A water meter that moves when no water is being used means water is leaving your plumbing somewhere. The most common causes are a running toilet, a dripping faucet or hose bib, an appliance that is leaking, a hidden leak inside a wall or floor, or a leak in the service line between the meter and the house.
Make Sure Everything Is Really Off
Before looking for a leak, confirm that nothing is using water. Check that the dishwasher, washing machine, ice maker, water softener, and any irrigation system are not running. Close all faucets and do not flush. Then watch the meter for 15 to 30 minutes.
Check the Toilets First
Toilets are a leading cause of silent leaks. Put food coloring in each tank and wait without flushing. If color appears in the bowl, the flapper is leaking. You can also listen for a hissing sound or watch for the tank refilling on its own.
Look for Drips and Appliance Leaks
Check faucets, showerheads, and outdoor spigots for drips. Look behind and under appliances that use water for moisture or puddles. A small drip may not seem like much, but it is enough to keep the meter moving.
Hidden and Underground Leaks
If you rule out fixtures and appliances, the leak may be in a pipe inside a wall or under a floor, or in the line coming from the street. Signs include damp spots, warm areas on the floor, musty smells, or soggy ground outside in dry weather.
One helpful test is to close the main shutoff and watch the meter. If it still moves, the leak may be between the meter and the main valve.
If the meter keeps moving, a plumber can trace the hidden loss. Catching a leak this way is also a good reason to have older fixtures and valves updated. Call JPR Plumbing at (833) 603-1840.