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Water leaks are not always obvious. Sometimes you will see damp patches, pooling water or hear a hiss. Other times the only clue is a higher than normal water bill. A quick water meter check can help you work out if water is escaping somewhere on your property.
Here is a simple method you can use at home.
Step 1. Turn off anything using water inside the home
Start by turning off anything that could be drawing water. Make sure all taps are off, no one is using the shower or toilet and appliances like the washing machine and dishwasher are not running. Check outdoor taps are fully off as well.
If a toilet keeps running or refilling, it can make the meter move even when you think everything is off. Listen for any constant trickle in the toilet cistern.
Step 2. Check the water meter at the front of the property
Go to the water meter at the front of your property. Lift the lid and look at the dial.
Most meters have a small indicator that moves with even a tiny flow of water. It might look like a small wheel or triangle. If that indicator is moving when everything is turned off, it suggests water is flowing somewhere.
If the meter continues to move, even when no water is being used, you may have a hidden leak or burst water pipes.
Step 3. Do a short waiting test
To be extra sure, keep everything off for 10 to 20 minutes then check again.
If the meter keeps moving during that time, there is likely an ongoing leak or a burst water pipe. If it stops, the earlier movement may have been normal use or an appliance cycle that was still finishing.
Signs of a hidden leak inside the house
Some leaks stay out of sight for a long time, especially if they are behind walls, under floors or inside cabinetry. These are common indoor warning signs:
- Damp or musty smells that do not go away
- Paint bubbling, plaster swelling or skirting boards lifting
- Wet patches on carpet or flooring that keep returning
- Mould appearing in the same spot, even after cleaning
- Water stains on ceilings or walls
- A warm patch on the floor near bathrooms or laundries
- The sound of water movement when everything is off
If you notice any of these, the meter test is a good next step.
Common causes of hidden water leaks
Leaks often come from places you do not see every day, including in rural properties such as:
- A running toilet or leaking cistern valve
- A leaking flexi hose under a sink
- A dripping tempering valve or hot water relief valve
- A cracked burst water pipes underground between the meter and the house
- Irrigation, reticulation or blocked drains issues
- An outdoor tap that does not seal properly
What to do if you think you have a leak
If your meter shows movement with everything turned off, it is worth acting quickly to reduce the risk of water damage and wasted water.
Turn off the water at the meter if you need to stop the leak immediately. Check obvious areas like under sinks, behind toilets and around the hot water system. Outside, look for soggy ground, unusually green patches or soft spots in the yard.
Some leaks are simple, like a worn washer or a toilet valve. Others need proper leak detection, especially when the issue is underground or inside walls.
Water leak detection and repairs in Geraldton and the Mid West
Geraldton Plumbing Services can help you confirm whether you have a leak, locate where it is coming from and repair it before it turns into a bigger problem, including plumbing for owner builders projects and gas gitting and plumbing services. This includes tap repairs & replacement when a faulty tap is the source of the leak. If you have noticed a higher bill, damp smells or a water meter that keeps moving, it is worth getting it checked sooner rather than later.
Call Craig on 0418 934 928 to organise leak detection and repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
1. How can I tell if I have a water leak if I cannot see any water?
A higher than normal water bill, damp smells, mould, soft patches in the yard or the sound of running water when nothing is on can all be signs. The simplest check is to turn everything off and see if the water meter still moves.
2. What does it mean if my water meter is spinning when all taps are off?
It usually means water is flowing somewhere, which suggests a leak. Common causes include running toilets, leaking flexible hoses or an underground pipe leak.
3. How long should I watch the meter to confirm a leak?
Watch it for a minute first, then do a 10 to 20 minute test with everything off. If it keeps moving during that time, it is likely an ongoing leak.
4. Could a running toilet make the meter move?
Yes. A toilet that constantly refills or has a slow leak into the bowl can use a surprising amount of water and will often show up as steady movement on the meter.
5. What should I do if I think the leak is underground?
Turn off the water at the meter if needed and call a plumber. Underground leaks can waste a lot of water and can be harder to locate without the right equipment.