Tools You'll Need
Step-by-Step
Turn off everything
Turn off all faucets, appliances, irrigation, and ice makers. Nothing in the house should be using water.
Find your water meter
Usually at the curb in a meter box. Lift the lid and clean the dial so you can see it clearly.
Find the leak indicator
Most meters have a small triangle, gear, or star that spins when water moves. It's sensitive — it moves even for a tiny leak.
Watch the indicator for 5–10 minutes
If the indicator continues moving after all known water use is off, metered water is still flowing somewhere and the cause should be investigated.
To find inside vs. outside
If you have a clearly identified, accessible homeowner main shutoff and can operate it safely, closing it can help isolate whether flow appears to be on the building side or between the meter and the building. Do not operate the utility's meter valve or tamper with utility-owned equipment.
If no leak indicator
Note the meter reading, wait about 30 minutes without intentionally using water, then check again. A change indicates metered water use occurred during that period; hidden fixture use, irrigation, automatic appliances, or a leak may be responsible.
WHEN TO STOP
- If meter behavior suggests unexplained water use and you can't identify the source, call for professional leak evaluation.
- If the leak is in your service line (between meter and house), don't dig — call a plumber.
WHEN TO CALL A PROFESSIONAL
- Meter behavior suggests unexplained water use but you can't locate the source — professional isolation and leak-detection methods may help narrow it.
- The leak is in the service line between the meter and the house.
- You see water damage but can't identify the source.