Many houses have Sensus water meter problems. They are usually about leakage, the water meter reading, the regulator, and more. The water meter is similar to other household appliances, such as gas or electricity meters.
It is a device that helps suppliers measure the use of water at your home or residence by reading the meter to calculate your bill. It is also used to charge sewerage services.
Before discussing the common problems of your Sensus water meter, it’s essential to understand the basics of how water meters function. Water meters are intricate devices that measure water consumption in households and businesses, ensuring accurate billing and promoting water conservation.
A deeper knowledge of these devices can help in diagnosing potential issues effectively. For instance, noticing unusually high water bills or inconsistent readings could indicate a faulty meter.
Read also: How to Read a Sensus Water Meter
Performing simple tests at home, such as ensuring no water is being used and observing the meter for changes, can help identify leaks or inaccuracies.
About Sensus Water Meter
Sensus water meters have been around for more than 100 years. They were once called Pittsburgh Equitable Metering Company and have become the most recognizable in the water meter industry. Although Sensus meters are indeed more expensive than other meters, they are not disappointing. They provide high-quality products and accurate readings.
Water meters can fail due to old age, mechanical issues, or leaks within the home. Common symptoms of a faulty water meter include inconsistent readings, meter dials that do not move, and unusual noises from the meter. Homeowners can perform various tests, such as leak and accuracy checks, to determine if their meter is faulty.
Common Sensus Water Meter Problems
Many houses’ water meter malfunctions prove that water meter problems can be costly if they are not addressed as quickly as possible. When you see this kind of problem with your water meter, try to fix it as fast as possible. Here are the three most common water meter problems shown by the Sensus water meter problems.
Detecting a faulty water meter early can prevent high water bills and promote water conservation. Signs of a faulty water meter include unusually high water bills, inconsistent readings, and water pressure fluctuations.
To check for leaks, ensure no water is used in the home, then observe the meter for movement. Additionally, testing the meter’s accuracy by measuring a known volume of water can help identify discrepancies.
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Unusually high water bills | Leak, faulty meter | Perform leak tests, contact water utility |
| Inconsistent meter readings | Faulty meter | Check meter accuracy with a bucket test |
| Meter dials not moving | Stuck or damaged mechanism | Contact the water utility for meter inspection |
| Water pressure fluctuations | Possible meter issue or leak | Investigate meter and household plumbing |
| Unexplained water damage | Leak | Conduct thorough leak inspection |
| Abnormal meter noises | Internal damage | Contact water utility for meter inspection |
| Low water pressure | Various possible causes | Troubleshoot household plumbing first |
Leakage
A water meter leakage problem can happen if the installation is incorrect, the pipe is fractured, or the water meter is damaged. Like most water meters, Sensus meters have a leak testing device. The device will help you locate the leak.
To do the leak test, first shut off all the taps and ensure no one uses the toilet, washing machine, or shower. Mark the position in the ‘leak triangle’ position. Wait for 20 minutes. If the position doesn’t move, it means that you have no leak or few leaks.
If the position moves, you must check for all pipes, taps, and hose connections because the leak can happen anywhere.
Additional Tests and Diagnosis
Performing a bucket test can help check your water meter’s accuracy. Fill a container with a known volume of water, then compare the meter readings before and after. Significant discrepancies indicate the meter might be faulty.
Read also: How to Read Neptune Water Meters
Inaccurate Water Meter Reading
Knowing the correct way to read the water meter is very important, but not all people are aware of this. Knowing how to read the water meter correctly can help you locate leaks, save water, and monitor water usage.
Air Valve Problem
The air valve helps prevent air from traveling through the pipe towards the water meter. Air that flows into the water meter can damage the components inside and raise the reading. The air will replace the water in the pipeline.
When the water refills the pipeline, the air is forced through the water meter, causing the impeller to rotate and the gears to move very fast.
Installation Problem
If the procedure for installing the water meter is not followed according to the guidelines, problems like leakage, incorrect readings, and other inconveniences will occur.
Water meter replacements should be considered if the meter has served for 15 to 20 years or shows signs of inaccuracy. Contact your water utility company if you suspect your meter is faulty. They may offer meter testing services or replace the meter if necessary.
Those are the three most common problems found in sensus water meter problems.
