Smart water meters are a great way to save a multitude of resources. Many cities across the globe have begun replacing their older thecnology water meters in favor of newer smart meters. Due to their ability to detect leaks, their capability to remain accurate for the whole life of the meter, and cutting down on manual labor time, smart meters are the future of water meters. Even residents can track their usage in real-time, which can indicate areas to save money, cutting down on monthly water costs.
Still, leaks can happen, even with the best technology. Leaks can waste thousands of gallons of water. A leak at a rate of one drop in a second can waste nearly 2,400 gallons in a year if there are multiple leaks, the cost skyrockets.
While smart meter technology aims to detect leaks in the early stages, some residents want to know more about leaks and how to stop them. If you are able to access your meters, here are a few tips that can help prevent issues with water services and cut down on hidden costs due to leaks.
Leaky pipes, typically under the sink, washing machine, and dishwasher, can cause damage to the home. The leaks often go unseen, so checking the water meter is crucial. Check the meter and note the reading, then do not run water for an hour, and check the meter again. If the meter moved, there could be a leak.
With leaky faucets, valve-stem-and-washer types are more common and may require disassembling and reassembling to fix, including replacing old parts. During this process, you will need to shut off the water supply while working and will have to turn it back on again after you have ensured the project was properly completed.