Meters
Water Meter Reading
At Pueblo Del Sol Water Company, we provide comprehensive information on how to accurately read your water meter. By understanding how to read your water meter, you can better gauge your water usage, helping you oversee your water conservation efforts and detect leaks and abnormalities to ensure efficient water usage in your home.
Locating Your Water Meter
Most residential water meters are found between property lines at the curb or sidewalk at the front of the residence in a concrete or plastic box. The water meter box is equipped with a metal or plastic lid.
Opening Your Water Meter
To access your water meter, use a long screwdriver to carefully remove the lid. Be cautious as you do this, as insects, reptiles, or other small critters occasionally take residence inside the boxes. Gently lift the cover of the water meter using a damp rag to wipe the face of the meter clean in order to facilitate the reading of your water meter.
Understanding the Components of the Water Meter
Your water meter includes a large sweep hand on the dial that is used to measure water usage in gallons. One gallon of water passes through the water meter as the sweep hand moves from one number to the next. A complete rotation of the sweep hand equates to 10 gallons of water usage. Most analog dials have a low-flow indicator that turns as water moves through the water meter. The low flow dial typically resembles a small triangle, star, or gear.
For instance, a water meter may read as 1,356,411 gallons when the sweep hand is on the “1”. The last number on the right is a static zero and will not change. If the sweep hand is on the “3,” the read will be 1,356,413 gallons. Be sure to use the number indicated by the sweep hand as your final digit when recording your reading in the Leak Detection Test.
Leak Detection Test
Once you understand how to read your water meter, you can begin to check for the presence of continuous leaks by performing a Leak Detection Test. Do not use water or operate any water-using devices in or around your home during the test, such as toilets, washing machines, dishwashers, etc.
Step-By-Step Leak Detection Test Instructions
To identify a leak or malfunction in your water usage, begin by observing the sweep hand or the small black or red dial in the center of your water meter. If it is moving, it may be an indication that you have a leak. Some leaks are so small that the movement is nearly undetectable. To determine if you have a slow leak, perform the following:
- Do not use any water sources and take a water meter reading, making a note of the numbers from the register.
- Wait 20 minutes and read your water meter again and record the numbers.
- Subtract the first recording from the second.
- If the gallons used are greater than zero, you have a continuous leak and you will need to inspect the various water sources in your home to detect the exact area of the leak.
Isolating the Leak
If you have determined that you have a leak upon conducting a leak detection test with your water meter, it’s now time to isolate the source of the leak. Begin by assessing the components outside of your home. Check your hose bib, verify if your automatic pool float is stuck in the on position, look for standing water or water inside your meter box, and inspect your irrigation system for leaks.
If you cannot locate the source of the leak outside, it’s time to check inside your home. You may check your toilets to see if they are running and check your water softener, leaks beneath the sink, or leaks in your shower or bathtub. If you cannot isolate the leak on your own, it’s important to contact a plumber for assistance to remedy the leak as soon as possible to avoid continuous water waste and increased water bills.
Speak with a Water Specialist Today!
For more information about reading your water meter, or for billing statement inquiries or any other water need, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly professionals at Pueblo Del Sol Water Company for assistance today!
