Water Meter Test for a Slab Leak

Why the Water Meter Test Is Essential

Municipal water meters measure every drop of water passing from city distribution mains into your home. When all indoor and outdoor water outlets are closed, the meter should remain completely stationary. If your water meter continues registering movement, pressurized water is escaping somewhere on your property—most frequently beneath your concrete slab foundation.

Step-by-Step Water Meter Testing Guide

Step 1: Ensure Zero Water Usage Across Property

Turn off every water-consuming fixture inside and outside your Longview TX residence: indoor faucets, showers, toilets (ensure flappers aren't running), automatic refrigerator ice makers, water softeners, and outdoor garden hose spigots or sprinkler systems.

Step 2: Access Your Longview TX Water Meter Box

In Gregg County, city water meters are buried underground near the front street property line in cast-iron or concrete boxes. Use a screwdriver or meter key to carefully lift the metal lid. Inspect for dirt buildup over the glass meter face and wipe it clean with a damp cloth.

Step 3: Read the Leak Indicator Dial

Most modern residential water meters feature a small triangular, star-shaped, or gear-shaped dial called the low-flow leak indicator. If this small indicator is spinning—even at a slow creep—water is continuously passing through the meter.

Step 4: Conduct a 2-Hour Static Test

For very slow pinhole leaks, the leak dial may move imperceptibly. Record the exact numerical reading shown on the meter odometer (including gallons/cubic feet decimal digits). Leave all water off for 2 hours. If the reading increases after 2 hours, a hidden leak is active.

Isolating Main Line Leaks vs. Sub-Slab Plumbing Leaks

To verify whether the leak is under your concrete floor or outside in the yard service line between the meter and the house:

1. Locate the main customer shut-off valve where the water pipe enters your house (usually near the water heater or garage wall).
2. Close the house main valve tightly.
3. Check the water meter at the curb. If the meter stops spinning, the leak is located inside or under the house slab foundation. If the meter continues spinning, the leak is located on the yard supply pipe underground between the curb meter and your house foundation.