The short answer
Find the Meter
Your water meter is usually in a concrete box near the street or at the edge of your property. Lift the lid carefully. You may see a round dial with numbers and a small wheel. That wheel is the low-flow indicator.
If you live in Layton, keep the location of your shutoff valve written down. The valve is often next to the meter. Knowing where it is helps you stop water quickly if you find a leak.
Turn off All Water
Close every faucet, flush toilets, and make sure no appliances are running. Turn off the washing machine, dishwasher, and ice maker. Also shut off outside spigots and any irrigation system. Wait a few minutes for the water to settle.
Then look at the low-flow indicator. If it is spinning, water is moving through the meter. That movement means you have a leak somewhere in your plumbing or fixtures. If the wheel is still, you likely have no active leak at that moment.
- Check the meter again after a short period without using water
- Write down the numbers on the dial at the start and end
- Compare the readings to see if water usage increased
- Listen for running water near toilets, under sinks, or in walls
- Feel the floor for damp spots or warm areas
Read the Dial
Most meters have a digital display or a series of dials. Write down the numbers you see. Then wait a short period without using any water. Check the reading again. If the numbers changed, water is leaking somewhere.
A slow leak may not move the dial much in that time. Wait a bit longer for a more accurate test. If the numbers still increase, you have a leak. If they stay the same, the problem may be intermittent or from a fixture that drips occasionally.
Check Common Leak Spots
Toilets are a frequent source. Put a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If color appears in the bowl without flushing, the flapper is leaking. Also check under sinks for damp cabinets or water stains.
Look at the water heater, refrigerator ice maker line, and washing machine hoses. Feel the floor for soft spots or listen for hissing sounds. A leak can hide behind walls or under flooring. If you cannot find the source, a water damage inspection can help locate it.
- Toilet flapper leaks are common and easy to fix
- Check the dishwasher and washing machine connections
- Inspect the water heater for drips or rust
- Look for damp drywall or ceiling stains
- Feel the subfloor in the crawlspace for moisture
When to Call the Pros
If the meter shows a leak but you cannot find it, the leak may be in the pipes under your house or in the slab. A leak detection service uses specialized tools to trace the exact location without tearing up your home.
The pros can also handle the cleanup and repairs after a leak is found. For water under the house or in the crawlspace, they have equipment to extract water and dry the area. Acting quickly helps prevent mold and further damage.
Need help right now?
Phones are answered 24/7 for Layton and nearby communities.
Call Now (801) 383-0232Frequently asked questions
How long should I wait to check the meter?
Wait at least a short period without using any water. For a slow leak, a longer wait is better. Write down the meter reading at the start and end. If the numbers change, you have a leak.
What if the meter moves but I cannot find the leak?
The leak may be in the pipes under the floor or inside a wall. Turn off the shutoff valve to stop water flow. Then call a leak detection service to find the exact spot without unnecessary digging.
Can a toilet cause a high water bill?
Yes, a running toilet can waste thousands of gallons a month. The flapper valve often wears out. Replacing it is a simple fix. If the meter moves after you fix it, look for other leaks.