How to diagnose a Faulty Water Meter

A water meter is a device that calculates the amount of water used in a household. In some cases, water meters may read incorrectly or signal that something is leaking in the house. Before calling the city staff, it is advisable to carry out certain tests to check whether the error lies with the meter or something else besides it in the house. Below you can find information on how to check your water meter for errors, how to check for leaks in your home, and the cost of replacing a water meter.

What causes water meters to break?

The most common reason for a water meter to fail is old age. Water meters rarely experience mechanical problems, so a faulty reading could be due to something like a leak or poor water flow. You can conduct some tests at home to determine the cause of large changes in your water meter readings.

How to check water meter

Fluctuations in the water flow your meter registers could be due to a leak, poor water flow, or a faulty meter. Conduct the following checks if your meter displays an unusual reading.

1. Check your meter for leaks

To determine if a leak is increasing your water usage, make sure no toilets, sinks, showers, or other fixtures are using water. Once you confirm there is no running water in your home, check the flow rate on your water meter. Wait at least 15 minutes, then check the flow rate again. If the needle shows any changes during this 15-minute period, there is a leak in your home.

If you believe there is a leak, you can check various fixtures in your home. To check for toilet leaks, add a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank. Let at least an hour pass without flushing. If any color touches the water in the toilet bowl, there is a leak in the system. To detect a slow leak, leave food coloring in the tank overnight without flushing the toilet. Leaks from other sources can sometimes be detected as mold and mildew stains or heard running in walls or floors.

2. Check your meter for inaccurate readings

If the leak test is successful but your water consumption still fluctuates, you can use a bucket to test the meter’s accuracy. Like testing for leaks, make sure all fixtures in the house are turned off before starting this test. Check the reading on your water meter and record the total volume reading, not the flow rate. Next, fill a bucket or other container to a known volume. The larger the container, the more accurate the test will be. Now check the new reading on the meter. The difference from the old reading should be the volume of water you fill the tank with. If there is a difference of more than 1.5%, your meter is reading incorrectly.

3. Check your water meter for damage 

In some cities, only the water company or approved contractor can maintain water meters connected to city lines. If you experience an inaccurate reading after confirming your home is leak-free, contact your water company to have your meter checked or replaced. In some cases, the water company may charge you if the meter is within the correct range, but they will not charge you if the meter is inaccurate.

Symptoms of faulty water meter

If your water meter exhibits any of the following symptoms, it may need to be replaced.

• Leak in the meter itself
  Low water pressure in the house
  The watch does not register
  Noise coming from the meter
  Water cannot be turned off

Some symptoms, such as low water pressure, can be caused by many factors unrelated to the water meter. If the only symptom you notice is low water pressure, you should fix other causes first.

How often should you check the water meter?

It is highly recommended that you should check your water meter annually to ensure you are being charged the correct price for your water bill. You can check your meter in the summer, the time of year when household water usage is highest.

When should you change your water meter?

Water meters should be replaced when one of the following conditions is met: the meter has been in use for 15 to 20 years or when the meter does not accurately display the amount of water used in the house. The American Water Works Association (AWWA) allows water meters to have an error rate of 1.5. This means the meter should read between 98.5 and 101.5 percent of the home’s water usage accurately. Before deciding to replace the meter, make sure there are no leaks anywhere from the meter to the house. Leaks significantly change the meter’s readings, and what appears to be an exaggerated water volume may be accurate if the leak continues.

Who is responsible for replacing water meters?

Your local water company is responsible for replacing your water meter if it is broken. If any valves have to be replaced, this will be charged to the homeowner. A water company will only replace a water meter if they consider it necessary and practical. If you believe your water meter is faulty, contact your water company for an inspection. Most water companies will only charge for meter testing if the results show the meter is working properly. Otherwise, the company will bear the costs. If the meter is defective, the city is obligated to replace your water meter free of charge.

How much does it cost to replace a water meter?

Free water meter replacement provided there is no need to replace valves or parts other than the meter. Water companies are responsible for providing water up to the point of the meter. The water line between the meter and the house is the responsibility of the homeowner, so any modifications in this area are at the homeowner’s expense. Replacing the water meter will take about an hour for a professional to complete.

Can replacing my water meter save me money?

As water meters age, their readings become less accurate. In most cases, older water meters represent the amount of water used in the home. Therefore, replacing your water meter can cause your water bill to increase. Although old water meters often undercount water usage, they may show that you are using more water than you actually are. In this case, the new water meter will more accurately reflect your water usage and your bill will decrease. Municipalities often perform mass water meter replacements when the meters have exceeded their lifespan. This allows for more accurate readings for all customers and ensures that each household pays a fair amount on their water bill.

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