How do I tell if I have a leak between house and meter?

The simplest way to tell if you have a leak between the house and the meter is to run a meter test that isolates the buried service line. Most true service-line leaks show continuous meter movement even after you close the home’s main shutoff valve.

Our technicians can pinpoint hidden service-line leaks with electronic locating and noninvasive methods, and we regularly apply these tools on underground jobs in the Champaign area.

Try these quick checks:

• Turn off all water fixtures; watch the meter’s low-flow indicator for movement.
• Close the home’s main shutoff; if the meter still moves, the leak is between meter and house.
• Look for wet soil, soft spots, or a narrow strip of extra-green grass along the service path.
• Listen at the curb stop or meter box for hissing when no water is in use.

If you cannot safely reach the shutoff or meter, stop and call a licensed plumber for help.

Updated: 2026-09-14

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