Quick Answer:

If the meter keeps moving when no taps are open, it usually means there is water flowing somewhere you can’t see. Start by isolating sections of the house and watch the meter to find the hidden flow. If the dial keeps turning after you shut the main, call a plumber or the water utility.

Why This Happens

A spinning meter with no obvious use most often points to one of these issues:

  • Small but continuous leaks (toilets, faucets, appliance supply lines).
  • Underground leaks in the service line or irrigation system.
  • A running toilet (flapper or fill valve problem).
  • A valve that appears closed but is leaking at the curb or inside the house.
  • Meter or meter pit problems (rare, but possible).

If you recently worked on the curb stop or the service line, it can change how water moves through the system — see water flow reduced after curb stop and water pressure changed after curb stop for related issues to check.

Step-by-Step What to Do

1. Find and read the meter

Locate the house meter and note the position of the small sweep hand or digital reading. Some meters have a small red triangle or dial that spins with very small flows — that’s what you watch.

2. Confirm no fixtures are running

  • Turn off every fixture and appliance that uses water (faucets, washing machine, dishwasher, irrigation controller).
  • Check toilets by lifting the lid and listening for running water or holding the flapper up briefly to see if water keeps flowing into the bowl.

3. Shut interior valves one by one

Close individual shutoff valves inside the house (under sinks, to toilets, to appliances) one at a time and after each closure, watch the meter dial. This helps isolate the leaking fixture or line.

4. Shut off the main and watch the meter dial

Shut the indoor main shutoff and watch the meter dial for several minutes. If the meter stops, the leak is inside the house. If it continues, the leak is outside or at the service line.

5. Check outside and underground lines

  • Inspect irrigation zones and exposed service lines for wet spots or unusually green patches.
  • Look around the meter pit for water pooling or suspicious moisture.

6. Record what you find and decide next steps

Note whether the flow stops when specific valves are closed. If you cannot locate the source, or the meter still spins with the main shut, contact a professional or your water utility.

What Not to Do

  • Do not ignore slow creep — a small continuous leak wastes water and can get worse quickly.
  • Do not force stuck valves or use excessive tools that can break pipes.
  • Do not dig blindly around the meter or service line without checking for other utilities or calling for locates if required in your area.

When to Call a Professional

  • The meter still spins after you shut the indoor main valve.
  • You suspect an underground or service-line leak (soft ground, sinkholes, large wet areas).
  • You cannot find the source after isolating sections using the shutoff valves and watching the meter.
  • There is a sudden, large increase in usage on your bill or visible flooding.

Safety Notes

  • Turn off power to appliances that could be damaged by water before inspecting around them.
  • Wear gloves and eye protection if you open meter pits — pests and debris can be present.
  • Do not work on buried service lines or dig near utilities without professional locates and permits.
  • If you smell gas or see electrical hazards while inspecting, leave the area and call the proper utility immediately.

Common Homeowner Questions

  • Q: How long should I watch the meter after shutting a valve?
    A: Wait at least 3–5 minutes to be sure a slow flow has stopped.
  • Q: Can a meter itself be faulty and show flow when none exists?
    A: Rarely, but possible; ask your water utility to test or inspect the meter if you cannot find a leak.
  • Q: Will a small leak outside always be obvious on the surface?
    A: No. Some underground leaks show only subtle signs like slowly settling soil or persistent wet spots.