How To Check a Water Meter Flow Indicator for Leaks

If you notice your water bill rising, that’s definitely a cause for concern. Unless you’ve made any abrupt changes in your schedule or habits, your water bills should be relatively consistent from month to month. While it’s possible that your increase in water usage could be due to a faulty meter, it’s far more likely that there’s a leak somewhere in your plumbing system.

Luckily, there’s an easy way to find leaks in your home’s plumbing using your water meter flow indicator. Read on to learn more about checking your water meter, reading your meter accurately, and identifying potential leaks.

Do Rising Water Bills Mean That I Have a Leak?

In the United States, the average household uses over 10,000 gallons of water per month. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, about 10% of homes in the United States leak 90 gallons or more every day. While rising water bills don’t necessarily equate to a leak, it’s one of the most probable causes.

Not all leaks result in puddles in your basement. Some, like leaky showers or toilets, may just waste a steady stream of water throughout the day. While this isn’t going to flood your home, it can significantly increase your water bills.

How Can Water Meters Help Find Leaks?

Water meters are the ideal tool for identifying leaks because they measure all water flowing into your property. If you monitor the meter when you’re not using any water, you can determine if there’s a hidden leak in your plumbing system. 

To do this, you’ll need to check the meter’s flow indicator and track the changes in water usage over a set period.

Checking for Leaks Using a Water Meter

Checking for leaks using a water meter is a straightforward process that any homeowner can do. Use the steps below to get started:

1. Turn Off All Water Sources

Before beginning the leak check, make sure that you’re not using water anywhere inside or outside the home. This includes sources that may run water consistently, like garden irrigation, toilets, faucets, refrigerators, and more.

2. Locate and Access the Water Meter

The water meter is typically near the street in a covered box. Once you’ve located it, remove the cover to access the meter.

3. Check the Flow Indicator

Many modern water meters have a flow indicator, which is a small rotating wheel or triangular disk that can detect water flow. If the indicator is moving when all your water sources are off, that means you have a leak somewhere in your system.

4. Record the Meter Reading

If your meter doesn’t have a flow indicator, you’ll need to take a meter reading. Write down the numbers that appear on the meter, including the position of the large rotary dial’s hand, as these detail your precise water usage.

5. Wait and Recheck

After recording the initial reading, wait for at least an hour without using any water. Then, check the meter again and note any changes in the numbers or dial position. If there are any differences, it means you have a leak.

How To Read Different Types of Water Meters

If you don’t know how to read your water meter, you won’t be able to check for leaks. However, the process can vary depending on what type of meter you have. Use the tips below for reading analog and digital meters:

Reading an Analog Meter

Analog meters typically have a circular dial with numbers and a sweep hand. To read this type of meter, start with the largest unit (usually 100 gallons or 1 cubic foot). Then, read the numbers on each dial from left to right. If the hand is between two numbers, record the lower number.

Reading an analog meter can be complicated, so for more on how to read your analog meter, check out the video below:

Reading a Digital Meter

Digital meters display the water usage numerically, which makes the process much simpler. To read the meter, just look at the numbers on the display.

Estimating Monthly Water Loss

To estimate the monthly water loss from a leak, multiply your hourly usage by the number of hours in an average month (approximately 730). If you used 3 gallons of water over the course of an hour, that would result in a monthly water loss of 2,190 gallons. Once you see how much water you’re losing, it can help gauge the severity of the leak.

What Are Common Causes of Water Leaks and How To Locate Them?

Once you detect a leak, the next step is to locate its source. Use the tips below to find a leak in any of these common problem areas:

Yard Leaks

Leaks in the water line between the meter and the house can be challenging to detect. Some telling signs include soft or muddy spots in the yard, patches of unusually green or lush grass, or unexplained pools of water.

Crawlspace Leaks

Leaks in the crawlspace can be difficult to spot, especially if the ground underneath has plastic sheeting. To check for crawlspace leaks, access your crawlspace and look for signs of moisture or standing water. Check for any visible damage or corrosion on pipes and joints and listen for the sound of running water when all fixtures are turned off. If you see or hear any running water while your fixtures are off, that means you have a leak somewhere in your crawlspace.

Slab Leaks

Leaks under a concrete slab foundation are problematic and can cause significant structural damage. Signs of a slab leak might include warm spots on the floor, cracks in the foundation or walls, or the sound of running water when all fixtures are off. While these symptoms are similar to other kinds of leaks, they’re important to look out for if they’re under concrete.

When To Call a Professional

While many homeowners can perform DIY leak detection, some situations warrant calling a professional plumber. For example, if you can’t find the leak after inspecting your property, the issue may be more complicated and need professional intervention.

Similarly, if you find the leak but it’s in an inaccessible area, it may make more sense to hire a qualified plumber to fix it. If the leak is severe and causing significant water loss or property damage, that’s a clear sign that you should call a plumber. They have the tools and expertise to locate hidden leaks and perform necessary repairs, which can help minimize any damage to your property.