Why Your Water Bill Is So High (and How to Fix It)
An LADWP bill that doubles without explanation is almost always a plumbing problem — not a rate increase. Most causes are fixable within a day once you know where to look. Start with these checks before assuming the worst.
Check Your Toilets First (Most Common Cause)
Running toilets are the #1 cause of unexplained water usage. Add a few drops of food coloring to the tank — don’t flush. If color appears in the bowl within 30 minutes, you have a silent leak through the flapper or overflow tube.
A running toilet can waste 200+ gallons per day. Fix kits cost under $20, but if replacement doesn’t stop the flow, the tank may be cracked or the fill valve needs professional adjustment.
The Water Meter Test
Turn off all faucets, appliances, and irrigation. Check your water meter — most LA homes have one near the curb or in the side yard. Note the reading, wait two hours without using water, then check again. Any movement means water is flowing somewhere in the system.
Tip: Repeat the test with the irrigation valve off separately. Sprinkler line leaks are a common summer culprit that homeowners miss.
Hidden Leaks Inside the Home
Supply lines behind walls, under slabs, and beneath sinks can leak for weeks before visible damage appears. Signs include musty smells, warm floor spots, mold on baseboards, and the sound of running water when nothing is open.
Our leak detection service uses acoustic and thermal equipment to pinpoint leaks without unnecessary demolition.
Dripping Faucets & Outdoor Hose Bibs
One drip per second wastes over 3,000 gallons per year. Check every faucet, shower, and outdoor spigot — including ones you rarely use. Worn washers and cartridge valves are inexpensive fixes that pay for themselves immediately.
Irrigation & Pool Equipment
Broken sprinkler heads, stuck valves, and pool autofill malfunctions run constantly without obvious indoor signs. Walk your yard while the system is off and look for soggy patches or hissing near valves.
When to Call a Plumber
- Meter test shows flow with everything shut off
- Bill stays high after fixing toilets and visible drips
- Warm spots, mold, or sound of running water in walls
- Water pressure dropped at the same time as the bill spike
Early detection saves money — a small supply leak under a slab costs far less to repair before it undermines your foundation. Call us for same-day leak detection if your meter test fails.
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Bill Still High After Your Checks?
Our leak detection team finds what you can't see — with upfront pricing.
