[quote=exsdgal]Couple of suggestions come to mind, 1) to check if there is any active plumbing leak in the house, close all water outlets and see if the water main meter needle spins. If the needle spins, there is some water leak that needs further investigation[/quote]Only works if the water is moving fairly quickly. Meters are designed to measure HCF (Hundreds of cubic feet). Small but dangerous leaks don’t always move the meter very quickly.

1) Use the ‘close off all valves etc’ step, then use a large screwdriver and press tip to the metal near the meter and handle against your ear. If there is hissing, or water sounds, could be a leak. You can work up the line by pressing the tip of the screwdriver against valves and metal water pipes etc. It may not id the valve, but louder tends to be closer.

2) Another tech is to shut all valves if you are going away for the day, photo the meter and then photo it when you get back. This way you’ll detect any needle movement.

3) Finally, you can turn off water, drain water out by opening a high and low valve (highest in the house and lowest, probably valve outside). After all water runs out, make sure all valves are closed. Select a valve that you can screw a pressure meter into and do so (turning that valve and that valve only on) SLOWLY turn the water back on – stop turning the main valve when you hear hissing. Wait for the hissing to stop (don’t want to cause water hammer). Turn all the way on and make a note of the pressure (photo?). Close main, wait for several hours and then read pressure again (photo/compare).

NOTE: Method #3 is very similar to the ‘leak-down’ test used when getting plumbing work signed off by the city (particularly with a new house). They often use just air only and use a compressor to bring the house pressure up (I think it is about 50 psi, 15 min, air only – but not on plastic water lines.).

NOTE: If you have an icemaker, it would be a good idea to turn it off. Make sure none of your toilets and faucets have the drip leak – it will be picked up on the readings.

NOTE: Not all meters are HCF only. Some of them actually measure down to 1/10 Cubic Foot (which is about a quart and a half).