A bill that jumps with no change in use points to hidden water loss. We follow the clues from meter to fixtures to find where it is going.
Signs you may need high water bill leak investigation
- Bill much higher than the same season last year
- Meter dial spinning after fixtures are off
- Toilet that refills on its own
- Faucet or irrigation lines dripping unseen
How we find the leak
We read the meter, run an isolation test to split the house into zones, then narrow the leak using acoustic and thermal tools.
See the full overview in how leak detection works.
What affects the cost
Cost depends on how quickly the leak zone is isolated and how accessible the plumbing is.
Where we provide it
We provide high water bill leak investigation throughout Citrus Heights, including these neighborhoods:
- Birdcage Heights
- Sylvan Old Auburn Road
- Sunrise Ranch
- Stock Ranch
- Northwest Citrus Heights
- Cirby Ranch
- Chase
- Arcade Creek
- Park Oaks
- Sunrise Oaks
What is that leak costing you?
What is that leak costing you?
Move the slider to your estimated leak size. Most hidden leaks waste far more than people think.
Estimate only, based on the Citrus Heights Water District proposed rate of $1.35 per unit (748 gallons). Your district and rate tier may differ. Ask us for a free bill review.
Check the toilet flapper first
A worn toilet flapper is the single most common hidden water waster in a home. The flapper slowly leaks tank water into the bowl all day, the tank keeps refilling, and the meter keeps spinning. Do the dye test: drop a dye tablet or a few drops of food coloring into the tank, wait 15 minutes without flushing. If color shows up in the bowl, the flapper leaks. It is a cheap part and a quick fix, and it ends more high-bill mysteries than any other single check.
If the flapper is fine, the next suspects are the fill valve, then a slab or service-line leak. Citrus Heights Water District bills about $1.35 per unit of 748 gallons, so a leak of 200 gallons a day adds roughly 8 units a month. About $11 on the water charge alone, before sewer and fees. See our guide: why is my water bill so high in Citrus Heights?
Frequently asked questions
How do I check my meter for a leak?
Turn off all water, note the meter reading, wait 30 minutes, and check again. Any movement suggests a leak.
Could my toilet be the cause?
It is a common culprit. A dye test in the tank shows whether water is slipping into the bowl.
Why is my water bill high when I have no visible leaks?
Most high bills come from leaks you can't see: a running toilet flapper, a slab leak, or a service-line leak. Do the meter test first. Turn everything off and watch the meter. If it moves, water is escaping somewhere.
Why did my water bill suddenly double?
A sudden doubling usually means a new leak started: a toilet flapper that began running, an irrigation line break, or a supply line failure. Check toilets first with the dye test, then the meter.
What runs up a water bill the most?
A running toilet wastes the most water day after day, followed by irrigation leaks and slab or service-line leaks. One continuously running toilet can use around 200 gallons a day.
Can a water meter spin without a leak?
Rarely. Meters can fail, but almost every spinning meter with everything off means a leak. Verify with the isolation test: shut the main house valve. If the meter stops, the leak is inside the house; if it keeps moving, it's the service line.
How do I tell from the meter if I have a leak?
Turn off every fixture and irrigation zone, then watch the meter dial or low-flow indicator. Any movement means a leak. See our water meter leak test guide.
How can I lower my water bill?
Fix the leak first. No fixture upgrade beats stopping lost water. Then fix running toilets, tune irrigation runtimes, and watch the bill for one more cycle to confirm the fix worked.
Local water providers
If you need to shut off water at the street or report a main-line problem, check with your water provider first: Citrus Heights Water District (CHWD) serves much of Citrus Heights, and Sacramento Suburban Water District (SSWD) serves nearby Sacramento County areas. Your bill shows which district serves your home.
Think you have a leak?
Call AquaTrace Leak Detection to describe what you are seeing in Citrus Heights and get a plan to find it.
Call (123) 456-7890Related services
- Water Leak Detection
- Slab Leak Detection
- Pool and Spa Leak Detection
- Sewer and Drain Line Leak Detection
- Water Main and Service Line Leak Detection
- Irrigation and Sprinkler Leak Detection
- Commercial Leak Detection
Last updated: October 25, 2026.