Referral service, not a contractor. Prevent Home Leaks does not perform plumbing, leak repair, or water damage restoration. We may be paid if you hire a provider through a partner link. Always confirm the provider's license and get a written estimate. How this works
The water meter leak test
- Turn off every water fixture and appliance, including the irrigation, ice maker, and water softener regeneration.
- Find the meter (usually in a box near the street, or in a basement or garage in cold climates).
- Look for the leak indicator, a small triangle or star dial that spins with even tiny flows. Note the main reading or photograph it.
- Wait 15–30 minutes without using water, then check again.
If the indicator moved or the reading changed, water is flowing somewhere. Next, close the house's main shutoff valve and re-test. If the meter still moves, the leak is likely in the service line between the meter and the house. If it stops, the leak is inside the house: start with the toilet test.