What Do You Mean, "I Might Have a Leak?"
A leak alert means your water meter has recorded unusual water movement. This does not always mean you have a major leak, but it is worth investigating.
Find Your Water Meter
Some meter boxes contain two or three meters, and they are often covered with dirt or debris.
Before checking your meter:
How to Check for a Leak
Go to your water meter and observe the dial.
If no water is being used anywhere in your home and the dial is still moving, water is flowing through the meter toward your property.
Understanding Your Smart Meter
Our meters are smart meters, which means they contain a small microchip and battery that record water usage information. However, they do not provide real-time leak detection. The information is downloaded during monthly meter readings and is also available to you by checking the meter yourself.
Types of Leaks
Continuous Leaks - A continuous leak occurs when water is flowing through the meter all the time, even in very small amounts.
Examples:
Examples:
When looking at the meter is the Red hand spinning. It should not be moving when no water is being used.
How Do I Find the Leak?
The goal is to isolate different parts of your plumbing system until the meter stops moving.
Start with These Questions
Irrigation systems are often the first place to check.
Step 1: Stop All Water Use
What to Look For
Step 4: Isolate the House Plumbing
Locate the main shutoff valve where water enters your home, often in a garage, utility room, or basement.
Common Sources of Household Leaks
Wait 10 to 15 minutes without flushing.
If color appears in the bowl, the flapper is leaking and should be replaced.
Outdoor Hose Bibs - Check outdoor faucets for dripping or hoses that remain pressurized when turned off.
A plumber can often repair these by replacing the valve or internal seals.
Why Small Leaks Matter
Even small leaks can add up quickly.
Thank you for helping conserve our community's water resources.
A leak alert means your water meter has recorded unusual water movement. This does not always mean you have a major leak, but it is worth investigating.
Find Your Water Meter
Some meter boxes contain two or three meters, and they are often covered with dirt or debris.
Before checking your meter:
- Locate your meter serial number.
- Verify it matches the serial number printed on your water bill.
- If you need assistance, contact our office, and we will help identify your meter.
How to Check for a Leak
Go to your water meter and observe the dial.
If no water is being used anywhere in your home and the dial is still moving, water is flowing through the meter toward your property.
Understanding Your Smart Meter
Our meters are smart meters, which means they contain a small microchip and battery that record water usage information. However, they do not provide real-time leak detection. The information is downloaded during monthly meter readings and is also available to you by checking the meter yourself.
Types of Leaks
Continuous Leaks - A continuous leak occurs when water is flowing through the meter all the time, even in very small amounts.
Examples:
- Dripping faucets
- Running toilets
- Underground irrigation leaks
- Broken pipe underground
- A hose left on for a few days
Examples:
- A toilet that refills itself every few minutes
- An irrigation valve that occasionally sticks open
- Drip hoses on a timer
When looking at the meter is the Red hand spinning. It should not be moving when no water is being used.
How Do I Find the Leak?
The goal is to isolate different parts of your plumbing system until the meter stops moving.
Start with These Questions
- Do you have an irrigation system?
- Do you have outdoor hose bibs or garden faucets?
- Have you noticed any wet areas in your yard?
Irrigation systems are often the first place to check.
Step 1: Stop All Water Use
- Turn off dishwashers and washing machines.
- Avoid using faucets, showers, and toilets.
- Ask everyone in the household to refrain from using water for a few minutes.
What to Look For
- If the dial does not move for 10 minutes, the reported leak may have been resolved already.
- If the dial continues to move when no water is being used, a leak is likely present.
- Slight dampness is usually not a concern.
- Standing water or visibly wet soil may indicate a leak.
- Shut off the irrigation supply.
- Recheck the meter.
Step 4: Isolate the House Plumbing
Locate the main shutoff valve where water enters your home, often in a garage, utility room, or basement.
- Turn off the valve.
- Check the meter again.
Common Sources of Household Leaks
- Faucets and Showers - Check each fixture for drips. Even a slow drip can waste a significant amount of water over time.
- Washing Machine Connections - Inspect hoses and valves behind the washing machine. Any moisture is a sign of a leak.
- Kitchen Sink - Look underneath the sink for water stains, dampness, or active dripping.
- Dishwasher - Remove the lower kickplate and inspect underneath for moisture or pooling water.
- Toilets - A worn toilet flapper is one of the most common hidden leaks. To test:
Wait 10 to 15 minutes without flushing.
If color appears in the bowl, the flapper is leaking and should be replaced.
Outdoor Hose Bibs - Check outdoor faucets for dripping or hoses that remain pressurized when turned off.
A plumber can often repair these by replacing the valve or internal seals.
Why Small Leaks Matter
Even small leaks can add up quickly.
- A single dripping faucet can waste hundreds of gallons of water each month.
- A slow irrigation or underground leak can waste thousands of gallons before it becomes noticeable.
Thank you for helping conserve our community's water resources.
How do I turn my meter off and on?
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How to Turn meter on & off.
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Meter shut off tool
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Household tools to turn off the meter
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Meter with closed lid
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Meter with open lid
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Water is on
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Water is off
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Remember to call 811 before you dig to have utility lines marked (SLWA can only mark to the meter; we don't know where your water lines are).
- Washington - 811 Before You Dig -
- WA 811 - Private locating companies can help you find your lines.
