Wet Spot in the Yard but the Meter Isn't Moving: What to Check
A wet patch does not always mean a leaking water line, and a still meter does not always mean there is no leak. Here is how to sort it out.
Referral service: Gardena Water Line Pros is not a plumbing contractor. Your call may be connected to an independent, third-party service provider who sets its own availability, pricing and terms. Read our referral disclosure.
The short answer
If the ground is wet but the meter's leak indicator is still, don't assume the line is fine. A leak before the meter won't register on it, and a very slow leak may not move the indicator in a short test. Rule out irrigation first, repeat the meter check over two hours, and look at where the wet spot is relative to the meter.
Why the meter might not move
- The water isn't coming from your plumbing. Irrigation that isn't running right now, rain, drainage or runoff from a neighbor can all wet a lawn.
- The leak is on the utility side. Golden State Water's FAQ says it maintains the pipes up to the meter. A leak in that stretch doesn't pass through your meter, so the indicator can stay still.
- The leak is very small. A slow seep may not move the indicator in a few minutes. EPA WaterSense recommends comparing meter readings before and after a two-hour period with no water in use.
- It isn't a water supply line. A sewer or drain line leak, or a leaking air conditioner drain, can leave a wet spot without ever touching your meter.
What to check, in order
- Note when it's wet. Is it wet only after the sprinklers run, after rain, or all the time? A spot that stays wet in dry weather is more suspicious.
- Turn irrigation off for a day or two. Use the controller's rain or off setting and see if the spot dries.
- Repeat the meter test. Turn off all water use, record the reading, wait two hours, and read again. Follow the steps in our meter leak check.
- Look and smell. Clear, odorless water points to a supply line, irrigation or rain. A smell or cloudy water points to a drain or sewer problem.
- Map the spot. A wet area right at the meter box or the curb leans toward the utility side. A wet strip running from the meter toward the house leans toward your service line.
What the pattern can suggest
| What you see | Possible source | Who to contact |
|---|---|---|
| Wet only after sprinklers run | Irrigation head, valve or pipe | Irrigation repair |
| Wet at or near the meter, meter still | Leak before the meter | Golden State Water |
| Wet from meter toward the house, meter moves in a two-hour test | Water service line | A plumbing provider |
| Smell or cloudy water | Sewer or drain line | A plumber |
| Wet after rain or near a downspout | Drainage | Fix drainage |
Don't dig. Digging near buried lines can damage them. In California, call 811 (DigAlert) before any digging project.
When to call for help
If the spot stays wet after irrigation is off, the meter moves in the two-hour test, or the ground is sinking or bubbling, it's time to have the line looked at. See leak detection for how providers locate hidden leaks without opening the whole yard.
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. Gardena Water Line Pros is a referral service, not a plumbing contractor.
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Frequently asked questions
Can a water line leak without the meter moving?
Yes, in two situations. A leak on the utility side, before the water reaches the meter, doesn't pass through the meter. And a very small leak may not move the indicator during a short test, so a two-hour reading comparison is more reliable.
What else makes a yard wet besides a water line leak?
Sprinkler overspray or a weeping valve, recent rain, poor drainage, runoff from a neighbor, a leaking hose bib, air conditioner condensate, or a sewer or drain problem.
How can I tell clean water from sewage in a wet spot?
Water from a drinking water line is generally clear and has no odor, while a sewer or drain problem often smells or looks cloudy. If you suspect sewage, avoid contact and call a plumber.
Who do I call if the wet spot is near the meter?
Call Golden State Water. The utility maintains the pipes up to the meter, and a leak at or before the meter is its responsibility.
Wet ground between the meter and the house?
Call to be connected with an independent provider, when one is available, to help find the source.
Referral service: Gardena Water Line Pros is not a plumbing contractor. Your call may be connected to an independent, third-party service provider who sets its own availability, pricing and terms. Read our referral disclosure.