A water meter that moves when no water is being used means water is escaping somewhere. The usual causes are a running toilet, a dripping faucet or outdoor spigot, a leaking appliance, a hidden leak inside a wall or floor, or a leak in the service line between the meter and your home.
Rule Out the Obvious First
Make sure nothing is actually using water. Check that the dishwasher, washing machine, ice maker, water softener, humidifier, and any irrigation system are off. Close every faucet. Then watch the leak indicator on the meter for 15 to 30 minutes.
Toilets Are the Top Suspect
A worn flapper or a fill valve set too high can send water down the drain all day without anyone noticing. Put food coloring in each tank and wait without flushing. Color in the bowl confirms a leak. Listen for a faint hiss and watch for the tank refilling on its own.
Drips and Appliances
Look at every faucet, showerhead, and outdoor spigot. Check under and behind appliances that use water for damp spots. Even a slow drip can keep the meter dial turning.
Hidden and Underground Leaks
If fixtures and appliances check out, the leak may be in a pipe behind a wall, under a floor, or in the line from the street. Look for warm spots on floors, damp areas, musty odors, or soggy ground outside in dry weather.
One more useful test: close your home’s main shutoff valve and watch the meter again. If it still moves, the leak is likely between the meter and the main valve. If it stops, the leak is inside the house.
If the meter keeps moving, a plumber can locate the hidden leak. Fixing drips and worn parts is part of ordinary home plumbing maintenance. Call JPR Plumbing at (833) 603-1840.