All the taps are closed, yet the small indicator on your water meter keeps moving. That does not automatically mean the meter is faulty: a toilet cistern may be filling, an appliance may be drawing water or a hidden leak may be present. If the reading keeps rising when no water is being used, a plumber should check where the water is going.
Closing the taps does not stop every source of demand. A toilet cistern takes time to refill after flushing. Washing machines, dishwashers, water filters and automatic storage-tank filling systems may also draw water without an open tap. All of these must be idle during the check, and nobody should use water.
On a mechanical meter, observe the flow indicator; on a digital model, compare the total volume readings. An illuminated display alone proves neither water flow nor a fault. Indicators vary by model, so a light by itself is not a leak diagnosis.
A thin, quiet stream may pass from the cistern into the toilet. The floor stays dry because the water goes down the drain. Continuous ripples or a trickle inside the toilet, and a cistern that refills intermittently, are useful clues. The fill valve, float and flush seal need checking.
Water may escape from a hose inside a kitchen cabinet, a pipe behind a wall or beneath the floor, or the supply line after the meter. A damp mark may take time to appear. Blistering paint, a swollen cabinet base, a musty smell or a new running-water sound deserve attention. A meter can show that water is passing through it, but cannot locate the leak.
Processes such as filter flushing and tank refilling should be ruled out first. The pipe layout, shut-off valves and meter operation can then be assessed. If the meter itself is suspected, do not break its seal or dismantle it. Ask the water supplier about an official inspection.
Stop all water use and allow cisterns and tanks to finish filling. Photograph the reading and note the time. For example, leave everything unused for 30 minutes, then compare the reading again. An increase shows that water passed through the system during that period; a leak and overlooked demand still need to be distinguished. No change during a short test does not completely rule out an intermittent leak.
Look at accessible joints and the inside of the toilet. If you have an easily operated internal shut-off valve serving your property, a plumber can advise how to use it for an isolation check. Do not force a corroded valve or interfere with shared building pipes or sealed parts. If the result remains unclear, arrange an on-site inspection through 166 Usta.
Continuous water loss may raise your bill. A hidden leak can also damage plaster, flooring and furniture or reach the flat below. Painting over a damp patch will not remove its cause. If water is spreading quickly, close your accessible internal supply valve if safe. If water reaches electrical equipment, avoid touching wet parts and seek urgent help.
Keep both reading photos, the elapsed time and a list of the appliances that were stopped. Explain when the problem began, whether recent plumbing work was done and where you noticed dampness or water sounds. Clear access to the meter and internal shut-off valve. There is no need to break into walls or dismantle the meter yourself.
The plumber starts with accessible connections, the toilet cistern and water-using appliances, then narrows down the possibilities according to the pipe layout. The work and any required parts are explained after inspection. Once repairs are complete, joints are checked for leaks and the meter is observed again with all water use stopped.
On-site diagnosis, agreement on the work in advance and a final check help match the repair to the cause. Official meter testing and seal work are handled according to the water supplier’s authority.
If your meter reading rises while all taps are closed, book our plumbing service by calling +994 50 274 92 92 or using the contact page. Tell us what you observed so we can arrange a suitable inspection.
