Water meters come in a variety of different sizes, types, and models. There are standard water meters which provide a basic analog display and will need to be read at the site of the meter. While these are still available, the smart meters are becoming increasingly popular for submetering as they do not require manual reading and are designed to be extremely low-maintenance meters.
Regardless of the type of meter installed, there will also need to be the correct choice of water meter fittings. These fittings allow the meter to connect to the water line on either side of the meter and they have to be correctly matched to both the pipes and the water meter intake and outlet.
What to Consider
The most common types of water meter fittings are the couplings and the flanges. These are specialized fittings, typically made of brass, which allow the meter the water lines to join. It is important to ensure the brass is lead-free to meet all building and safety code requirements.
By using brass, there is limited corrosion in the fitting, even after decades of exposure to water. Additionally, as brass is highly corrosion resistant, there is no leaching of the metal into the water as it passes through the fitting.
Using the correct size of water meter fittings will ensure there is a very limited risk of any type of leak at the coupling. Gaskets are used inside the fitting to further reduce any risk of leaking, and these gaskets are typically rubber or similar material, which means they will last as long as the fitting.
In some cases, with the use of PEX pipe, additional fittings may be required. The fittings should be used according to the water meter installation guide to ensure the entire system is set up correctly.