Step 2 · Perform the Initial Leak Test
With the meter visible, ensure that no water is being used anywhere on your property. This means all faucets, showers, toilets, dishwashers, washing machines, and irrigation systems must be turned off. Check that toilet flappers aren't silently leaking and that automatic ice makers are not in a fill cycle. Now, look closely at the meter face. Most analog meters have a small, triangular or star-shaped dial known as the leak indicator. If this dial is spinning, even very slowly, you have a leak. If there is no dedicated leak indicator, watch the main sweep hand for 10-15 minutes to see if it moves at all. You can use a pen and paper to record the starting number and check it again later. If there is any movement, a leak is confirmed.