Read your water meter + overnight leak test
Learn to read your meter, convert units, and run the definitive DIY leak test utilities recommend.
Direct answer
Read left-to-right like an odometer. 1 CCF = 748 gallons. The small sweep hand or leak detector dial is most sensitive for tests.
Meter types & reading
- Analog (dials): Read the numbers the hands point to. Red sweep hand = 1–10 gal increments.
- Digital: Shows total gallons or CCF; look for flow rate (GPM) or leak icon.
- Leak indicator: Triangle, asterisk, or small dial that spins with any flow.
Overnight test procedure (EPA/utility standard)
- All fixtures off, no one home or awake using water.
- Record meter + photo at night.
- Morning: re-record. Movement >1–2 gal = leak.
- Optional isolation: shut main valve inside, re-test.
Worked example: Night reading 1,234,560 gal. Morning 1,234,612 gal. 52 gal used with zero occupancy = leak.
Primary sources
- EPA WaterSense meter test guidance
- Portland, SAWS, Raleigh, and most major utilities publish this exact protocol.