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How to Read Your Meter and Check for Leaks

If you have a water meter you can check your plumbing system for undetected leaks by following these easy steps:

  • Find your water meter. They’re often located in the front yard near the street.
  • Turn off all running water and water-using appliances, and don’t flush the toilet.
  • Read the dial and record the reading.
  • After 15-20 minutes, recheck the meter.
  • If no water has been turned on or used and the reading has changed, a leak is occurring.
  • You should read the meter like a car odometer. You should read the meter from left to right and include the last zero on the meter.
  • If the small black/red triangle or star is moving, water is going through your meter. This means that you have something on or you have a leak.

Leak Facts

  • A small faucet drip will run 30 gallons daily, 900 gallons monthly.
  • Toilets are responsible for 75% of all leaks
  • A leak in a water line 1/16”, as large as a regular knitting needle, will waste 970 gallons a day (29,100 gallons monthly).
  • A leak in a water line 1/8” in diameter will waste 3,600 gallons daily (108,000 gallons monthly).