Building your home

A Comprehensive Guide to Water Meter Installation

Water meters play a crucial role in measuring and monitoring water consumption in homes and businesses. Understanding the installation process, associated costs, and potential savings is essential for property owners. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about water meter installation in 2022.

The Cost of Water Meter Installation

When it comes to installing a water meter, several factors contribute to the overall cost. Here’s a breakdown of the expenses you can expect:

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  1. Monthly Water Bill: $72-$80
  2. Water Main Installation (Per Foot): $50-$150
  3. Professional Installation Cost: $800-$1,200
  4. Average Water Meter Installation Cost: $1,700-$3,000

Factors Affecting Installation Costs

Two primary factors influence the cost of water meter installation:

  1. Labor Cost for Professional Work: Most often, water authorities send experienced representatives to install meters. They assess the meter box, backflow prevention device, water main, water pressure, and the entire water system.
  2. Equipment Cost: Technicians bring all the necessary equipment for installation, so property owners don’t need to worry about additional expenses.
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DIY Water Meter Installation

While some may consider a DIY approach to water meter installation, it’s recommended to avoid it. This is a specialized task that requires the expertise of trained professionals. Attempting it without proper knowledge may lead to complications and potential damages.

How Water Meters Save Money

Installing a water meter allows you to pay only for the water you use, rather than a fixed amount each year. Studies show that households with water meters tend to use 10% to 15% less water than those without. This leads to significant savings on water bills.

The Installation Process

Here is a step-by-step guide to installing a water meter:

  1. Shut off the water supply line.
  2. Depending on the material of the service pipe and meter size, install an additional meter adapter.
  3. Run water slowly to flush the service line and remove any debris or rust.
  4. Verify the direction of water flow at the meter and replace the meter and rubber gasket if needed.
  5. Avoid using a wrench for thread connections; connect meters manually to prevent cross-threading.
  6. Hand-tighten meter adapters for most rubber gasket seals, then use a wrench for a leak-tight seal.
  7. Open a cold water faucet partially to reactivate the waterline a few hours after installation.
  8. Purge any trapped air by opening the faucet and check for leaks in the water meter and connections.
  9. Fully open the supply valve.
  10. Verify that the meter is registering and water is flowing within the property by running a few gallons.
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Where to Install the Water Meter

To ensure regular access for readings, install the water meter in the following locations:

  • Within a 1,000 mm radius around the front boundary of the property.
  • Within 600 mm of the left or right property boundary.
  • Meters installed close together must have a minimum distance of 300 mm between them.

Conclusion

Installing a water meter is a cost-effective way to monitor and control water consumption, leading to potential savings on monthly bills. While professionals handle the installation process, property owners should focus on selecting the right location for the meter. By understanding the costs and benefits associated with water meters, you can make informed decisions for your property.

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