Could My Booster Pump cause my Water Meter to Act Up?

A booster pump higher than 80 psi could cause problems if there is a check valve on the city-side of the meter. This valve should be on the house-side of the water meter to prevent any back pressure.

Because the meter needs to be replaced annually and you have huge water bills, you might have an underground leak, a leaky faucet or a leaky toilet. To check for an underground leak, read your meter when water is not being used, then read it again after a few hours. If there is a change in the reading, it likely indicates a leak. Even something as small as a dripping faucet leaking one drop per second could waste nearly 300 gallons of water per month, so investigate the situation and get that leak fixed!

To check for a leaky toilet, simply add a few drops of red or blue food coloring to the toilet tank. If the water in the bowl changes color without flushing, the flapper inside the tank is leaking. Freezing can break the water meter’s parts and the meter itself. Keeping the meter warm and insulated is important. Additionally, sand and debris in the meter could grind away at the meter and jam it up. The installation of a filter or stainer in the line in front of meter can protect it from damage. Occasionally, acidic water can eat away at the copper in the meter and cause it to fail. If this is the case in your situation, you can work with the city to find the right solution to the problem.