Water Meter Running When Taps Are Off? Here's What It Means

The Spinning Meter Mystery

You've turned off every tap, made sure the washing machine isn't running, and checked that no toilets are flushing – but your water meter dial keeps moving. This frustrating situation is a clear indicator that water is escaping somewhere in your system.

Let's explore what this means and how to find the source.

Confirming You Have a Leak

Before calling for help, perform this simple test:

The 30-Minute Meter Test

1. Locate your water meter (usually in a box near the street or property boundary)
2. Note the exact reading including all decimal places
3. Ensure no water is being used anywhere on the property
4. Wait 30 minutes without using any water
5. Check the reading again

If the numbers have changed, you have a leak. The amount of change indicates the severity:

• Small movement: Minor leak, but still needs attention
• Significant movement: Major leak requiring urgent action
• Fast spinning: Serious leak – consider shutting off main supply

Where Is the Water Going?

Hidden leaks can occur in several locations:

Inside Your Property

• Under floors: Especially concrete slabs
• Behind walls: In concealed pipes
• In ceilings: If pipes run through upper floors
• Toilet cisterns: Silent overflow leaks

Outside Your Property

• Underground supply pipes: Between meter and house
• Garden irrigation: Buried pipes and fittings
• Swimming pool: Plumbing and shell leaks
• Water features: Fountains and ponds

Quick Checks You Can Do

Before calling professionals, try these simple investigations:

Check All Toilets

1. Remove the cistern lid
2. Add food colouring to the tank
3. Wait 15 minutes without flushing
4. If colour appears in the bowl, the flapper valve is leaking

Listen for Leaks

• Put your ear to walls near pipes
• Listen at night when it's quiet
• Check near water heaters and tanks

Visual Inspection

• Look for damp patches on walls or floors
• Check under sinks and around appliances
• Inspect visible pipes for drips

Why Hidden Leaks Are Costly

In Lanzarote, water is expensive. A leak that wastes just 1 litre per minute adds up to:

• 1,440 litres per day
• 43,800 litres per month
• 525,600 litres per year

That's not just wasted water – it's wasted money and potential property damage.

When to Call Professionals

If your meter test confirms a leak but you can't find the source, it's time for professional leak detection.

What We Bring to the Search

At Canary Detect, we use:

• Acoustic detection: Listens for the sound of escaping water
• Thermal imaging: Sees temperature changes from leaks
• Tracer gas: Finds the exact exit point of leaks
• Pressure testing: Isolates sections of your plumbing

Our equipment can pinpoint leaks hidden under concrete, behind walls, or deep underground.

The Canary Detect Approach

When you call us about a spinning water meter:

1. We listen to understand your situation
2. We inspect your meter and visible plumbing
3. We test using our professional equipment
4. We locate the exact leak position
5. We report with clear documentation

Our No Find, No Fee guarantee means you don't pay unless we find the leak.

Stop the Spinning Today

A spinning water meter is your property telling you something is wrong. Don't ignore it – the problem will only get worse and more expensive.

Contact Canary Detect for professional leak detection across Lanzarote. We serve Arrecife, Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca, Costa Teguise, and all areas of the island.

Book a leak detection survey →