Is this for the city or us?

[menudoboy]

I noticed the dial on the water meter was barely turning when the valve was completely shut off. I didn't think that much of it but the next day when I read the meter it had increased one whole number in 24 hours with it having been completely off. Not sure if that is 10 gallons per digit or 100 gallons. Either way that can add up in 1 month. Tomorrow (Monday) I plan to call the city. The valve handle is completely rusted off just about to where it's only a nub. My hand is moist when turning the valve so I imagine all the corrosion made the valve leak.

However, from my understanding, any leak that causes the dial to turn, I understand it to be the customer's responsibility since anything after it is considered on our side of the meter.

Does anyone know for sure if a valve leak on the city meter is the city's responsibility or the customers?

Thanks

 

[Another-Plumber]

customers responsibility if the little dial turns, yes that means you have a leak some where down line, (underground or inside the home)

 

[menudoboy]

We already know we had a leak. That was the reason we shut the water off to begin with. But no this particular leak referred to here is leaking at the city's overly corroded shut off valve.

Once you shut the water off, it's not suppose to leak and the dial is not suppose to turn.

 

[Another-Plumber]

they are only responsible for the meter and meter only, you might get lucky and they will fix it

 

[Mr_David]

here The city does not want you turning off their valve before the meter.
If it needs to be turned off Call them. If their valve does not hold 100% then it is their responsibility to be able to stop the water going to the meter. Oncer they turn their side off, that will enable you to install a working valve after the meter.

 

[Plumbero007]

Water meter valve on street side with padlock holes belongs to the city and should be the City's responsibility. As mr_Dave above responded if that valve is not working City should fix it.
After that you be able to turn working valve off and see if meter is moving. If so, hunt for leaks on your side of the water meter.
Stan

 

[LiQuId]

I just wanted to clarify for the Op that the meter would not be spinning if the leak was before the meter, the meter registers water passing through it, so therefore the leak would be downstream of the meter. check your toilets, a worn out flapper can cause minute leaking that is sometimes not realized.

 

[Caduceus]

Different areas have different rules for ownership. Best to call the city and find out. BTW, my Neptune ECoder R900i water meter will also spin if the leak is before the meter. I am told that it is designed to register water use before the meter to prevent theft of water and to charge for service line leaks that the owner is responsible for.

 

[LiQuId]

I suppose that is true they are now making meters that will register reverse flows, but assuming it is a traditional meter, and If they have the neptune ecoder they would just look at the display to see the reverse arrow and the - flashing indicating reverse flow occuring ( leak before the meter. )

so I suppose the question would be, what type of meter is installed?

 

[Another-Plumber]

very hard to belive, the leak sensor will rotate with movement before the meter?... no matter what i wont belive this unless you post a link with some sort of proof, beside if someone is clever to tap into a live line, awe what am i sayin, just show me the link to that kind of meter..

 

[Another-Plumber]

let me guess, if i remove the meter will an alarm go off? will the police show up, whats stopping me from splicing a section of pipe in the box and fill up my pool? NOTHING

 

[Caduceus]

You're right. Guess I didn't look at it that way. Not sure what I was thinking, AP. People probably steal water all the time and never get caught, I just never considered it as an option and should have suggested that on the thread. And if they do get caught it's only $1,000 fine and 30 days in jail for a first offense. I'm not even sure why we pay for water in the first place, it falls from the sky for free.
I like your way of thinkin'. Very "outside the box".

 

[LiQuId]

very hard to belive, the leak sensor will rotate with movement before the meter?... no matter what i wont belive this unless you post a link with some sort of proof, beside if someone is clever to tap into a live line, awe what am i sayin, just show me the link to that kind of meter..

http://neptunetg.com/products/endpoints/ecoder-r900i/

under the literature.

 

[phishfood]

All that the link says is that it detects reverse flow, useful in case someone were to switch the meter around for a couple of weeks out of the month. That still doesn't explain how it could detect flow from leaks, illegal line taps, or even your neighbor's water use.

 

[LiQuId]

it detects any change in pressure, this means that it would also detect line breaks either before or after the meter.

 

[Caduceus]

To remove any doubt, I tested it. Yes, it works as described. Every day there seems to be some new technology out there. Amazing stuff.

 

[LiQuId]

I was blown away by blue teflon... certified for all applications, even gas.