Look at the set of numbers—usually six or seven digits. The ones on the far right move the fastest when water is running. Write down that full number, including the last digit. For example: 043562. That’s the total gallons (or cubic feet, depending on your area) used since the meter was installed. Now, go turn on every faucet in your house for exactly one minute. Run the washing machine. Flush the toilet twice—go wild.
Come back and look at the meter again. The number should have jumped. If it hasn’t moved at all, you might have a frozen meter. (Or you forgot to actually turn anything on—happens to the best of us. I’ve been there, staring blankly at the dial while the kitchen sink runs two floors away.) The point is: this is the baseline check. It confirms your meter is working and that you understand how it flows.
