5 Simple Plumbing Tweaks to Lower Your LADWP Bill This Summer

Hello neighbors,
With the summer heat in full swing across Los Angeles, we’re all looking for ways to stay cool and keep our utility bills from skyrocketing. While we focus on the A/C, one of the biggest hidden costs on our LADWP bill can come from water waste.
Small leaks can add up to thousands of gallons wasted per year, but the good news is that you can often spot them yourself with just a few minutes of your time. Here is a simple checklist to help you save water and money.
1. The 10-Minute Toilet Flapper Test
A silent toilet leak is a common culprit of high water bills. To check for one, remove the tank lid and add a few drops of food coloring to the tank water. Wait for about 10 minutes without flushing. If you see any of the colored water appear in the toilet bowl, you have a leak, likely caused by a worn-out flapper that needs replacing.
2. Hunt for Faucet Drips
That steady drip... drip... drip is more than just annoying. A single faucet dripping once per second can waste over 3,000 gallons of water a year. Take a moment to check all the faucets in your home—kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room—to ensure they turn off completely.
3. Let Your Water Meter Be Your Guide
This is the best way to check for hidden leaks in your pipes. First, make sure no water is running inside or outside your house. Then, find your water meter (usually in a concrete box near the curb) and look at the dial. Many meters have a small triangle or dial that spins when water is flowing. If it's moving, you have a leak somewhere on your property.
4. Consider an Upgrade to Low-Flow Fixtures
If your home is older, your toilets and showerheads could be using much more water than necessary. Modern, WaterSense-labeled fixtures use significantly less water without sacrificing performance. Plus, LADWP often offers rebates for these types of upgrades, making it an investment that pays for itself.
5. Don't Forget Your Outdoor Spigots
Check the hose bibs on the outside of your house. A slow drip here can go unnoticed for months, especially during the dry season. Make sure they are turned off tightly and aren't leaking from the handle when in use.

Taking these small steps can make a big difference for both your wallet and our community's water supply. If you perform these checks and discover an issue you can't handle—like a leak you can't locate or if you’re interested in upgrading your fixtures—professional help is recommended.

Our team at Hi-Tech Plumbing & Services Inc. is a local Los Angeles business that has been helping homeowners with these exact issues for years. We specialize in advanced leak detection and eco-friendly plumbing solutions.

Stay cool and save water, LA!