A damp spot, a toilet that seems to refill by itself, or an unexpectedly high water bill can make any Columbia County homeowner wonder where the water is going. You can often narrow down a leak without opening a wall or digging in the yard. Start with your water meter, then separate an indoor plumbing problem from an outdoor or service-line concern. These checks are for observation and planning, not a substitute for professional diagnosis. If water is damaging the home, the leak is underground, or you cannot safely reach a valve, stop and contact Northwest Plumbing Services at (503) 366-1323.
Start at the water meter
Turn off faucets, washing machines, dishwashers, ice makers, irrigation, and other water-using fixtures. Find the meter serving your property, usually near the street or sidewalk, and note the dial or low-flow indicator. Wait through a quiet period, then look again. Movement when the home is not using water suggests a leak; a meter that changes over a longer no-use test is another useful clue. If you are unsure which meter is yours, compare its number with your water bill rather than opening a neighboring box. When the source is uncertain, review our Plumbing Leak Detection guidance.
Narrow the leak to inside or outside
Locate the main shutoff for the house, which may be in a garage, crawlspace, basement, utility area, or outside. Close it only if you can do so safely and without forcing a stuck handle. Briefly open an indoor faucet to confirm that the home's supply has stopped, then check the meter again. If the indicator stops, the leak is likely on the house side of the shutoff. If it continues, the concern may be a service line, irrigation system, or another outdoor connection.
Check common fixtures without taking risks
Look and listen around toilets, faucets, supply connections, exposed pipes, and outdoor hose bibs. A few drops of food coloring in a toilet tank can reveal a silent flapper leak if color reaches the bowl after about ten minutes; flush afterward to prevent staining. Do not remove drywall, crawl through standing water, or excavate a suspected underground line as a first step. Keep water away from electrical equipment, and shut off the main supply if a leak is rapidly worsening.
Plan the next step in Oregon
Write down what the meter did, which fixtures you checked, where the main shutoff is, and whether the problem appears indoors or outdoors. Share those observations with Northwest Plumbing Services so the visit can begin with useful context. The family-owned company has served the area since 1991 and handles plumbing repairs involving pipes, faucets, toilets, disposals, water and drain lines, and repiping. Call (503) 366-1323 or email office@nwplumbingservices.com to discuss the next step. For a pipe condition that needs attention, review our Pipe Repair guidance.
Questions about this topic
What if the water meter keeps moving after I shut off the house?
The leak may be outside the home's shutoff, such as a service line, irrigation connection, or other outdoor plumbing. Avoid digging and contact the office for guidance.
Can I fix a dripping faucet or toilet myself?
Some worn washers, cartridges, or toilet flappers are straightforward repairs, but shut off the fixture supply first and stop if the valve is stuck, the leak continues, or water is reaching cabinets, floors, or electrical equipment.
Who should I contact for a leak in Columbia County?
Contact Northwest Plumbing Services at (503) 366-1323 or office@nwplumbingservices.com. Ask the office about current availability and whether your specific location and leak concern can be scheduled.