How to Check for a Possible Water Leak at the Meter
A simple, step-by-step process to check your water meter for a hidden leak before you call anyone.
You can check for a possible water leak in about 15 minutes using only your water meter. Turn off all water inside and outside the house — including irrigation, ice makers, and water-using appliances. Wait 10–15 minutes. Check the meter's leak indicator. If it is still moving, or if the meter reading has changed, water is flowing somewhere it should not be. This does not tell you where the leak is — only that one may exist. The next step is determining whether the leak is on the homeowner side or the utility side.
Why This Matters
A hidden water leak can waste hundreds of gallons per day and cause structural damage before you see any sign of it. Checking your meter is free, fast, and can catch a leak before it becomes a major problem. It also helps you give a plumber or the utility useful information before they arrive.
How It Generally Works in the Knoxville Area
Step 1 — Turn off all water: Go through the house and make sure every faucet, toilet, washing machine, dishwasher, ice maker, and irrigation system is off. Do not forget outdoor spigots, water softeners, and humidifiers. Step 2 — Wait: Wait 10–15 minutes. This ensures that any residual flow from appliances or fill cycles has stopped. Step 3 — Check the meter: Look at the leak indicator — the small dial, triangle, or icon that moves when water is flowing. If it is moving, or if the meter reading has changed, water is flowing somewhere. Step 4 — Interpret the result: If the indicator is moving with all water off, you likely have a leak somewhere in your plumbing system. It could be a running toilet, a slab leak, an underground service line leak, or a leak behind a wall. The meter cannot tell you where — only that water is flowing. Step 5 — Next steps: If the leak appears to be inside the house, contact a plumber. If the meter box itself is flooded or the street is wet, contact KUB.
What the Homeowner Can Check
- That every water-using fixture and appliance is truly off — including ice makers, irrigation, and water softeners
- Whether the leak indicator is moving, flashing, or showing flow when all water is off
- Whether the meter reading changes over a 15-minute period
- Whether the meter box is flooded or the area around it is wet
Who to Contact
A Licensed Plumber
If the leak indicator is moving with all water off, a plumber can help locate the leak — whether it is a running toilet, a slab leak, or a service line issue.
Learn moreKUB (Knoxville Utilities Board)
If the meter box is flooded, the meter is unreadable, or the leak appears to be on the utility side.
Visit siteWhat Not to Do
- Do not assume the meter is broken — verify with all water off first
- Do not ignore a moving leak indicator — even a small leak can cause major damage over time
- Do not attempt to repair or alter the meter itself
Still not sure who is responsible or what to do next?
Ask our AI Plumber — describe the problem and get guidance on whether it is likely on your side or the utility side.
Ask the AI PlumberVerify current requirements directly with the applicable authority.
Requirements may differ depending on whether the property is inside the City of Knoxville, elsewhere in Knox County, or served by another utility. Homeowners should verify current requirements with the applicable permitting authority before beginning work.
Common Questions
The leak indicator is barely moving — is that normal?
If all known water use is off and the leak indicator continues moving, that suggests metered water is still flowing somewhere and is worth investigating. A common hidden source is a toilet leaking from the tank into the bowl; adding food coloring to the tank and waiting about 15 minutes can help check the flapper or flush-valve seal.
I checked the meter and it's not moving — am I safe?
A non-moving leak indicator with all water off is a good sign. However, intermittent leaks (like a toilet that runs every 20 minutes) may not show up in a single check. Check again at a different time of day if you suspect a problem.
Can a plumber find the leak if the meter says one exists?
A plumber can use the meter behavior together with fixture checks, isolation testing, and leak-detection equipment to narrow the source. Continuous meter movement with all known water use off can indicate unaccounted-for metered flow, but it does not by itself identify the cause or location.
If the problem involves your home's plumbing, The Classic Plumber can help.
We diagnose before we recommend — and we tell you when the issue is on the utility's side.