Why the meter comes first

Every gallon that enters your home passes through the meter, usually in a box near the curb. If nothing in the house is using water and the meter still moves, water is leaving the system somewhere. That one observation turns a vague worry into a fact you can hand to a plumber.

Most Yorba Linda homes are served by the Yorba Linda Water District, so the meter belongs to the utility, but you are generally free to open the lid and read it. Use care with the lid, watch for insects or standing water in the box, and never force a valve that will not turn.

Parts of a typical meter

Register or dial
The numbers that record total water used, similar to a car's odometer.
Sweep hand
A large hand that rotates as water flows. One full turn equals a set volume, printed on the face.
Leak indicator
A small triangle, star or wheel that spins with even a tiny flow. It is the part to watch for slow leaks.
Curb or meter valve
A valve in or near the box that belongs to the utility. Use your house-side main shutoff instead whenever possible.

The 30-minute meter test

Pick a time when nobody needs water for half an hour.

  1. Stop all water use.Turn off faucets and showers, make sure toilets have finished refilling, and pause the dishwasher, washing machine, ice maker, water softener and any irrigation timers.
  2. Read the meter.Open the meter lid, wipe the glass and look at the leak indicator. Photograph the full reading so you have a starting point.
  3. Wait and watch.Leave everything off for 15 to 30 minutes. Check the indicator during that time and take a second photo of the reading at the end.
  4. Compare.If the indicator spun or the reading changed, water is going somewhere. If both stayed still, a constant leak is unlikely, though an intermittent one is still possible.
  5. Rule out toilets.Put a few drops of food coloring in each toilet tank. If color shows in the bowl after 15 minutes without flushing, the flapper is leaking. Fix that and retest.
  6. Isolate the hot side.Close the cold-water inlet valve on top of the water heater and watch the meter again. If it stops, the leak is very likely on a hot water line.

Reading your results

  • IfMeter still with everything offThenNo constant leak right now. Recheck on another day, including after irrigation runs.
  • IfMeter moves, stops when toilets are shut off at their valvesThenA toilet is leaking. Repair it and retest before suspecting the slab.
  • IfMeter moves, stops when the water heater inlet is closedThenA hot line leak is likely. Slab leak location is the next step.
  • IfMeter moves, keeps moving with the house main closedThenThe leak is probably between the meter and the house, often in the yard. A plumber can test that line.
  • IfMeter moves, stops with the main closed, but not with the heater inlet closedThenThe leak is likely on a cold line inside the home or under the slab.

What to write down for the plumber

Common questions

Where is my water meter?

Usually in a concrete or plastic box near the street or sidewalk in front of the home. Your water bill or provider can help if you cannot find it.

Can a water softener or ice maker fool the test?

Yes. Softeners regenerate on a schedule and ice makers refill without warning. Turn them off or bypass them during the test.

The meter moves very slowly. Is that still a problem?

A slow leak still wastes water and can wet the soil under the slab over time. It is worth having located, even if it is not an emergency.

General information for Yorba Linda, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.