An important first step in getting a water meter is to consult your plumber. Why? There are a number of factors that will determine what meter will work best for your application. Your licensed plumber can help in answering a few key questions...
Where is the best location to install the meter(s) for the intended use?
Typically there is a "main" water pipe that enters a building or unit through an exterior or foundation wall. This is often where the water utility company or municipality installs their meter. Depending on what water you want the sub-meter to read, the location can change.
For example:
If you would like to see all the water being used in a house, you would want the meter to be located on a pipe that catches all that water before it branches off anywhere, otherwise it will not account for all water.
If you are looking to sub-meter water for multiple tenants, each meter would need to be placed on a line that catches ALL of the water to that unit and ONLY water for that unit. In some cases, like when a boiler or water heater is shared, both hot and cold lines will need sub-meters in order to successfully accomplish this.
If you are installing a "deduct meter", then you need to place the meter right before the spigot or hose bib. If you have multiple outdoor water outlets, you may need to install one for each depending on the plumbing layout. Your plumber can help you determine that by tracing all of the pipes or referring to architectural drawings.
Other considerations for water meter location include:
- Ease of Installation and reading. Make it as easy as possible!
If accessibility for reading the meter ends up being difficult, consider adding a remote digital display. - The size of the pipe must be matched!
Matching the pipe size will:
- Eliminate extra fittings being needed which simplifies installation and reduces cost!
- Match the flow rate to the meter's flow range
- Provide the most accurate measurement
- Ensure the longest service life of the meter
Reducers and extra fittings can make the water flow turbulent. That is never ideal. You always want a laminar (straight and even) flow when measuring water usage.
Plus... It just makes sense! -
Is the pipe vertical, horizontal, or somewhere in-between?
Certain meters have to be installed horizontally with the register facing upwards. Others can be installed in any orientation. - Is the location indoors, outdoors, or in an outdoor pit?
- Plastic water meters should not be exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
- Outdoor installations can be susceptible to freezing. Related: help prevent you meter from freezing
- To protect a meter from sunlight and freezing, consider a water meter insulating jacket.
- For in-ground pits, the meter must be Pit-Rated
What unit of measure should my water meter use?
Gallons and Cubic Feet are the most common in the USA, but some meters measure Liters or Cubic Meters. It is important to get the correct unit of measure because most meters can not have the unit of measure changed in the field. The exceptions are digital meters which are not typically used for residential usage, and a few others such as the Bluebot, Streamlabs, or mechanical meters with encoded registers. If you are unsure of which unit of measure you need, most people will match what is on their water bill. You can also use a conversion calculator to convert any unit of measure to any other.
Do I need a check valve?
Check valves are often required (by the municipality) when installing a meter, so confirming with the plumber if you already have one, or if you need to purchase one is important.
Should I install isolation valves?
We always recommend the installation of meter isolation valves because it's better to have them and not need them than to need them and not have them. The purpose of these valves is to stop the flow before and/or after the meter. That way, it is much easier to remove the meter for diagnostics, clearing debris, or replacing it. It's not a common need, but when it does arise, these valves will make it easier by not having to bleed all of the water out of the line, then purge all of the air when complete.
What will my flow rate be?
Each meter has a minimum and maximum flow rate range they can measure accurately. Ensuring that your flow rate is within the range that the meter you plan to purchase is essential for the meter to read accurately and not leak, wear, or break. You or your plumber can perform a bucket test to figure out the flow rate, or the plumber may have a device/meter that they can use to test the flow rate in the pipe.
Are you aware of any local laws or certifications involved when selecting and/or using a water sub-meter?
Every municipality and town is different when it comes to what they require for metering. It is good to check and see if your local town/state has requirements. This includes when using meters to bill tenants, the accuracy requirements of the meter, lead free requirements, the need for a check valve, and more.
All these details will allow Flows.com to help you pick the best meter for your application. Or, you can use our interactive water meter selector.
Other questions that are good to ask your plumber:
- Are you bonded and insured?
- How much will installation cost?
- How long will installation take and how long will my water be shut off?
- Are you familiar with what I am planning to do and have you done similar projects for others? (sub-meter for tenants, sewer deduct meter, etc.)
- Do you offer a warranty on your work?
- Do you have any references that I could contact?
Print a simplified list of questions for
reference during your call with your plumber
Are you ready to pick your meter, or do you have additional questions?
Give us a call at 855-871-6091 or email us at [email protected].