Your water meter indicates much water your home consumes. As a compulsory instrument they are used to bill each household based on the readings recorded. It’s worth regularly reading and understanding your meter to give you an idea of how much water is being used on average, and to gain an understanding of consumption patterns.

Since many households don’t give their water use much thought, or know where they can find their water meter, our Brisbane plumbers at Fixzit answer some common questions about using your water meter in this post.

Where is my water meter located?

Your water meter is will be typically located towards the front of your home, generally on the nature strip close to the left or right boundary line. In multi-residence buildings including apartment and unit complexes there are often not separate meters for each residence. The stop tap to turn of the main water supply to the house is located next to the meter. If there is a burst pipe using this will stop wastage and possible damage.

How do I read my water meter?

Open the lid on your water meter to reveal a sequence of black and red numbers OR dials which show fractions of a kilolitres along with numbers on older meters. Reading from left to right, on meters with only numbers the black numbers (usually the first four digits) represent kilolitres (thousands of litres) and the red represent litres.

How to record figures on meters with numbers AND dials

With meters that have both numbers and dials, the important information is:

• Numbers with one dial – Only the numbers are important
• Numbers with 2 dials – All numbers are important and the information on the smallest dial.
• Numbers with 4 dials. All numbers are needed and the numbers on the first three dials from right to left.
• Note: For billing purposes only the black numbers are recorded.

How can I tell if there is a leak?

Water meters can be used to determine if there could be a leak. By monitoring the numbers while nobody is home, or overnight when everyone is sleeping (no water can be used – even toilets) you can reinspect the numbers shown. If they have changed, it’s likely there is a leak on the property and this is something that should be assessed by a plumber before the leak gets worse, and to avoid a costly water bill.

What are the homeowner’s responsibilities with water meters?

A water meter should be accessible for readings meaning that it shouldn’t be behind a locked fence or gate. If it can’t be easily accessed usage will be charged on estimates, which is unlikely to be in your favour.

If you think your water meter could be faulty you can contact Queensland Urban Utilities for an assessment. If it is found be faulty or inaccurate, the meter will be replaced along with the assessment charge and a review of the previous consumption charges for your home will be reviewed.

Fixzit plumbers can provide a comprehensive water audit of your home including an assessment of your water use, an inspection for any leaks and detailed recommendations of how you can reduce your consumption and save money. To find out more, call us today on 1300 726 806.