San Diego Plumbing Rebates
SDG&E and local water districts offer real money back on qualifying installations. Here's what's available in 2026 and how to claim it.
San Diego homeowners spend more on water than most of the country. Hard water from Colorado River imports destroys water heaters faster, drives up energy bills, and eats through fixtures years ahead of schedule. The good news is that SDG&E, the City of San Diego, and several local water districts run active rebate programs that put money back in your pocket when you upgrade to water-efficient or energy-efficient plumbing fixtures.
These are real programs with funded budgets, not theoretical discounts. The challenge is that most homeowners never claim them because they don't know they exist or miss the window after installation. This page documents the current programs, what qualifies, how much each pays, and how we help you capture what you're entitled to.
Plumbing Pro San Diego installs qualifying fixtures and provides all documentation needed to file your rebate claim. Call (858) 465-7570 to schedule your installation.
Current Rebate Programs (2026)
Programs update annually. Verify current availability directly with each program before installation.
SDG&E — High-Efficiency Toilet Rebate
Sponsored by: San Diego Gas & Electric
Rebate Amount
$75–$100 per toilet
Eligible Equipment
WaterSense-certified toilets using 1.28 gpf or less
Key Requirement
Must be replacing a toilet that uses 1.6 gpf or more
How We Help
We carry and install qualifying WaterSense toilets. We can handle your full replacement and provide the documentation you need to file.
Available to SDG&E residential customers. Rebate paid by mail or account credit.
Program details ↗SDG&E — Tankless Water Heater Rebate
Sponsored by: San Diego Gas & Electric
Rebate Amount
Up to $200
Eligible Equipment
ENERGY STAR-certified natural gas tankless water heaters
Key Requirement
Unit must be purchased and installed by a licensed contractor. Minimum UEF 0.82.
How We Help
We install ENERGY STAR-certified Navien, Rinnai, and Rheem tankless units. We pull permits, handle installation, and give you all paperwork needed to claim.
Rebate amount varies by unit efficiency rating. Higher-rated units qualify for higher rebate.
Program details ↗SDCWA — WaterSmart Program
Sponsored by: San Diego County Water Authority
Rebate Amount
$75–$200 depending on device
Eligible Equipment
Smart irrigation controllers, high-efficiency toilets, clothes washers
Key Requirement
Must purchase and install qualifying WaterSense or ENERGY STAR products
How We Help
We install qualifying smart irrigation components and WaterSense fixtures. Check with your specific member agency — available amounts vary by district.
Rebates available through member agencies including City of San Diego, Helix Water District, Otay Water District, Vallecitos Water District, and others.
Program details ↗City of San Diego — Water Conservation Rebates
Sponsored by: City of San Diego Public Utilities
Rebate Amount
$75–$300 depending on fixture
Eligible Equipment
High-efficiency toilets (HETs), smart weather-based irrigation controllers, spray nozzles
Key Requirement
Must be a City of San Diego water customer. Device must be on the approved product list.
How We Help
We verify your property address is served by City of San Diego water and recommend qualifying products before installation.
The City of San Diego has historically run one of the more active local rebate programs. Check current availability as programs are refunded periodically.
Program details ↗Helix Water District — Conservation Rebates
Sponsored by: Helix Water District (La Mesa, El Cajon, Lemon Grove area)
Rebate Amount
$100 per HET toilet
Eligible Equipment
WaterSense-certified high-efficiency toilets
Key Requirement
Must be a Helix Water District customer. Existing toilet must use 3.5 gpf or more for dual-flush upgrade rebates.
How We Help
Many homes in the Helix service area still have original 3.5 gpf toilets from the 1970s and 1980s. Replacing them qualifies for rebates and cuts water usage by more than half.
Helix service area covers La Mesa, El Cajon, Lemon Grove, Rancho San Diego, and parts of the unincorporated east county.
Program details ↗Otay Water District — Rebate Program
Sponsored by: Otay Water District (eastern Chula Vista, Spring Valley, Rancho San Diego)
Rebate Amount
Varies by device
Eligible Equipment
High-efficiency toilets, smart irrigation controllers
Key Requirement
Must be an Otay Water District customer
How We Help
Spring Valley and eastern Chula Vista properties in the Otay service area have some of the hardest water in San Diego County (16+ gpg). Upgrading fixtures reduces scale buildup and qualifies for rebates.
Check Otay's current rebate catalog — programs are updated periodically based on available funding.
Program details ↗How to Claim Your Rebate
Check your water district
Look at your water bill to confirm which district and utility serves your address. Different districts have different programs and amounts.
Schedule qualifying installation
Call us. We confirm which products qualify for your district's program, order the right equipment, and perform the installation with permit documentation.
File your claim promptly
Submit your rebate application with receipt and our installation documentation within 30 days of installation. Programs are funded — don't let the window close.
Ready to capture your rebate?
We install qualifying equipment and provide all documentation needed to file. Call to discuss which programs apply to your property.
Call (858) 465-7570Rebate FAQ
Do I need to apply for rebates before or after installation?
Most San Diego rebate programs require you to purchase and install the qualifying product first, then submit a rebate application with your receipt, installation documentation, and sometimes a photo. We provide all installation documentation you'll need for any rebate application.
Can I combine multiple rebates?
Sometimes yes. If you're replacing a toilet in the City of San Diego, you may be able to claim both the City rebate and the SDCWA WaterSmart rebate for the same unit. Not all programs allow stacking — check each program's terms. We can advise based on your specific address and water district.
Do rebates require a licensed contractor for installation?
Some do, particularly the SDG&E gas appliance rebates (tankless water heaters) and any work that requires a permit. All Plumbing Pro San Diego installations are performed by licensed C-36 contractors and include permit documentation when required.
How do I find out which water district serves my property?
Your water bill will name your water district. For gas rebates (SDG&E), if you have a gas meter your property is an SDG&E customer. You can also look up your address on the SDCWA member agency map at sdcwa.org.
How long does it take to receive a rebate?
Processing times vary by program. City of San Diego and Helix Water District rebates typically take 6–12 weeks from application. SDG&E rebates are usually credited to your account within 6–8 weeks.
Is there a deadline to apply for these rebates?
Programs are funded annually and can close when funds are exhausted. File your rebate application promptly after installation — don't wait months. Contact the program directly if you're unsure whether current funding is available.
Related Services
Toilet Repair & Replacement
WaterSense installations qualify for rebates
Tankless Water Heater
SDG&E rebates up to $200 on qualifying units
Water Softener Installation
Extends fixture life and reduces repair frequency
Fixture Installation
WaterSense faucets and showerheads
Water Filtration
Protect appliances from SD hard water
Cost Calculator
Estimate cost before factoring in rebates