In Billings and Laurel, homeowners are often surprised to learn that one of the most powerful diagnostic tools for plumbing issues is right outside their home—the water meter. This often-overlooked device doesn’t just track your usage for the city; it can also help detect hidden leaks, inefficiencies, and signs of bigger plumbing problems. At Brown Plumbing, we believe that understanding how to read your water meter can help you take control of your water system before small issues turn into major repairs.
Why Your Water Meter Matters
Your water meter records every gallon of water that flows into your home. It’s typically located in a covered box near the street, sidewalk, or sometimes in your basement if you’re in an older Billings or Laurel property. Knowing how to read your meter can provide real-time insight into your household’s water usage and reveal leaks you might not otherwise notice.
If your water bill has suddenly spiked or if you suspect a hidden issue like a slab leak or dripping pipe, the water meter is the first place to investigate.
How to Perform a Simple Leak Test
Turn off all water-using appliances inside and outside your home. Make sure no one is flushing toilets, running faucets, or using the irrigation system. Then, check the meter’s dial or digital readout. If it’s still moving, even slightly, that typically indicates a leak somewhere in your plumbing system.
Most modern meters also have a leak indicator—a small triangle or gear that spins when water is flowing. If it’s turning with everything shut off, it’s time to take a closer look at your fixtures, toilets, and irrigation system—or better yet, call in a professional.
What Else Can the Meter Reveal?
Aside from detecting leaks, your water meter can reveal patterns of overuse or inefficiency. If your usage spikes during the night when no one is awake, you may have a toilet with a slow leak. If your irrigation system runs longer than you realized, your meter will tell you. This knowledge helps not only with plumbing maintenance but also with water conservation—especially important during dry Montana summers.
In some Laurel and Billings homes, older plumbing or water heaters can be the culprit behind unusual water usage. If your meter is constantly high despite your efforts, it may be time to consider an upgrade.
Using the Meter as Part of Regular Maintenance
Checking your water meter regularly is a simple but valuable part of home maintenance. At Brown Plumbing & Heating, we recommend doing a meter check once a month—especially after a cold snap, lawn watering season, or when you return from vacation. Not only can it help prevent major plumbing emergencies, but it can also keep your water bills in check.
For added protection, many homeowners in the area are opting to install smart leak detection systems that integrate with the water meter and send alerts to your phone if something unusual happens.
Trust the Pros to Follow the Clues
If your meter suggests there’s a problem but you can’t find the source, don’t worry—that’s where we come in. Our licensed plumbers in Billings and Laurel are trained in pinpoint leak detection and system diagnostics. Whether it’s a silent underground leak, a malfunctioning valve, or an old pipe that needs replacing, we’ll find it fast and fix it right.
To schedule a plumbing inspection or get help reading your water meter results, visit https://brownplbg.com. At Brown Plumbing, we believe good information is the foundation of great plumbing—and it starts with knowing what your meter has to say.