Water Meter Leakage Self-Check
When all water outlets are turned off, but the water meter is still moving, it indicates that there is leakage. You can check for leaks in household pipes within 5 minutes, and you can also estimate the daily leakage amount through the water meter to minimize losses in time.
The water meter leakage detection method is an easy way to find whether there is “hidden leakage” in the house, such as pipe leaks or taps not fully closed, by checking the working status of the water meter. The specific operating steps, application scenarios, and precautions are as follows:
Water Meter Leakage Self-Check
Completely turn off all devices in the home that may use water, including taps, water-related appliances, and hidden water-use points such as toilet cistern inlet valves and solar water heater refill valves. Make sure the cistern is full and the inlet valve is closed, with no continuous water flow.
After shutting them off, wait for five minutes to allow the residual water in the pipes to drain, so that remaining water movement does not affect the judgment. Then observe the status of the water meter to see whether there is any movement. If the pointer is moving, it indicates that there is leakage.
Locating the Leakage Point
Firstly to check hidden water-use points such as toilets and water heaters. Open the toilet cistern and observe whether the inlet valve is fully closed. If the float does not push up the inlet valve or the sealing gasket of the inlet valve has aged, water will continue to flow into the cistern and then enter the drain through the overflow pipe, which is difficult to detect with the naked eye. You can drop 2–3 drops of food coloring into the cistern; if the water in the toilet bowl changes color after 10 minutes, it indicates that the cistern is leaking.
Check whether there is dripping at the inlet valves and connecting pipes of the water heater or water purifier. You can wipe the joints with a tissue; if the tissue becomes wet, it indicates that the joint is loose or the sealing ring has aged.
Check Indoor Pipes
If no leakage are found at hidden water-use points, it is necessary to inspect pipes inside walls or floors. Observe damp patches on walls or water marks on floors, especially in areas near the water meter and taps.
You can also listen for sounds in a quiet environment at night. If you can hear a “hissing” sound of flowing water, it may indicate pipe damage and leakage.
Verification by Closing the Main Valve after the Meter
If you have suspected the indoor pipe leakage, you can close the main shut-off valve after the water meter, which controls all indoor water usage, and then observe the water meter. If the pointer of the water meter stops moving, it indicates that the leakage is in the indoor pipes.
If the water meter continues to move, it indicates that the leakage is in the pipes before the meter, such as the pipes between the water meter and the main pipeline of the residential area, and You should contact the property management or water supply company for handling.
The most important thing of the water meter leakage detection is to use the flow measurement function of the water meter, which means, to suspect water flow when there is no water usage. Its advantages are low cost, easy operation, and non-destructive, making it the preferred method for leakage detection in households and small-scale pipeline networks.
Last but not least, once leakage is detected, increased water loss should be promptly avoided as it leads to economic losses or safety issues, such as wall damage or electrical short circuits caused.