How to Use Your Water Meter to Check For a Leak
If you suspect there might be a leak going on in your home, you don’t need to break out every wall to look at the plumbing that runs through it. In fact, you don’t even need to see puddling water. As leaks are such an expected malfunction of aging plumbing, there is a way you can detect them in one simple place – the water meter.
The location of your water meter can differ depending on your home. In some homes, a water meter is installed inside near the main water inlet. This could be in your basement or garage. In other home’s you will have to go outside. The box may be underground with a cover that just says “Water” on the top. In some areas, this is near the curb while others have it near other utility areas. If you cannot find it, you will be able to call the city to find where the water meter is located in your home.
Once located, you will want to make sure there is no running water anywhere in your home. This often means checking unexpected sources beyond just faucets. Consider making sure your refrigerator is not drawing water to make ice, the whole home humidifier is off if applicable, and the water using appliances are off. There will be a dial on your water meter that turns even if a minute amount of water is being drawn. This dial is not the flowing numbers, but rather looks like a small pinwheel. Even if there is a leak the size of a pin hole slowly dripping water, it will move. If you notice motion, then you have a leak in your home.
Once you find out there is a leak, the hard part is actually finding it. If you haven’t noticed signs, then you will want to call a professional plumber to help you find the leak quickly and repair it. Contact us today to see what Ory’s Plumbing Solutions can do to help.