Many homes are equipped with shutoff valves for both the main water supply and irrigation system—though not all have them. These valves are a crucial tool for detecting leaks in your plumbing system. If your home lacks these shutoff valves, consider having a plumber install them to make future leak detection easier.

Step 1: Turn Off All Water-Using Devices

Before testing for leaks, ensure that no appliances, faucets, or irrigation systems are using water.

Step 2: Check Your Water Meter

Locate your water meter and confirm that water is actively flowing. Look for an arrow or water droplet symbol on the flow detector—if it’s moving, there’s a leak.

Step 3: Locate Your Shutoff Valves

Find the shutoff valves for your home and irrigation system. These may be ball valves or gate valves. When shutting off the irrigation system, be sure to use the actual valve—simply turning off the irrigation timer is not sufficient.

Step 4: Determine If the Leak Is in Your Service Line

Turn off both your house shutoff valve and irrigation shutoff valve. Now, check your water meter again:

  • If the meter still indicates water flow, the leak is in your service line.
  • If the meter stops showing water flow, move on to the next step to determine whether the leak is inside your house or within the irrigation system.

Step 5: Isolate the Leak to Your House or Irrigation System

  • Turn the irrigation shutoff valve back on, leaving the house valve off.
  • Check the meter again.
    • If the meter shows water flow, the leak is in your irrigation system.
    • If no water flow is detected, the leak is likely inside your home.

Step 6: Pinpoint a Leak in a Specific Fixture

If you suspect a leak in a particular fixture (such as a toilet, sink, or water heater) but can’t visually confirm it, try this:

  • Shut off the water supply to the suspect fixture using its individual shutoff valve.
  • Make sure the house shutoff valve and irrigation valve are both turned back on.
  • Recheck the meter. If the arrow is still moving, the leak is elsewhere.

Still can’t locate the source of the leak? Call us right away! Our expert plumbers will perform a full diagnostic and repair the issue promptly.