High Water Bill in Lakewood, CA? Check for Leaks

A sudden jump in your water bill with no change in use usually means a leak: a running toilet, a dripping fixture, an irrigation leak, or a hidden supply-line or slab leak. The water meter test tells you quickly whether water is escaping, and where to look next.

The meter test

Turn off all water inside and out, including irrigation.
Find your meter (usually in a box near the street) and watch the leak indicator for 15 to 30 minutes.
If it moves, there's a leak.
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 underground pipe repair.

Toilet dye test

Add a few drops of food coloring to each toilet tank. If color shows in the bowl within 15 minutes without flushing, the flapper is leaking. See toilet repair and running toilet fixes.

Not sure what you need? Talk it through by phone.

Call (708) 350-9399

Other places to check

Faucets and showerheads
Hose bibs and irrigation valves
Water heater relief valve discharge
Water softener or filter systems
Warm spots on floors (possible slab leak). See leak detection.

Your water provider

Lakewood residents west of the San Gabriel River are on City of Lakewood water. East of the river (90715), Golden State Water serves homes, per the Lakewood utilities guide. Your provider can show usage history and may be able to explain bill changes. The EPA WaterSense Fix a Leak guidance has more tips.

When to call

Call when the meter test shows a leak you can't find, or when you see signs of a slab or wall leak. See fixing leaks to save water.

What should you tell the provider when you call?

Describe what you've noticed and when it started, which fixtures are affected, what you've already checked or shut off, and your address or cross streets. For water heaters, give the fuel type, tank size and approximate age from the label. For drain and sewer problems, say whether you know where your cleanout is. That helps the provider understand the likely cause and bring the right equipment. Coverage for your address is confirmed on the call.

When is it not safe to keep troubleshooting?

Stop and call if you smell gas (leave first, and call SoCalGas or 911 from outside), if water is near electrical outlets or appliances, if sewage is backing up into the house, or if a fix needs you to open a gas control, an electrical panel or a pressurized line. Don't cap or plug a water heater relief valve. If water is spreading, close the main shutoff first.

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.

Quick answers

Can a running toilet really raise my bill much?

Yes. A toilet that runs constantly can waste a lot of water every day. The dye test takes minutes.

What if the leak is before the meter?

Leaks at or before the meter belong to the water provider. Call them.

Does this guide apply outside Lakewood?

Much of it does, because the plumbing basics are the same across Southern California. But water providers, sewer agencies and permit offices differ from city to city. Bellflower has four water companies, Seal Beach runs its own water and sewer systems, and Orange County cities have their own building departments. Check the official site for your city, or see our service area pages, which list the water provider and official links for each nearby city.

How current is this information?

This page was last reviewed on November 11, 2026, and shows that date at the top. Rules, utility programs and prices change, so we link to the official or original source for each key fact, and those sources are the final word. Cost figures come from named national guides, with the update date each one showed when we checked it. If something looks out of date, confirm it with the city, your water provider or the provider on the call, and let us know by calling the number on this page.

Can I call with questions before deciding on any work?

Yes. You can call (708) 350-9399 to describe the problem and ask whether your address is covered, what a visit would involve, and how pricing works, before you agree to anything. There's no form to fill in, and your details aren't sent to a list of contractors. If the job turns out to need a permit or a specialty service, ask about that on the call too.