Being a homeowner requires a lot of attention to detail. Unfortunately, many homeowners do not stop to inspect their own homes or ensure their elements are working properly. Oftentimes a homeowner just trusts that the water or electric bill that they receive is accurate. Knowing where your water meter is located can help ensure that you cross reference the water bill with the numbers on your meter. Where is the water meter located? Typically, the water meter is located at the end of your property line close to the street.
Let’s dive a little deeper!
What Is A Water Meter?
To know where to find your water meter, you probably should know what you are looking for. Water meters can come in two types. One type of water meter is typical of any residential home. In contrast, the second water meter type is more complex to read. Let’s take a look below at the two types of water meters.
- Straight reading meter – This meter will resemble an odometer in a car. As the water flows the long hand turns and measures the amount of water usage in cubic feet. If you are curious to see how many gallons are used, you can take the amount on your previous water bill and subtract it from the current number. After that, you multiply by 748 to get the gallons used.
- Round reading meter – This complex water meter has 6 dials to read. The dials represent the following cubic feet, 100,000, 10,000, 1,000, 100, 10, and 1. You will always start with the 100,000 dials and read it clockwise to the 1,000 dials. There will be an arrow that points to a number on each dial. You will take the lower number on the dial. To calculate your water usage you take the previous month’s numbers and subtract them from the current number. The 1 cubic foot dial is used to check for leaks.
What Are The Steps For Finding My Water Meter?
Believe it or not, it is very easy to locate your water meter. Let’s take a look at the steps you can follow to find your water meter.
- Find the hose bib – This is typically located on the side exterior of your home.
- Check the street – Walk towards the street and examine the area to locate your meter. There will be a metal, cement, or plastic lid covering a concrete box in the ground. You might also see the box near the sidewalk.
- Remove the excess growth – You might have to remove some overgrown grass or weeds that have covered the lid. Take a tool to pop the lid off.
- Still can’t find it – Check for the main water supply line on the exterior sides or front of your home. Also, check where the other utilities are entering your home.
- Look for the main water shut-off valve – In some cases, the water meter will be located near the main water shut-off valve in the basement or garage of your home. This is possible if you live where severe weather can cause water to freeze.
Other Recommended Maintenance
Now that you understand how to find your water meter, you might want to know more about your home’s plumbing system. For example, how deep the sewer lines are buried. This information will assist you when checking for leaks. In most cases, residential water and sewer lines are buried 5-6 feet deep. Consequently, city sewer lines are buried 12 feet deep.
Next, finding your water meter is great, now all you have to do is learn how to read it. Be sure to read up on how to read your water meter so that you can keep an eye out for any leaks or excessive water usage.
Lastly, be sure to keep your plumbing system working properly. You wouldn’t want to create a clog or have the water flow back up into your home. If you happen to hear a banging noise in your pipes, it is likely the cause of a water hammer. If you don’t know what a water hammer is, be sure to read up on it. Also, if there are other plumbing concerns, make sure to reach out to your local master plumber.
When Do I Call A Professional?
Finding the location of your water meter is very important. Knowing this piece of information allows you to keep track of the actual water consumption in your home. If you suspect a leak, be sure to call on a reputable water meter replacement company. Also, use your local home inspection team to get your plumbing system fully inspected. They can find out if you have other plumbing needs.
Conclusion
Knowing where your water meter is located can help answer a lot of questions regarding any water bill discrepancies. Your local municipality will send out a meter reader to record the meter readings for billing purposes. Consequently, if your water bill is higher than usual you should call on your local home inspection team to check for leaks or damages. Reach out to Avalon Home Inspectors to check your plumbing when inspecting your home in Atlanta, GA., and surrounding areas.
