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How to Do a Water Meter Leak Test
A water meter leak test shows whether water is leaving your plumbing while nothing is running. The test needs no tools, takes one to two hours of waiting, and tells you whether a leak is inside the home or on the underground service line. Leak Detection Bensalem recommends this test as the first step for any suspected leak.
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━ BEFORE YOU START
What You Need for a Water Meter Test
A water meter leak test works because the meter records every gallon that enters the home. If the meter moves while all water is off, water is escaping somewhere.
- Access to the Water Meter: Find the meter, which is usually in the basement, a utility room, or a meter pit near the curb.
- A Way to Record the Reading: Use a pen and paper or a phone camera to record the meter at the start and end of the test.
- One to Two Hours Without Water Use: Plan the test for a time when no one needs water, such as while the home is empty.
- Access to the Main Shutoff Valve: Locate the main shutoff valve so the final step can separate indoor leaks from outdoor leaks.
Aqua Pennsylvania supplies water to most of Bensalem Township, and Aqua customers can also compare the meter reading with recent bills to spot unusual use.
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━ READING THE METER
How to Read a Water Meter
Residential water meters record both total use and very small flows. Each part of the meter tells you something different.
The Low-Flow Indicator
A small triangle, star, or dial on the meter face spins with even a slow drip, and movement with all water off signals a leak.
The Sweep Hand
The large sweep hand measures water in small units, and a change in its position during the test confirms a slow leak.
The Odometer Reading
The number wheels record total water use, and comparing two readings shows how much water escaped during the test.
Digital Meter Displays
Digital meters show the reading on a screen, and many display a flow symbol when water passes through the meter.
━ STEP BY STEP
How to Do a Water Meter Leak Test
Follow these five steps in order. The fifth step shows whether the leak is inside or outside the home.
01
Shut Off All Water Use
Turn off every faucet, shower, and appliance, and wait until the toilets finish refilling.
02
Record the Starting Reading
Write down the numbers on the meter or take a clear photo, and note the position of the sweep hand.
03
Wait One to Two Hours
Keep all water off for the full period so the meter records only leakage.
04
Compare the Readings
Read the meter again. Any change means water left the plumbing while nothing was running.
05
Close the Main Shutoff and Recheck
Close the main shutoff valve inside the home and watch the meter. Movement now means the leak is on the underground service line, and no movement means the leak is inside the home.
━ WHAT THE RESULTS MEAN
What Your Meter Test Results Mean
The meter test result points to the next step. Each outcome below matches a different type of problem.
The Meter Did Not Move
The plumbing is holding pressure, so a visible stain or odor likely comes from a drain, the roof, or an appliance that leaks only during use.
The Meter Moved and a Toilet Leaks
Food coloring from the tank that appears in the bowl identifies a leaking flapper, which a simple part replacement usually fixes.
The Meter Moved With the Main Closed
Movement after the main shutoff is closed points to a leak on the service line, and underground water line leak detection locates it.
The Meter Stopped With the Main Closed
A meter that stops after the main shutoff is closed points to a leak inside the home, such as a pipe under the slab or inside a wall.
When to Call a Professional After a Meter Test
A meter test confirms that water is escaping, but the test cannot show where the leak is. A meter that moves when no toilet is leaking means a pipe is leaking somewhere in the walls, floors, or yard.
Leak Detection Bensalem uses the meter result as the starting point for professional leak detection, which pinpoints the leak before any wall, floor, or yard is opened.
━ Common Issues
Frequently Asked Questions
These answers cover common questions about water meter leak tests.
Still Have Questions?
How long should I wait during a water meter leak test?
Wait at least one hour. A two-hour test gives a more reliable result for slow leaks, and an overnight test catches the smallest leaks.
Can a running toilet make my water meter move?
Yes. A leaking toilet flapper lets water run into the bowl constantly, and the meter records that flow. A food coloring test in the tank confirms a toilet leak.
Does a moving meter always mean a leak?
A moving meter with every fixture off means water is flowing somewhere. Water softeners, ice makers, humidifiers, and irrigation systems can use water on their own, so turn them off before the test.
What if my water meter is in an outdoor pit?
Lift the meter pit cover carefully and read the meter through its glass face. Leave the pit untouched if the meter face is not safely visible, and ask the water utility for help.
Can I find the exact leak location myself?
A meter test confirms a leak and shows whether it is inside or outside the home, but the test cannot locate the leak. Our guide to how professional leak detection works explains the tools that pinpoint it.
NEED PROFESSIONAL LEAK DETECTION?
Did Your Water Meter Move?
A moving meter confirms a leak. Leak Detection Bensalem finds exactly where the water is escaping, whether the leak is under the slab, inside a wall, or along the service line. Call (877) 540-5737, Monday to Sunday from 8 AM to 8 PM, or book online to request your inspection.