Understanding Your Water Meter; Detect Leaks, Save Money

What Is a Water Meter and Why Does It Matter?

A water meter is a device installed by your water provider. Depending on your property type, most water meters are located near the curb or in a basement. It measures the volume of water you consume and helps ensure you’re billed accurately, but it can also help you understand how efficiently (or wastefully) you’re using water.

There are three primary types of water heaters:

• Analog Water Meters: These legacy meters use dials or a spinning disc to display water usage. While accurate, they require manual reading.
• Digital Water Meters: Digital meters make reading easier by displaying numbers directly. They’re more convenient and often come with additional features like real-time monitoring.
• Smart Water Meters: These cutting-edge devices connect to apps or online platforms to offer deeper insights into your water usage in real time. Smart meters can also alert you to unusual activity like leaks.

Detecting Leaks with Your Water Meter

A water meter is more than just a tool for billing; it’s your first line of defense against hidden leaks. Even a small undetected leak can waste thousands of gallons of water and inflate your bill. Catching these issues early can save you a fortune. Here’s a simple leak test you can perform on your own:

• Turn off all water-using appliances and fixtures in your home or business.
• Check your water meter. If the meter’s numbers or dials are moving, you likely have a large leak.
• If the numbers are not moving, then note the digits and wait 10-20 minutes. If the reading has changed, then you’ve got a smaller leak.

If you’re using a smart meter, you can simply look for specific alerts or unusual spikes in your water usage graph.

Why Upgrade to a Smart Water Meter?

Smart water meters are revolutionizing how we manage water. By offering real-time data and automatic alerts, they take the guesswork out of water usage. No more manual readings, and no more jaw-dropping water waste. You won’t have to call in a plumber to investigate the plumbing repairs as often either. You’ll know exactly when to call for a water leak repair.

Request an Emergency Leak Repair HERE

Water leaks can cost you hundreds of dollars in additional water bills, and they can wreak havoc in the form of water damage. Fortunately, quick and affordable leak repair is just a call away. Contact Service Hero to get in touch with a live representative today.