Perform Meter Test

If you are looking for a way to check for leaks in your home -- and gauge whether you should call a professional for further help -- you can perform your own meter test. Here’s how to do it:

• Make sure there is no water being used in or around the house that’s visible. For example, turn off all dishwashers, laundry machines and/or anything currently running that utilizes the water lines.
• Locate your water meter and write down the numbers on the meter dial. This meter is most often located in the front of you house, in a covered box by the street.
• After about 30 minutes have passed, check the numbers on the meter.
• If the numbers have not changed, then you do not have a pressurized leak. If the numbers do change, the next step is to shut off all toilet water valves in the house and repeat steps 1-3.
• If the numbers do not change at this point, then your toilets may need to be serviced or replaced. If the numbers have changed, you most likely have a leak and should look into getting a leak detection inspection as soon as possible from the professionals at Terry’s Plumbing.

So how else can you determine if your home or business has a leak? Here are some of the most common leak symptoms:

• Sinkholes in the yard
• Wet carpet
• Water coming up from between grout lines
• Abnormal foundation settling
• Hot spots on floor
• Sounds of constant water running
• Signs of mold or mildew

A professional technician from Terry’s Plumbing can look at your situation and determine if you have a leak, and where it is located. The sooner you get professional help to identify and remedy your leak, the more time and money you’ll save.