Parts of the Water Meter

When the utility reads the meter, the amount of water used since the last reading is calculated and is the basis for the household water bill. There are two basic types of residential water meters: analog models, where a mechanical counter keeps track of water usage, and electronic models.

Main case

The main case is the housing containing all of the other parts. One end of the case is attached to the water line coming into the house, and the other is attached to the primary household water pipe. The units are typically made of cast bronze, which is extremely rust-resistant.

Cover and Gasket

Atop the main case is a gasket, which provides a seal between the case can the cover assembly. The meter cover is usually made of the same material as the main case, cast bronze. The top of the cover is hinged.

Cover Bolt and Washer

The main case cover is secured to the main case with a bolt and washer. Most are made of a rust-resistant material, such as bronze or stainless steel.

Inner Workings

Located inside the main case are the parts that control and measure the amount of water entering the house. They consist of the measuring assembly, a strainer and an O-ring seal.

Analog Registers

Seated atop the measuring assembly is the register. This is the part that records the amount of water usage. A mechanical analog register looks and functions much like the odometer in your car, which measures the miles you have traveled. In some communities, homeowners read their own meter every 90 days and send the meter reading to the water utility.

Electronic Components

Newer water meters have no moving parts. Instead, they have a vibrating magnetic sensor installed inside the meter housing that sends electronic signals directly to the water system operator (utility). This technology frees homeowners from having to read their own meters and allows the utility to calculate water usage more quickly and accurately.