Leak between stopcock and water meter

[mxo]

I have a water meter in a manhole under the pavement. My internal stopcock is by the front door, around 3 metres away from the water meter. When I close the stopcock, my water meter goes up by 5 litres in around half an hour. I've confirmed it's not connected to my neighbour's water supply. The water meter is a smart meter with a digital display.

I've contacted Thames Water but they've said I need to hire a plumber to investigate. Given the pipe runs under the pavement before entering the front porch of my property, and the leak could be at the water meter itself, is this right? I'm not clear how a plumber can diagnose this.

 

[terryplumb]

If the meter is leaking then water would be visible around it. The pipe from the meter to your stopcock is , unfortunately,your responsibility.
Show us a picture of the inside of the
" manhole with the meter in"

 

[mxo]

If the meter is leaking then water would be visible around it. The pipe from the meter to your stopcock is , unfortunately,your responsibility.
Show us a picture of the inside of the
" manhole with the meter in"

Here’s a picture.

 

[Alec_t]

Is there a stopcock/tap in that meter hole?

 

[mxo]

Is there a stopcock/tap in that meter hole?

I think the hexagonal thing below the meter in the picture might be it? But not sure whether it can just be turned, I’m wary of breaking it.

 

[Exedon]

Yes the white hexagon is shut of valve.
There should be a black plastic extension to fit in it .
Br carefully not to tighten down too much I've seen then open again.
But as mentioned from your boundary onwards the service is your responsibility.

 

[gas112]

Tell them you have water in the meter box they should come out and check for free.