How to use this log
Each row is one test. Turn off every fixture, appliance and irrigation timer, read the meter, wait, and read it again. Record the numbers exactly as they appear, including the small dials, and note whether the leak indicator was moving. If you can, repeat the test with the water heater's cold inlet closed and record that too.
Three or four rows over a week are far more useful than one. They show whether a leak is steady or speeding up, which helps a plumber decide how urgently to schedule detection and helps you decide whether to keep the main closed between uses.
Test record
| Date and time | Start reading | End reading | Minutes | Indicator moving? | Heater inlet closed: still moving? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Before every test
- All faucets, showers and toilets idle, and no toilet tank refilling
- Dishwasher, washing machine and ice maker not running
- Irrigation timer off or between cycles; pool or fountain auto-fill off
- Water softener not regenerating
- No one in the house about to use water for the length of the test
Working out the rate
Simple arithmetic turns your readings into something comparable from test to test.
- Subtract.End reading minus start reading gives the water used during the test.
- Note the unit.Check the meter face for the unit it measures in, and write it in the notes column so readings are not mixed up.
- Divide by minutes.Water used divided by minutes gives a rough loss per minute you can compare across days.
- Compare.If the rate is climbing from one test to the next, tell the plumber; a growing leak may need sooner attention.
What a plumber will want from this sheet
- Is there a leak?
- Indicator movement with everything off
- How fast?
- Change in reading over a known time
- Which side?
- Whether movement stopped with the heater inlet closed
- Getting worse?
- The trend across several dated tests
Common questions
How often should I test if I suspect a leak?
Once a day for a few days is plenty to establish a trend. If the leak is fast, close the main and skip ahead to arranging detection.
Can I use this log for my insurer?
It can be part of your documentation along with photos. Ask your insurer what records they want.
What if my readings are inconsistent?
An appliance or timer may have run during one test. Note anything unusual in the notes column and repeat the test.
General information for Anaheim Hills, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.