How much do you know about the water meter in your home?
Every house connected to municipal water has a water meter. The local municipality uses your water meter to measure how much water you use, and you are billed based on the meter reading.
Most cities measure your water usage quarterly and bill you accordingly. All municipalities charge you for the water being supplied to you during the quarter, and some municipalities also charge you for processing the wastewater.
If you look carefully at your water bill, you may see one, two, or even three designations for what you are being charged for. In the Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area, slightly more than half of the bill is for processing sewer water, and the balance is for the clean water delivered to you by the municipality.
If you do not get your water from your local municipality, you likely have a well on your property. If you have a well connected to your house, you will have a pressure tank with one valve beside it in the home’s basement.
How Water Meter Shut-Off Valves Work
Water meters usually have two shut-off valves. The first is on the street side and controls the water entering the meter. The other is on the house side, which controls the water leaving your water meter and serving your home.
When you need to turn the water off, you can shut off either valve. If you turn one valve off and the water does not slow down after a moment, turn the other valve off as well. It will not hurt anything to turn both valves off.
Many older-style valves by water meters are wheel-shaped or round-handled valves. These turn off by turning clockwise, from left to right. Most newer valves are ball valves with a single lever. To shut those off, turn the lever clockwise until it is perpendicular to the pipe. If you try to turn it the other way, it will not move.
Sometimes these valves are a little sticky, especially if they have not been turned on or off for a while. You may need to apply some force to get them moving, whether they are the wheel-handled style or the lever-handled ball valve.
Why Your Water Meter Matters in a Plumbing Emergency
If you have a plumbing problem, go to your water meter, turn off the valves, and call your plumber to assess and fix the issue, or to stabilize the situation and plan next steps. Often, when St Paul Pipeworks plumbers respond to an emergency, they work to calm the customer, restore running water to the home when possible, and then return later to complete the necessary repairs.
Usually, even if the repair is major and the plumbers have to come back the next day, they will leave the homeowner with running water to use in the meantime. Nobody likes to be without water.
A Simple Tip for Homeowners
St Paul Pipeworks recommends labeling that valve so that when you have trouble, it is easier to remember what to do. St Paul Pipeworks can also assist customers by putting a valve tag on the water meter valve, describing which valve to turn and how to shut it off.
When to Call a St. Paul Plumber
If you have any questions about your water meter or are looking for a quality plumber in the St. Paul and Minneapolis metro area, send St Paul Pipeworks a message or give us a call at (651) 644-9400 today.
Yours Truly,
Matthew Dettwiler
Social Media Manager
FAQs
What does a water meter do in my home?
A water meter measures how much water your home uses so the municipality can bill you based on actual usage. It may also help calculate wastewater charges depending on your city.
Where is the water meter usually located?
In many homes, the water meter is located where the water service enters the house, often in the basement or utility area. It is usually near the main shut-off valves.
How do I shut off the water at the meter?
Most water meters have two shut-off valves: one on the street side and one on the house side. Turn either valve off, and if water still flows, turn off the other one too.
What type of valve is easiest to turn off?
Newer ball valves usually have a lever handle and only need a quarter-turn to shut off completely. Older wheel-style valves turn clockwise to close.
Why should I label my water shut-off valve?
Labeling the shut-off valve makes it easier to find and use during a plumbing emergency. A clearly marked valve can save time and help reduce water damage.
