High Water Bill? How to Check for a Leak
Modern Perspective Plumbing, licensed plumbing contractor in Grover Beach, serving San Luis Obispo County
Turn off every faucet and appliance that uses water, then look at your water meter. If it's still moving, you likely have a leak. Check toilets first, then irrigation, then look for warm spots on the floor or damp areas.
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What to do first
- Turn off all water use in the house, including irrigation and the ice maker.
- Find your meter and watch the small leak indicator or dial for a few minutes.
- Do a toilet dye test on each toilet.
- Check for damp spots near the irrigation lines and along the path of the water line.
Call right away if
- You find a warm spot on the floor
- You hear water running with everything off
- Water is showing up on a wall, ceiling or floor
We answer Monday–Friday 8AM–5PM. After hours, we take your details and call back first thing the next business morning, or Monday morning on weekends. No crew goes out overnight.
What usually causes it
- Toilets. A running toilet is common and easy to miss.
- Irrigation. A broken line or stuck valve can run unnoticed outside.
- Slab or under-floor leak. A warm floor or the sound of running water can point to a hidden line.
- Service line. A leak between the meter and the house can leave wet ground or no visible sign at all.
Coming out to look is free, and you get the price before any work starts. Learn more about our leak detection and repair.
Common questions
Can you find a leak without opening walls?
We locate the leak first, so any opening is as small and as targeted as we can make it.
Who fixes a leak near the water meter?
It depends on which side of the meter it's on. Your water provider can tell you where its responsibility ends.