Water Meter Leaking: Who’s Responsible & What to Do

Discovering a leak is always stressful, but it can be especially concerning when it involves your water meter and you’re unsure how to address it. You may immediately picture worst‑case scenarios: soaring water bills, moisture damage, costly pipe repairs, and ongoing disruption. Adding to the frustration is the uncertainty over who is responsible for resolving the issue.

Determining responsibility for a leaking water meter is not always straightforward. Ownership and maintenance obligations vary depending on local regulations, service agreements, and whether the meter belongs to the utility, the property owner, or a property management company. In many cases the utility or management entity is accountable for repairs, but there are exceptions. In this article, we outline how to determine who is responsible and what steps you should take if your water meter begins to leak.

How to tell if your water meter is leaking

A leaking water meter is a serious issue, but there are several ways to determine whether the meter itself or the surrounding connections is the source of the problem:

• Smart meter alerts: Many modern smart water meters, such as Mainlink’s ultrasonic meter, are integrated with advanced monitoring systems that notify users when a leak is detected. This is often the fastest and most reliable method, though not all properties are equipped with smart meters.
  
• Inspect the meter box: Check for standing water or visible dripping around the meter housing. Leaks can occur at the bottom of the meter or at connection points. A meter box that stays filled with water is a strong indication of a significant leak.
  
• Monitor your water bills: A sudden, unexplained increase in your water bill can signal a leak somewhere in the system. While a higher bill does not always mean the meter itself is leaking, it is an early warning sign that should prompt further inspection.
  
• Check for reduced water pressure: A noticeable drop in water pressure throughout your property may indicate a leak in the supply line or at the meter connections. This sign can be gradual, so pay attention to any change over time.

Who is responsible for a leaking water meter?

When a meter leaks, the question of who is responsible can cause significant stress. Unfortunately, there is no single, universal answer. Rules can vary not only by state but also by municipality, as different water providers have their own exclusions, processes, and contract provisions.

As a general rule, responsibility is determined by which side of the meter the leak is on.

If the utility company owns the meter, it should be responsible for leaks within it—especially if water is leaking from the meter itself. Usually, utilities companies are responsible for all leaks on their side of the meter. This applies to leaks in the street infrastructure and leaks up to the meter, including the meter itself, especially when the meter is installed outside. Many utility companies charge a fee if they’re called out and the leak is a homeowner responsibility, so this is something to be aware of.

Homeowners are usually responsible for leaks in the pipes running from the meter to their home, including leaks that occur on their section of the plumbing. The dividing line is usually the property boundary, but it isn’t always. This can be complex to determine, especially if the meter is owned by a utility company but required to be installed inside the home. One way of determining whether the leak is your responsibility or the utility company’s is by turning off the main shut-off valve. If the water meter is still moving, the leak is on your side of the property line and is usually your responsibility.

If the water utility company is responsible for the leaks, it usually pays for the repairs. If the home or property owner is responsible for the leak, they will usually need to pay for it themselves, along with any additional fees charged or work required to reach the pipes. In some cases, both the water utility company and the property owner are jointly responsible for a leak. In these cases, costs will be allocated depending on specific contractual obligations, local regulations and codes, as well as national or regional laws. 

What to do if you suspect a leak?

If you suspect your water meter is leaking, start by confirming whether a leak actually exists. Once you have reason to believe there is a leak, follow these steps to determine responsibility and address the issue:

• Check all meter readings: Take a current reading from your water meter and compare it to previous readings. If the numbers are unusually high without a corresponding increase in usage, this suggests a leak. Keep these figures, as your utility provider may request them. (If you have a smart meter with leak alerts, this step may not be necessary.)
  
• Turn off the main valve and monitor: Shut off your property’s main water valve and observe whether the leak stops or slows. This can help pinpoint whether the leak is on your side of the system and limit further damage.
  
• Report to your utility provider: Once you have evidence of a leak, contact your utility provider. If the issue falls under their responsibility, they will arrange the necessary repairs. Be prepared to provide details such as photos, meter readings, or other requested information.
  
• Call a licensed professional: If the leak is determined to be on your side of the property, hire a licensed plumber to make the repair. Choose a reputable professional to ensure the issue is resolved correctly.
  
• Confirm resolution with your utility provider: After the repair is complete, notify your utility provider so they can update their records and close the issue on their end.

Preventing future leaks

Preventing leaks is always better than dealing with them after they occur. Repairs are often more expensive, stressful, and can lead to collateral damage in other parts of the property. To reduce the risk of water‑meter leaks, consider these key strategies:

• Conduct regular inspections: Have residents or property management staff physically inspect the pipes and the meter on a routine basis. Look behind access panels, under sinks, and in other concealed areas. This approach is labor‑intensive especially in large residential communities, multi‑family buildings, or mobile home parks but early detection can prevent costly damage.
  
• Watch for signs of leaks: Learn to recognize indicators such as pooling water on a lawn during dry weather, damp soil around buried pipes, or unexplained moisture near plumbing fixtures. Periodic visual checks can catch leaks early.
  
• Monitor water pressure: Even small drops in pressure can signal a developing leak. Regularly reviewing meter displays or pressure gauges can help you spot subtle changes before they worsen.
  
• Maintain infrastructure: Routine maintenance and timely servicing of pipes, valves, and related infrastructure help keep systems in good condition and minimize the chance of leaks.
  
• Leverage advanced technology: If you are looking for a way to improve leak detection, modern smart meters such as ultrasonic models can identify even minor leaks in real time and send instant alerts. They also provide actionable insights through mobile apps, offering data on usage history, comparative trends, and detailed reports to help you address issues before they escalate into major problems.

While traditional methods like inspections and monitoring are effective, they rely on consistent human attention and can be time‑consuming. Integrating advanced smart metering technology simplifies detection, automates data collection, and delivers instant leak notifications all through user‑friendly mobile application. This proactive approach empowers you to keep your system efficient and protected.