The situation
Illustrative example. Not a real job or customer.
A Yorba Linda homeowner opens a water bill showing usage far above the same period last year. There are no warm floors, no sounds and no damp spots inside.
- Worried about a slab leak, the owner turns off all fixtures and sees the meter's leak indicator moving.
- Turning off the irrigation controller does not stop it.
- Closing the house main shutoff does not stop it either.
- Walking the front yard, the owner finds a patch of lawn that stays soggy between sprinkler cycles.
The leak is almost certainly on the service line between the meter and the house, not under the slab.
What each test ruled out
| Test | Result | Conclusion |
|---|---|---|
| All fixtures off | Meter moving | A leak exists |
| Irrigation off | Still moving | Not the sprinklers |
| House main closed | Still moving | Not inside the house or under the slab |
| Yard walk | Soggy strip | Likely service line leak |
What the owner did next
- Checked who owns the line.Generally the line from the meter to the house is the homeowner's. The owner checked the bill and contacted the water provider to confirm the meter itself was fine.
- Limited water loss.Since the leak was before the house main, closing the main did not help. The owner asked the provider about the meter valve.
- Hired a licensed plumber.License checked at cslb.ca.gov; the plumber confirmed the yard line leak.
- Documented.Photos of the yard, meter readings and bills were saved.
The lesson
A high bill is one of the classic slab leak signs, but it is not proof. In this made-up case, closing the house main was the turning point: a meter that keeps moving with the main shut points outside the house, which saved the owners from worrying about cutting into their floors.
Questions worth asking in a case like this
- Is the leak on my side of the meter or the provider's?
- Is a repair or replacement of the service line the better fix?
- Will the yard or driveway need to be opened?
- Does this work need a permit? Check with the city.
Common questions
Is this a real case?
No. It is an illustrative example.
Can a yard line leak and a slab leak happen together?
It is possible. Retest after fixing the yard line to make sure the meter stays still.
Who do I call first?
If you think the meter or street side is leaking, contact your water provider. For your side, a licensed plumber.
General information for Yorba Linda, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.