Short answer
Your water meter is usually in a ground box near the street. Lift the lid, find the dial and the small leak indicator (often a triangle or star), turn off all water in the house, and watch it for 10 minutes. If the indicator moves, water is flowing somewhere on your side of the meter.
Run the leak test
- Turn off every faucet, appliance, ice maker and irrigation zone
- Open the meter box lid (watch for insects and standing water)
- Note the leak indicator and the reading
- Wait 10 minutes without using water
- If the indicator moved or the reading changed, you have a leak
Narrow it down
- Close the house's main shutoff and recheck: if the meter still moves, the leak is between the meter and the house
- If it stops, the leak is inside the house: start with toilets
- Check irrigation separately if you have it
Run a two-hour leak test
Then close your main shutoff and watch the leak indicator. If it stops, the leak is inside the house. If it keeps moving, the leak is between the meter and the house.
- Make sure no one will use water for two hours, and the water heater and ice maker aren't refilling
- Write down the full meter reading
- Wait two hours without using any water
- Read the meter again
- Any change means water is leaking somewhere
Reading the dials
Most residential meters show gallons or cubic feet on a row of numbers like a car odometer, plus a sweep hand for small amounts and a small triangle or star-shaped leak indicator. One cubic foot is about 7.48 gallons. Comparing two readings a month apart and dividing by the days gives your daily use, which helps you spot changes before the bill arrives.
When to call a plumber
If the steps above don't solve it, or anything involves sewage, gas, electricity near water or a leak you can't stop, call a licensed plumber. Related help: leak detection in Gastonia, water line repair in Gastonia, toilet repair in Gastonia.
Where this comes up most in Gaston County: Willow Creek, York-Chester, Downtown Gastonia, Forest Heights, Mount Holly, NC, Lowell, NC. See all Gastonia and Gaston County service areas.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to open the water meter box?
Lifting the lid to read the meter is generally fine. Don't operate the curb valve or tamper with the meter; that's the utility's equipment.
What does the triangle on my water meter mean?
It's the low-flow leak indicator. It spins when even a small amount of water is flowing.
Editorial note: this guide gives general safety and maintenance information for homeowners. It doesn't replace an on-site diagnosis by a licensed plumber. Codes and permit rules can change; check with your local inspections office.