Article
Quick Answer: A basic water leak check — reading your meter and reviewing your bill — is worth doing monthly, while a full walkthrough for physical signs (damp spots, musty smells, pressure changes) is a good habit each season, especially before and after extreme weather.
A Simple Monthly Habit
The easiest ongoing check is also the fastest: compare your current water bill to previous months, and periodically do a quick meter check (all fixtures off, watch for movement). This takes a few minutes and catches many leaks well before they’d otherwise be noticed.
A Seasonal Walkthrough
A few times a year, it’s worth doing a slightly more thorough check:
- Walk through the property looking for damp spots, staining, or musty smells, especially in areas with plumbing you don’t see every day (basements, crawl spaces, utility closets).
- Check outdoor areas for unusually wet or lush patches in the yard that don’t correspond to weather.
- Note any changes in water pressure throughout the property.
Times Worth an Extra Check
- After a freeze. Freezing temperatures are a common cause of pipe stress and cracking in areas not built for extreme cold.
- After significant ground shifting or nearby construction/excavation, which can stress buried lines.
- Before listing a property for sale, since a documented, leak-free inspection can be useful in that process.
- If you’ve just moved into an older property with plumbing history you’re not familiar with.
For Commercial Properties
Commercial properties often benefit from a more structured schedule, particularly larger properties or those with multiple tenants, since a leak can go unnoticed longer across a bigger footprint. A property manager keeping a simple recurring reminder to review utility costs and walk common areas is a practical baseline.
If a Regular Check Turns Up Something
Catching a possible sign early is the whole point of a regular check — the next step from there is a professional, non-invasive diagnostic inspection rather than waiting to see if it gets worse. Call (470) 454-5051 if your routine check turns up anything on our list of common signs.
FAQ
How often should I check my water meter?
A quick meter check is a good habit monthly, alongside comparing your water bill to previous months.
Are there times of year I should check more carefully?
Yes — after a hard freeze, after nearby excavation or construction, or any time you notice a change in water pressure are all good prompts for an extra check.
Do commercial properties need a different schedule?
Larger and multi-tenant properties often benefit from a more structured, recurring check, since a leak can go unnoticed longer across a bigger footprint than in a typical single-family home.