How do I check for a leak with my water meter?

Prepare for a fair test

Find the meter, which may be in an external meter box or another agreed location. If you cannot access it safely, ask your water company for guidance. Make sure nobody in the property will use water during the check. Turn off taps, showers, washing machines, dishwashers and other appliances, and check that toilet cisterns have finished filling.

Do not force a meter-box lid or handle damaged equipment. In flats and shared buildings, the meter may serve more than one home, so readings can include another property's use. Confirm which meter and supply belong to your address before relying on the result.

Take and compare readings

1. 1Write down the meter reading, including the smaller dial or decimal digits if visible, and note the time.
2. 2Avoid using any water for a suitable period. There is no need to leave the home unattended if that would be unsafe.
3. 3Read the meter again in the same way. If the reading has changed, repeat once after checking for a running toilet or appliance cycle.
4. 4If it continues to move, close the internal stopcock if you know where it is and can operate it safely. A further change may point towards pipework between the meter and stopcock, but meter layout and shared supplies vary.

Interpret the result carefully

A stationary meter does not rule out every leak. Intermittent leaks, heating-system faults and leaks on pipework not measured by that meter may not show during the test. A moving reading can also result from an overlooked toilet, automatic appliance or another user on a shared supply.

Keep the readings and photographs for a plumber or water company. TraceFix can investigate suspected leaks in Birmingham and London, using a method suited to the system rather than relying on the meter alone. Avoid excavating or opening finishes before the route is understood.