Compare actual water use, billing-period length and household or irrigation changes first. EPA recommends comparing meter readings during a period with no water use; a change can suggest a leak, but it does not locate the source.
Compare readings without assuming a cause
- RecordUse the same register and units.
- WaitAvoid household and irrigation water use.
- CompareA rise suggests use or leakage; investigate the source.
Separate use from the bill total
A higher bill can involve usage, rates, a different period or other charges. Compare the same units and dates before assuming plumbing failure. Look for running toilets, visible drips and recent irrigation changes.
Use safe accessible readings
If your meter can be read safely and the utility permits access, record two readings during a period when no water is used. Do not force a cover, enter hazardous spaces or operate utility valves. Ask the water supplier for assistance if access or readings are unclear.
Know what the observation means
A difference shows measured use over the interval, not a repair price or a confirmed leak location. Unnoticed appliances or irrigation can affect the result. Use the record to discuss appropriate investigation with the utility or independent plumber.
Compare two meter readings
Read the same register before and after a period with no water use. Include irrigation, appliances and automatic equipment in that pause. The EPA suggests a two-hour comparison. Enter up to six decimal places.
Entries stay in your browser and are not sent to this website. These tools organize observations; they do not diagnose a property or quote a service.
Take the next step for this problem
Toilets, faucets & fixture repair in Sacramento ↗
For address-specific utility and access context, visit Sacramento or your locality guide. Confirm the independent business’s availability and any assessment charge.
Related homeowner guidance
Official resources
- Sacramento County rebate status and purveyor lookup ↗
- Sacramento utility systems ↗
- Regional water supplier boundaries ↗
- Rancho Cordova water provider map ↗
- Sacramento County water agency and purveyor lookup ↗
- California contractor license check ↗
- CSLB homeowner contract checklist ↗
- EPA WaterSense leak guidance ↗
Resources provide general preparation and official contacts. They do not establish provider coverage or endorsement.