DIY guideLeaks and drips
Read the water meter for a hidden leak
With every tap and machine off, watch the meter. If it still moves, water is leaking somewhere you can't see.
- 15 min to 2 hr
- 7 steps
- Every step animated
7 steps
Tap a step to watch it again.
Make sure no tap, toilet, washer, dishwasher or sprinkler is running, and nobody uses water.
Find the water meter: in the basement where the main comes in, or under a lid in a box near the street.
Find the small triangle or star on its face. If it turns while everything is off, water is going somewhere.
Take a photo of the meter's face, or write down its numbers and where the big hand sits.
Use no water for an hour or two, then read it again.
If it moved, a leaking toilet is the usual cause: try the food colouring test in Stop a running toilet.
If it still moves with every toilet's valve closed, ask Handyman for a plumber to find the leak.
What you need
- A flashlight
- Your phone, for photos
- Food colouring, for the toilets
Call a pro if
- The meter moves with everything off and the toilets ruled out
- There's a damp patch, a hiss or a sound of running water
- The water bill jumped for no reason
Handyman says: Still moving? I'll find a plumber.
Free for every home. Handyman asks a few questions, then books a pro it trusts.
More water and plumbing guides
See all 83
Rather have
a pro do it?