Hidden leaks waste water and money long before they show up as damage. In Garden Grove, the most expensive ones tend to be under the slab, inside walls or in the buried line between the meter and the house. A meter test does not tell you exactly where the leak is, but it tells you whether you have one and helps narrow down which part of the system to suspect.
Your meter is usually in a concrete box near the curb or sidewalk. The City of Garden Grove's water utility reads it; you can look at it any time. Many meters have a small triangle or star-shaped leak indicator that spins with even a little flow.
The basic meter test
Turn everything off
Every faucet, shower, toilet, ice maker, washer, dishwasher, irrigation timer and pool fill. Make sure no one uses water during the test.
Open the meter box
Lift the lid carefully. Watch for insects, and clear dirt or water off the meter face.
Record the reading
Note the dial numbers or take a photo, and watch the leak indicator for a minute.
Wait 15 minutes
Leave everything off, then check again.
Compare
Any change in the reading or a moving leak indicator means water is flowing somewhere.
Narrowing it down
- IfMeter stops when you close the house shutoffThenThe leak is inside the house: fixtures, walls or under the slab.
- IfMeter keeps moving with the house shutoff closedThenThe leak is likely in the service line between the meter and the house, or in irrigation fed before the shutoff.
- IfMeter stops when you close the water heater's cold supplyThenThe leak is probably on the hot water side, a common sign of a slab leak.
- IfMeter stops when toilet supply valves are closedThenA toilet flapper or fill valve is leaking into the bowl.
Professional leak detection methods
| Method | What it finds |
|---|---|
| Pressure testing | Whether a line or section is losing pressure |
| Acoustic listening | The sound of water escaping under concrete or in walls |
| Thermal imaging | Warm patches from hot water leaks |
| Line tracing | The path of pipes under the slab or in the yard |
Ask the leak detection technician
- Which methods will you use for this house?
- How precisely can you mark the leak location?
- Will you mark it on the floor or provide a written report?
- Are you working under a CSLB-licensed contractor? What is the license number?
Common questions
My bill went up but the meter test showed nothing. Why?
The leak may be intermittent, such as an irrigation valve or a toilet that runs only sometimes. Repeat the test at different times, and check with the city about your billing history.
Is it safe to open the meter box?
Generally yes for viewing. Do not tamper with the meter. If you are unsure, contact the City of Garden Grove's water utility.
Who fixes a leak before the meter?
Leaks on the utility side of the meter are generally the water provider's responsibility. Report them to the city.
General information for Garden Grove, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.