Determine If You Have A Leak
If you suspect a water leak, one of the easiest ways to detect leaks is to observe your water meter.
- Turn off all faucets and water-using appliances, such as the ice maker, dishwasher and clothes washer.
- Locate your water meter (PDF) and lift the cover to see the meter dial.
- If the needle is moving, you obviously have a leak.
- If the needle appears to be still, record the meter reading or mark the needle position with a pencil or piece of tape.
- Keep the water off. Wait at least 15-30 minutes. (Make sure nobody turns on a water-using appliance).
- Reread the meter gauge or check the needle location again. If the needle has moved, you could possibly have a leak somewhere in your system.
Determine If Your Leak Is Inside Or Outside Your House
First, determine you have a leak using the steps outlined above. If you have a leak, follow these steps.
- Shut off the main water valve to the inside of your house.
- Return to the water meter and lift the cover to see the meter dial.
- If the needle appears to be still, record the meter reading or mark the needle position with a pencil or piece of tape.
- Keep the water off. Wait at least 15-30 minutes. (Make sure nobody turns on a water-using appliance).
- If the needle has moved and the water is shut off to the house, you have a leak somewhere outside of the house.
- If the meter has not moved and the water to the house is shut off, your leak is somewhere inside the house.
Possible Leak Causes