Water Leaks

If you have received a call from Indian River County in regards to a possible leak on your property, the information below will help you understand your water meter and explain how to check for leaks.

Locating your water meter

Your water meter could be located in a few different places, but in most homes the water meter is located where your front yard meets the street. Look for a rectangular plate (plastic or metal) at ground level that usually says "WATER" or a concrete or plastic box (also at ground level). These boxes are typically 2 feet by 2 feet, but the rectangular plate is a little smaller. Lift the lid off of the box (use a pry bar if needed) and find the water meter.

water meter cover

How to check if there is a leak

  1. Make sure nothing is running inside of the home: example dishwasher, washing machine, bathroom.
  2. Lift lid of the meter box carefully.
  3. Check to see what type of meter you have using the images below, and read about their unique leak detection systems
  4. To check if leak is between meter and the home, the house valve would need to be shut off. (see diagram for typical location for valve)
  5. If meter is still moving the leak is in the ground.
  6. To check if leak is in home, house valve needs to be on and customer will need to follow steps below.
  7. If the triangle is spinning or if the digital number is moving while all water is off, a leak is present in the home.
  8. At that moment you may either try to find the leak or contact a plumber.

Detecting a Leak - Digital Register

There is a box labeled GPM (gallons per minute) in the top left corner of the register. If all water sources are off at the property, no water should be flowing through the meter, and the GPM should read 000.0. The example photo below shows 000.7 in the GPM box, which indicates 0.7 gallons (7/10ths of 1 gallon) of water per minute is being used. If all water sources are off at the property, a reading of 000.7 GPM would indicate there may be a leak somewhere at the property.

Detecting a Leak - Analog Register

The leak detector is the small triangle or asterisk that rotates even when a small amount of water moves through the meter. If the leak detector turns when all water sources are off, as showin in the example photo below, it would indicate there may be a leak somewhere at the property. You may wish to hire a professional to further investigate and find small leaks.


Steps If You Have a Leak Outside

Step One

Find your water meter box. Most residential water meters are located near the curb or sidewalk at the front of the property in a black "box." The box will have a metal or plastic lid. Carefully lift the cover and check for leaks.

Step Two

Find the house (main) shut-off valve on the water supply riser, generally located in the front or on the side of the house below the hose bib. (See examples 1a and 2a for two typical set-ups.) Check for leaking water around exposed pipes and valves.

Step Three

Visually inspect your property between your house shut-off valve and your water meter. A wet spot, small hole or depression may indicate an underground leak in the service line.

Step Four

Check all other hose bibs and/or outdoor faucets for dripping water and/or wet spots.


how ot find a water leak

A service line is an underground pipe that carries water from the water main, through your meter, to your home.

Indoor Leak Inspection

Toilets, faucets, and shower heads are the most common type of leak found inside the home. Because these types of leaks can be silent, it may go unnoticed. Understanding the basic mechanics of your toilet can save you thousands of gallons of water per year.

Perform a toilet dye test:

  • Lift the tank cover.
  • Place a few drops of food coloring into the tank.
  • Wait 15 minutes (do not use the toilet).
  • If the color appears in the toilet bowl, you have a leak. IF you have a leak, check:
  • A. Overflow Tube: Water should be a half-inch below the top of the tube.
  • B. Lift Chain: It should not catch on anything.
  • C. Flapper: Ensure it is seating properly.
  • D. Flush Handle: Make sure it functions properly.

Faucets, Showerheads and Bathtubs An annoying, dripping sound is often the first sign of a leak.

Look for dripping sink and bathtub faucets and showerheads.

  • Worn-out washers typically cause faucet and showerhead leaks.
  • Check under and around sinks for wet spots, a musty smell.
  • Check for moisture around faucets, showerheads and bathtubs.

Common water Loss examples in gallons per month
Leaking Toilet @1/2 GPM = 21,600 Drip Irrigation @1 GPM = 43,200 Watering Garden for 2 hours @ 5 GPM = 18,000 Watering Garden for 2 hours @ 10 GPM = 36,000 Unattended Water Hose 1 night @10 GPM = 5,400 Broken Services Line 1 week @15 GPM = 151,200