Find a Hidden Leak by Reading Your Water Meter

A leak you can't see still shows up on your water bill. Your meter can confirm one in about half an hour, no tools required.

How to do it

1. Turn off everything that uses water — no flushing, no laundry, no ice maker filling.
2. Find your meter (usually near the street) and note the reading. Many meters have a small triangle or dial that spins with any flow.
3. Wait 30 minutes to an hour without using water.
4. Check again. If the reading moved or the little dial is spinning, water is going somewhere.

The usual suspects are a running toilet, a dripping irrigation line, or a pinhole leak. Shut off the toilet valves one at a time and re-check to narrow it down.