How to check for a hidden water leak with your meter
AI illustrationQuick answer
Close every tap and appliance that uses water, write down your water meter reading, wait at least an hour without using any water, then read it again. If the number has moved, there is a leak after the meter.
Have a roof tank? Wait until the tank has filled and its ball valve has closed before you start, or the meter will move even without a leak. Overnight is the most reliable.
Step by step
- Find your meter: near the front gate for landed homes, or in the meter room on your floor for condos.
- Turn off all taps, the washing machine and any water filter that flushes itself.
- Photograph the meter dial, including the small red dial.
- Wait at least an hour. Do not flush the toilet.
- Photograph the meter again and compare.
Narrow it down
- Close the stopcock inside the house. If the meter still moves, the leak is between the meter and the house, often underground.
- If it stops, the leak is inside. Check toilet cisterns first by dropping food colouring in the tank: colour in the bowl without flushing means a leaking flush valve.
- Damp walls or ceiling stains point to concealed pipes, which need leak detection.
When to call a plumber
If the meter moves and you cannot see the leak, book concealed leak detection. Finding it first avoids hacking more tiles than needed.
Water bill suddenly higher?
Compare this month's reading with the last few bills first. If use jumped without a reason, do the one-hour meter test above. A running toilet cistern is the most common hidden cause and can waste a lot of water without a sound.