If you want to determine if you have a leak, one of the first places to check is your water meter. In most homes, your meter is in your basement or in a pit outside your home. Below is an example of a meter found in many Alexandria homes and businesses.

B points to two red dials that track lesser water use and can be helpful in determining if you have a leak. If you look at the meter when a faucet is on, the red triangle will be spinning, and the red dial hand will be moving as they meter the running water. If you look at the meter when all faucets and appliances are off, the red triangle should not be moving at all. If it is moving, water is running through the meter, indicating a leak. If this test does not show water use, you may have an intermittent leak. Before leaving the house for several hours, record all numbers (even the black dials) and record where the red dial hand is pointing. Check this again when you return. If there is any change, water ran through the meter while you were gone.

C is the Meter Number and matches the electronic reading with your invoice. (If you do not have a remote or ‘circle’ on the outside of your home, you won’t have this Meter Number.)

Alexandria meters are read on a weekend near the first of each month.