Why Is My Water Bill So High? Hidden Leaks May Be the Cause

A water bill that spikes without explanation is one of the most common reasons Los Angeles homeowners call for . Even a small pinhole leak can waste hundreds of gallons per month — and because the leak is often hidden inside a wall, under a slab, or underground, the bill may be the only clue you get for weeks.

The simplest way to confirm whether you have a leak is the water meter test:

1. Turn off all water-using appliances and fixtures inside and outside the home

2. Locate your water meter — usually in a concrete or plastic box near the street or sidewalk

3. Note the meter reading and the position of the low-flow indicator (a small triangle or dial that moves with even slight water flow)

4. Wait 30 to 60 minutes without using any water

5. Check the meter again

If the reading changed or the low-flow indicator moved, water is running somewhere in your plumbing system. If the indicator is spinning, the leak is active and continuous.

### Running toilets

A toilet that runs intermittently can waste hundreds of gallons per day. The leak is usually from a worn flapper that does not seal completely. Put a few drops of food coloring in the tank — if color appears in the bowl within 15 minutes without flushing, the flapper is leaking.

### Irrigation system leaks

An underground sprinkler line leak can run for months without being noticed — especially if it is on a timer and runs when nobody is watching. Check for extra-green patches of grass, soggy areas in the lawn, or water pooling near sprinkler heads when the system is off.

### Slab leaks

A hot or cold water line under the concrete foundation can leak continuously. Signs include warm floor spots, the sound of running water, and cracks in flooring or walls. This needs professional leak detection to locate without unnecessary demolition.

### Outdoor hose bibs and supply lines

A hose bib that drips or a supply line running to an outdoor kitchen or pool can leak steadily. Check all outdoor faucets and connections.

### Water heater leaks

A slow leak from the water heater — especially if it is in the garage or a utility closet — can go unnoticed for weeks. Check around the base of the unit and along the supply lines and pressure relief valve discharge pipe.

Call for when the meter test confirms a leak but you cannot find the source, the water bill keeps rising with no visible cause, you notice multiple signs of a hidden leak, or you have already checked toilets and visible connections and the problem persists.

A professional uses acoustic equipment, thermal imaging, and video inspection to locate the leak without opening walls or floors unnecessarily. Finding the leak early limits the repair scope — and the water bill.