Home / Blog Center / Chargers / Why Your Water Meter Keeps Running Even When the Faucet is Turned Off: Common Ca
11/02/2025 | Hawkrown
In daily life, we need to pay the water bill every month based on the operation of the water meter. However, sometimes even when the faucet is turned off, the water meter still continues to turn. So why does this happen? Let’s take a look together.
Reasons for the water meter spinning while the faucet is off:
1. Pipe Leakage
(1) If the faucet is already turned off but the water meter still keeps turning, it is generally due to a leak in the home plumbing or toilet. Some pipes might be buried underground or within walls, making it difficult to detect leaks. This can result in the water meter continuing to turn even when the faucet is not in use.
(2) In this case, it is necessary to find the exact location of the leak and take appropriate measures to repair it. Typically, leaks in exposed pipes are easier to identify, while leaks in hidden pipes can often be determined by observing the movement of the water meter.
(3) If there is no water being used, and you have confirmed that no other devices in the house are leaking, you can closely examine the water meter's movement. If the meter is slowly and steadily rotating, it is likely that there is a leak in the hidden plumbing.
2. Air in the Pipes
(1) The pipes connected to the water meter are usually quite long. If they are not used for an extended period, air can accumulate inside the pipes. When water pressure increases, the air gets compressed, and when the pressure drops, the air is released, leading to fluctuations in the water flow, which in turn causes the water meter to turn.
(2) To resolve this, you should close the valve in front of the water meter and open all the faucets behind it to drain any residual water. Then, reopen the valve in front of the water meter and let the faucets run for about 2 minutes to expel the air from the pipes.
3. Improper Installation of the Water Meter
If the water meter is located very close to the main pipeline, fluctuations in water pressure in the main line can directly affect the operation of the water meter, causing it to turn even if water is not being used. In this case, it is advisable to install the water meter in a more suitable location.
This concludes the detailed explanation of why the water meter continues to turn even when the faucet is turned off. I hope this information is helpful. If the water meter in your home is spinning, it can lead to water wastage and increased water bills, so it’s important to pay attention to this issue.