Leak Detection in Charlotte, NC: Check the Meter First
Leak detection in Charlotte, NC
Hidden leaks show up on the meter before they show up on the floor. The EPA's check: read the water meter before and after two hours with no water in use; if it changes at all, you probably have a leak. A plumber then locates the leak before anyone opens a wall or a floor.
Tell us whether the meter moves with everything off and where you see water. We check whether a local plumber can take the job.
Supply, drain or fixture
The first move depends on which of three leaks you have:
- Supply line: the meter moves with every fixture off. A warm spot on a slab floor points to a hot-water line underneath; see slab leak detection.
- Drain or sewer: a smell, a backup, or water at a cleanout. The next look is a camera in that line; see drain cleaning.
- Fixture: visible water at a shut-off valve, a toilet or a water heater. Tighten or rebuild that part first. A toilet that refills by itself is a common one; see toilet repair.
Who pays for which leak in Charlotte
Charlotte Water says the leading cause of a high water bill is a private plumbing leak, and the boundary is the meter: customers are responsible for repair and water usage due to leaks beyond the meter outlet. If you have checked your property and found nothing, Charlotte Water asks you to call 311 or 704-336-7600 for a high-bill investigation.
For more checks you can do yourself, see the leak detection DIY guide.
| Kind | Tell | First move |
|---|---|---|
| Slab or under-floor supply | Warm spot, meter moving | Locate, then open one spot |
| Drain or sewer | Smell, backup, wet cleanout | Camera the line |
| Fixture drip | Water at a valve, toilet or tank | Tighten or rebuild the part |
How do you find a hidden leak?
Turn everything off and watch the meter. If it moves, a plumber locates the leak with listening equipment, or with a camera when the water is in a drain. The floor or wall is opened after the spot is known.
Can a slab leak be found without breaking up the whole floor?
Yes. Acoustic equipment pinpoints the leak first, so only one spot is opened.
Next step
Say whether the meter moves with the fixtures off and whether the wet is on a floor or a ceiling.