Homeowner guideHow-to
Reading the Water Meter to Catch Leaks
The meter in your basement is a quiet witness to any water slipping away. This simple test takes a couple of hours and no tools.
Interior of modern new kitchen white round sink with black faucet near kitchen knives against.
- Short steps a homeowner can follow safely
- What to check before you pick up the phone
- Clear signs it is time to call a plumber
- Markham and York Region notes where they matter
- Licensing details confirmed when you call
- Residential
- Commercial
- Markham & York Region
The short version
- Shut every tap and pause anything that draws water.
- Ask the household not to flush or run water meanwhile.
- Write down the meter reading, or note the position of the leak indicator.
- Wait two hours.
- Read the meter again.
Find the meter
Most Markham meters sit in the basement beside the main valve. Townhouses and condos sometimes tuck them into a mechanical closet instead.
Read the meter
Meters show total water used. Some have a small triangle or star that spins when water flows, called the leak indicator.
The test
Any movement in the numbers or the little dial means water is escaping.
Narrow it down
- Close the shut-offs to toilets and test again. If the leak stops, it is a toilet.
- Close the main shut-off. Should the dial keep creeping, look between the meter and the main, or in the meter itself.
From the van: A running toilet is the most common leak we find this way. Use food colouring in the tank to confirm.
What next?
If you cannot find the leak, call us. We use moisture meters and other tools to find hidden leaks with minimal damage. If the leak appears to be on the city side or in the meter, contact the City of Markham.
Reading the bill too
Your water bill lists consumption for each period. Compare the same season year over year; a steady climb with no change in household size or habits often points to a slow leak that the meter test will confirm.