Water meter moving when every tap is off: what to check next

A water meter that keeps ticking over when nothing in the house is being used is one of the clearest early signs of a possible leak. It does not tell you where the water is going, but it does suggest that water is passing through the meter somewhere on your side of it. A few simple checks can help work out whether the cause is a fixture you can see, or something hidden that needs a licensed plumber to investigate.

City of Gold Coast water meters are usually near the front boundary, and checking yours is the quickest way to confirm a hidden leak.

First, make sure nothing is genuinely running

Before assuming there is a leak, confirm that all water use has actually stopped. Many homes have appliances and systems that draw water automatically, and it is easy to miss one.

• Irrigation systems and timers, including drip lines in garden beds.
• Pool and spa auto top-up valves.
• Dishwashers, washing machines and fridge ice makers or water dispensers.
• Water filters, softeners or treatment units that run backwash cycles.
• Evaporative coolers or other equipment connected to the water supply.
• Hot water systems that may be refilling after recent use.

Once everything is off, note the meter reading and look at the small low-flow indicator, often a small dial or star-shaped wheel. If it moves steadily with no water being used, that movement is worth investigating.

Checks you can safely do yourself

Some common causes can be ruled in or out without tools. These checks are low risk and can save time when a plumber attends.

1. Listen and look at each toilet. A cistern that keeps trickling into the bowl is a common cause of slow, steady loss. A few drops of food colouring in the cistern can show whether water is passing into the bowl without flushing.
2. Check visible taps and outdoor hose taps for drips.
3. Look at the hot water system relief valve drain. Some discharge is normal during heating, but continuous flow may need attention.
4. If your home has individual isolation valves under sinks or toilets, closing them one at a time while watching the meter may help narrow down the area.
5. Take a meter reading at night before bed and again in the morning with no water used, to give a rough idea of the overnight loss.

When the source is not visible

If the obvious fixtures have been ruled out and the meter still moves, the loss may be in pipework you cannot see. That might be the underground service between the meter and the house, pipes within the slab, or lines inside walls and ceilings. Signs that may point to a hidden leak include damp patches, lifting floor coverings, unusually green or soft areas of lawn, cracked tiles or a constant sound of running water.

At this stage a licensed plumber can carry out more structured testing. Depending on the property, this may include isolating the house from the underground service to see which side the loss is on, pressure testing separate hot and cold sections, and using acoustic, thermal or tracer gas equipment where appropriate. The goal is to narrow the search before any building elements are opened up.

What to note before you call a plumber

Clear information helps the investigation start in the right place. It is worth recording:

• Meter readings with dates and times, including any overnight test.
• Which fixtures and appliances you have already checked or isolated.
• Any recent changes to water bills or pressure.
• Locations of damp, staining, smells or sounds, with photos if possible.
• Any recent plumbing, renovation or landscaping work.

If there is water damage to the building, keep photos and notes from the start. These may be useful if you later need a written plumbing report, although whether any claim is accepted is a matter for your insurer.

Need help on the Gold Coast?

Tensor Plumbing is a licensed plumber and gas fitter based in Parkwood, servicing Gold Coast suburbs within about 30 minutes. See leak detection on the Gold Coast and plumbing repairs, or find your suburb. When you're ready, request a quote online and attach a photo or two.

Related reading: How a Plumber Finds a Hidden Water Leak, Step by Step and Thermal Imaging for Leak Detection: How It Works & Its Limits.