A sudden spike in your water bill can be a gut punch. Even worse? You often don’t even see the leak — it hides underground, behind walls, or under floors, quietly wasting gallons of water every day. If you live in Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, or surrounding areas, you know that early leak detection is critical to avoid costly repairs in our dry desert homes. One of the simplest ways to catch hidden issues early is by using your water meter to detect a leak—a quick check that can save you thousands in repairs.
Good news! You already have one of the best leak detection tools at your fingertips — your water meter. Here’s how you can use it to catch leaks before they become a major headache.
How to Read Your Water Meter
Before you start, it helps to know what you’re looking at, Most residential water meters in Las Vegas, Henderson, Green Valley, and nearby areas are located:
- In a concrete box near the street or sidewalk
- Near your front hose bib
- Occasionally inside your garage (rare but possible)
When you open the meter box, you’ll typically see:
- A sweep hand (like a clock hand) that moves as water flows
- A low-flow indicator (often a small triangle, star, or gear) that spins even with tiny amounts of water use
- A register displaying the total water usage in gallons or cubic feet
Pro Tip:
The low-flow indicator is your best friend for leak detection.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use Your Water Meter for Leak Detection
Step 1: Turn Off All Water in Your Home
First things first:
- Turn off all faucets
- Stop any irrigation systems
- Don’t run washing machines, dishwashers, or toilets
You want zero water usage during the test.
Step 2: Find and Read Your Water Meter
- Open the water meter box carefully (use a tool if necessary).
- Look at the sweep hand and the low-flow indicator.
- Write down or snap a photo of the meter reading.
Step 3: Watch the Low-Flow Indicator
If the low-flow indicator is moving — even a tiny bit — it means water is flowing somewhere.
- Fast spinning: Big leak (like a burst pipe or major slab leak)* Slow or steady spinning: Smaller leak (toilet flapper, irrigation line, etc.)
Step 4: Wait and Recheck
If the low-flow indicator isn’t moving, wait about 30 minutes without using any water.
Then check again:
- If the reading changed, you likely have a hidden leak.
- If no change, good news — your system is holding steady.
Common Areas Where Leaks Happen
Once you confirm you have a leak, the next question is: Where?
Here are the most common trouble spots:
- Toilets (worn flappers, running tanks)
- Irrigation systems
- Pool fill lines (very common in Southern Highlands and Southwest Las Vegas)
- Underground main lines (especially in older neighborhoods like Green Valley)
- Slab leaks under the foundation
Leak Experts USA Plumbing specializes in pinpointing hard-to-find leaks throughout Enterprise, Aliante, Rhodes Ranch, and Centennial Hills.
Signs You Might Have a Hidden Leak
Besides checking your water meter, look out for these red flags:
- Higher than usual water bills
- Wet spots on walls, floors, or ceilings
- Mold or mildew smells
- Low water pressure
- Cracks in your foundation or driveway
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to call a leak detection specialist before the problem gets worse.
Why Early Leak Detection Matters
Catching leaks early can save you thousands. Here’s what happens if leaks go unnoticed:
- Mold growth: Leading to expensive remediation
- Structural damage: Especially with slab leaks
- Foundation cracks: Common in desert soils like in Las Vegas and Henderson
- Sky-high water bills: Every gallon adds up fast
At Leak Experts LLC, we offer fast, non-invasive leak detection services, slab leak repair, mainline replacement, and even hydro jetting for clogged lines caused by leaks.
DIY Leak Check vs. Professional Leak Detection
When DIY Is Enough
- Toilet leaks
- Dripping faucets
- Visible irrigation leaks
If you spot an obvious issue, you might be able to handle it yourself or with minor repairs.
When to Call a Professional
- No visible leaks but meter shows movement
- Wet spots inside walls or floors
- Suspected slab leaks
- Persistent unexplained water usageOur team at Leak Experts USA Plumbing uses acoustic sensors and infrared cameras to find hidden leaks without tearing up your home.
FAQ: How to Use Your Water Meter for Leak Detection
Can a water meter detect a very small leak?
Yes! The low-flow indicator is designed to detect even the smallest leaks, like a dripping faucet or a tiny pinhole in a pipe.
How often should I check my water meter for leaks?
We recommend:
- Quarterly DIY checks at minimum
- After any noticeable jump in your water bill
- Before and after vacations when water use should be minimal
Is it normal for the water meter to move a little?
No, When all water is off, the low-flow indicator should be completely still. If it’s moving, even slowly, it usually means a leak somewhere.
How much water can a small leak waste?
A faucet dripping just one drop per second can waste over 3,000 gallons per year! Imagine the cost if the leak is hidden underground or inside your walls.
Can Leak Experts USA Plumbing help with pool leak detection too?
Yes, If your pool’s auto-fill system is constantly running, you may have an underground pool leak. We offer specialized pool leak detection services for homes in Enterprise, Aliante, Rhodes Ranch, and Centennial Hills.
Why Homeowners and Property Managers Choose Leak Experts USA Plumbing
Leak Experts USA Plumbing (DBA Leak Experts LLC) is your trusted plumbing partner for:
- Leak detection
- Slab leak repair
- Repiping and mainline replacement
- Pool leak detection
- Drain cleaning, snake outs, and hydro jetting
- Sewer camera inspections and repairs
Whether you live in a high-end Enterprise home or manage a property in Green Valley or Southern Highlands, our licensed technicians deliver fast, reliable service you can count on.
Need Help Finding a Leak? Call Leak Experts USA Plumbing Today!
If your water meter test shows signs of a leak — or if you just want peace of mind — don’t wait. Leak Experts USA Plumbing (DBA Leak Experts LLC) is ready to help with expert leak detection services across Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, Green Valley, Aliante, Enterprise, Southern Highlands, Rhodes Ranch, Southwest Las Vegas, and Centennial Hills.
📞 (725) 677-2675.
