The U.S. EPA's WaterSense program says household leaks can waste nearly 10,000 gallons of water a year in an average home, and that 10% of homes have leaks wasting 90 gallons or more a day. In Lakewood, the most common culprits are running toilets, dripping faucets and hose bibs, irrigation leaks, and hidden supply-line leaks, including slab leaks in older homes.
Start with the meter
Turn off all water use and watch the meter's leak indicator for 15 to 30 minutes. If it moves, something is leaking. Next, close the main shutoff at the house. If the meter still moves, the leak is in the buried line between the meter and the house. See high water bill troubleshooting and the EPA WaterSense Fix a Leak guidance.
Common leaks and fixes
| Leak | How to spot it | Typical fix |
|---|---|---|
| Running toilet | Dye test: color in bowl without flushing | Flapper or fill valve, see toilet repair |
| Dripping faucet | Visible drip from spout | Cartridge or washer, see faucet repair |
| Hose bib | Drip at spout or handle | Washer, packing or new bib |
| Irrigation | Wet spots, broken heads | Valve or line repair |
| Hidden supply line | Meter moves, warm floor, damp spots | Leak detection |
Not sure what you need? Talk it through by phone.
Call (708) 350-9399Hidden leaks in Lakewood homes
Many Lakewood homes were built on slabs in the early 1950s, with water lines in or under the concrete, per the city's history. Hot-water slab leaks often show up as warm floors. See slab leaks in Lakewood tract homes.
City and utility resources
The City of Lakewood water services page covers conservation and lists both providers. Golden State Water serves homes east of the river and has its own programs. Your provider can also show your usage history, which helps you spot when a leak started.
Outdoor water
Lawn watering is often the largest household water use. Check sprinkler heads after mowing, fix broken lines quickly, and water early or late in the day. Lakewood's parks, such as Bolivar Park, show the city's own approach: its water report notes that recycled water irrigates many public sites.
When to call
Call when the meter test shows a leak you can't find, when water is coming from a wall, ceiling or floor, or when a fixture repair is beyond what you want to do yourself. Fixing leaks early protects your home as well as your bill. For pipe-related leaks, see galvanized pipes.
When should you call a plumber about this?
Call when you see active leaks, water damage, sewage, repeated clogs, low pressure across the house, or anything involving gas. Call too when a job needs a permit, or when you're buying a home and want an inspection before you close. Describe what you've noticed, the home's age and your address or cross streets. You'll hear on the call whether your address and job are covered.
How was this guide researched?
This guide was written for Lakewood, California homeowners and checked against the sources below on November 11, 2026. Rules and prices change, so confirm anything important with the agency or provider. See our editorial policy.