A water meter that moves when no water is being actively used is definitive proof of an active plumbing breach. Water meters are mechanical and digital instruments that only register water volume flowing through the meter body.
Step 1: Check Exterior Hose Bibs and Irrigation
Check all garden hoses and outdoor sprinkler manifolds. Electronic irrigation solenoid valves often suffer cracked diaphragms that quietly weep gallons directly into garden mulch.
Step 2: Check Water Heater Pressure Relief Valves
Inspect the copper discharge pipe coming from your water heater's Temperature and Pressure (T&P) valve. If water is dripping into the floor pan or outdoor discharge line, the valve is malfunctioning.
If neither shows issues, the leak is located beneath your slab or in the buried yard lateral.