reduce their monthly utility bills. Let us help you do the same.

📞 Call (208) 260-1765
🌐 Visit fivestarservicepros.com to schedule your plumbing inspection.