How To Read Your Water Meter

If you receive a water bill and you're a bit skeptical about the reading, worried you may have a leak or you're just curious, you may want to take a look at your water meter. It might look a bit complicated to interpret at first glance; however, once you understand how to read it, you'll be able to better monitor your household's water usage. Keep in mind, they don't reset it each month, so if you want to track monthly usage, you must compare it at the end of each month. 

1. Remove the Cover

If your water meter is protected by a concrete box, you'll need to remove the cover using a screwdriver. Slide the tip of the screwdriver into one of the small holes on the lid and pry it up until you're able to open it the rest of the way with your fingers. If you have a cap over the meter, you'll need to lift the cap. 

2. Reading the Meter

The next step to reading the meter is to actually read it. On the front of the meter, you'll notice a large dial that has a group of numbers, which are used to track the amount of water you used since your last meter reading. The units used to measure water are either gallons or cubic feet in the United States. When you read the odometer, the last two numbers represent the tens and ones place. They're usually written in white with a black background. The dial that rotates indicates the partial units. The number on the dial stands for a tenth of a unit while the tick marks determine what the hundredths unit is.

A small gear or triangle-shaped dial will appear on the face of the meter. It's an indication light to alert you if there is a suspected leak in the lines. The only way you'll be able to detect a leak is to shut off the water and notice if the dial continues to move, even when the water isn't on.

If you need water leak detection on your property, contact the leak detection company Leak Doctor today!

Affordable Orlando Plumbing Leak Detection

Water pipe corrosion is very common in metal plumbing system. It is typically caused by age and oxidation. Not only can it leave your home or business vulnerable to damage from leaks and water contamination, which are both a recipe for complications...

Need to Locate a Plumbing Leak Fast?

Here in Central Florida, plumbing leaks waste about 14 out of every 100 gallons of water! We are talking about clean drinking water. Where is it all going? While some of it ends up going into the ground, much of it ends up between walls, behind...

Detecting Atlanta Plumbing Leaks Made Easy!

Detecting water leaks in your Atlanta area home or business is easier than you think! Many plumbing leaks are easy to track down and repair. Others may be more difficult, but with the help from the Leak Doctor, they can be located and repaired with...

Atlanta Area Plumbing & Water Leak Detection

Anyone who has a home or business in the Atlanta area understands that problems seem to come out of no where. A plumbing leak is one of those things where one day your water pipes seem to be working fine, no worries. The next day you find...

Atlanta Area Water Slab and Plumbing Leaks

How can I find a plumbing leak, even if it is underneath my concrete slab foundation?  This is a question we get all the time at the Atlanta Leak Doctor. The fact is, it only takes a small plumbing intrusion to add up to major damage and...

Detecting Water Leaks in Central Florida

Let’s face it, plumbing leaks in Central Florida end up costing home and business owners money.  Losing water means losing money! While most piping materials are known for their durability, their weakness is pinholes leaks A...

Orlando Slab and Plumbing Leak Detection

Slab leaks have become a big issue in Central Florida. Many home and business owners are experiencing either a higher than normal water bill, warm or damp areas on the floor, unexplained mold or mildew, pooling water where it shouldn’t, low...

The Leak Doctor can find your leak and fix it fast!
Call us today at (407) 426-9995 or use our quick and easy contact form to schedule your inspection. We service Orlando, The Villages, Tampa, Daytona Beach, Winter Park, and the surrounding Central Florida area.