Before you start
Meters usually have a small leak indicator, a triangle, star or tiny dial, that spins with even a trickle of flow. You will watch it while turning things off in stages. On a sloped lot, this is often the only practical way to know whether a wet patch downhill is related to your plumbing at all.
Open the meter box carefully; boxes can collect debris and insects. Do not disturb the meter, and check with the city before operating any valve on the street side of it.
The three-stage test
- Stage 1: everything off.Stop all indoor use, set the irrigation controller to off and make sure no toilet is refilling. Watch the indicator for two minutes.
- Stage 2: irrigation valve closed.If your irrigation has its own shutoff, close it. Watch again.
- Stage 3: house shutoff closed.Close the main shutoff at the house. Watch again.
- Restore.Reopen the house shutoff and irrigation valve, and set the controller back to its schedule.
Record your results
| Stage | Indicator moving? | Date and time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1: Everything off | |||
| 2: Irrigation closed | |||
| 3: House shutoff closed |
What the results mean
- IfIndicator still in Stage 1ThenNo leak detected right now; if bills are high, repeat at a different time.
- IfMoving in Stage 1, stops in Stage 2ThenLeak is in the irrigation system.
- IfMoving in Stage 2, stops in Stage 3ThenLeak is inside the house or past the house shutoff: toilets, fixtures, water heater or lines under the slab.
- IfStill moving in Stage 3ThenLeak is likely on the main line between the meter and the house, or the shutoff is not sealing.
Inside-the-house follow-up
Common questions
My meter has no leak indicator. What now?
Note the full reading, avoid using water for an hour or two, then read again. Any change means water moved.
The house shutoff does not fully close. Does that ruin the test?
It can make Stage 3 misleading. Have a plumber look at the valve as well as the possible leak.
Who handles a leak on the utility side of the meter?
Contact Fullerton's water utility if the leak appears to be on their side.
General information for Coyote Hills, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.