leak in house due to freezed pipe?

[dumpling]

My outside spigot was broken last week because of freezing weather. I was away from home for a few days and when I got back I turned on the outside faucet there was no water, after I warmed up the home for a while, suddenly the faucet was broken. I put a water hose on it before I can fix it. I was told by a plumber that they need to dig a hole into the wall to replace the spigot. The plumber checked the water meter and said it was not leaking (he only watched at the water meter for a few second).

Yesterday I watched a water meter for a longer time and found it moves slowly (about 0.01 gallon/minute), it is not noticable if you only watch it for a few second. I couldn't find visible leak in my house, I wonder if it is possible the leak is inside the wall? How can I tell it? It's been over 24 hours and I didn't see any sign of wet wall or wet floor in my house yet.

Thank you.

 

[TomFOhio]

The only time that outside faucet will leak is if you turn it on. It is probably split in the wall. The plumber is correct and he will have to open the wall to get to the repair. Your meter is probably a toilet leaking through into the bowl. Put some dark food coloring in the toilet tanks and don't use them for about a half hour and see if the color is in the bowl. If it is then replace the flapper or gasket which ever you have at the bottom of the tank

 

[dumpling]

Thanks. I found flood in my bedroom close to the outside faucet and it is leaking in the wall (dripping slowly and cause the carpet wet, for an area of 6x6 feet). The plumber fixed the problem and they had to cut the wall.

I used the towels to absorb as much water as I can, used a fan and heater blow in that area overnight. I opened that area to separate the carpet and padding to let them dry faster. It seems like it is almost dry. I can't see any wall damage visually. Is that any concern before I put the carpet back? Thanks.