How to check for a leak with your water meter

The two-hour test

EPA WaterSense suggests reading your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter changes at all, you probably have a leak (EPA WaterSense).

1. Make sure no one runs water, and that the dishwasher, washer, ice maker and sprinklers are off.
2. Write down the meter reading or take a photo.
3. Wait two hours and read it again.

Narrowing it down

• Toilets first. EPA WaterSense says about 20 percent of toilets leak (EPA WaterSense). Do the dye test in toilet dripping sound.
• Inside or outside? If your house has its own main valve, close it and repeat the check. If the meter still moves, the leak may be in the line between the meter and the house.
• Irrigation. See irrigation line leaks.

Leaks you can't see

Atlanta Watershed Management says not all leaks leave visible or audible evidence, that plumbers often can't find them, and that a specialized leak detection company may be needed, especially for underground leaks between the meter and the building (Atlanta Watershed Management). See leak detection in Atlanta.

Getting the city to check

Atlanta Watershed Management lists 404-546-0311 for reporting water system leaks (Atlanta Watershed Management). A leak on the street side of the meter is the city's to repair (Atlanta Watershed Management).

Common questions

How much water can a hidden leak waste?

EPA WaterSense says the average household's leaks can waste more than 9,300 gallons a year, and nine percent of homes have leaks wasting 50 gallons or more a day (EPA WaterSense).