How To Install A Water Meter

Water meters are used by water companies to monitor the water usage at a home or business. Meters are usually installed by the water company, so you may have to secure permission to install the meter on your own. Even when you install the meter yourself, the water company will send a representative to ensure that the installation has been done correctly. Otherwise it is like installing any other major piece of plumbing equipment.

Step 1

Contact your local water company. Ask to speak with the construction section. Inquire as to what steps you need to take to install your own water meter. Provide the customer service representative with your name, address and your account information. If you do not have an account with the water company then you will need to start one. Fill out any forms the company asks you to complete.

Step 2

Find the water supply pipe for your home or business and locate the turnoff valve. If you do not know where it is, contact your water company for the location. Turn the valve on the pipe clockwise to shut off the water. You will not have any water flowing into your home or business while the water supply pipe is shut off.

Step 3

Install the water meter on the inlet pipe. The water meter will have arrows on the pipe connections showing the direction the water flows. You want the arrow pointing away from the municipal water inlet pipe. Wrap Teflon tape around the threads on the male connector on the water supply pipe. Use an adjustable wrench to tighten the nut on the female connector end of the water meter connecting pipe to the water supply pipe male attachment point. It can be rotated on by hand, but you need to tighten it with a wrench to ensure a good fit.

Step 4

Wrap Teflon tape around the threads on the connection point on your home or business's water system. Tighten the nut on the end of the outlet pipe of the water meter onto the building water system connection point. Use a wrench to ensure that the connection is tight.

Step 5

Reopen the valve on the water supply pipe. Call the water company to tell it the water meter is installed. The utility may send an inspector to check the installation. Be on hand when the inspector is there to respond to any questions he may have about the installation and the parts you used.