Is my water meter running?

The other day we were talking a customer through how to know if they have a leak and one of the first questions we always ask is – “is your water meter running when you aren’t using water?” and we talked the customer through how to check, so we thought this would be an informative blog post!

To determine if your water meter is running, follow these steps:

1. Locate your water meter: Typically, water meters are found in a covered pit or box in your yard, near the street or sidewalk. In some cases, the meter may be inside your home, basement, or utility room.
2. Remove the cover: If your water meter is housed in a pit or box, lift the lid or cover to access the meter. Use a tool like a screwdriver or a wrench if needed.
3. Observe the meter: Once you have access to the meter, you will see a display with numbers and possibly a dial or a digital readout. The meter measures water flow in cubic feet or gallons.
4. Check for movement: Take a moment to observe the meter and look for any movement, such as a rotating dial or numbers changing on a digital display. Even a small movement indicates that water is flowing through the meter.
5. Turn off all water sources: To confirm that the water meter is indeed running, make sure to turn off all water sources inside and outside your home. This includes faucets, showers, toilets, appliances (like dishwashers or washing machines), and irrigation systems. Ensure that nobody is using water during this test.
6. Monitor the meter: After turning off all water sources, watch the meter for a period of time (e.g., 10-15 minutes). If the numbers or dial continue to move or change during this period, it indicates that water is still flowing through the meter, possibly due to a leak or a running fixture.
7. Perform additional checks: If you suspect a leak but don’t see movement on the meter, you can try alternative methods to detect leaks. These may include checking your water bill for any unexplained increases, inspecting your property for visible signs of leaks (such as damp areas or water stains), or using a leak detection device to pinpoint hidden leaks.

If you notice continuous movement on the water meter, then you most likely have a leak and will need to locate it! Give Upstate Leak Finders a call at 864-214-5560 and we can come out and locate your leak!