Water meter is running but water is not

fswood95 · 12-19-2011, 05:17 PM

Our condo complex just started a water meter project where they will be billing each unit based on water usage. Plumbers have come into each unit and installed new water meters to measure the usage. I noticed shortly after installation that my meter was starting/stopping frequently when the water was turned off. I closed the water to every appliance, faucet, toilet, and ice maker line in my unit. Still, the water is starting and stopping again and again. By my estimates, the meter is reading between 50-70 gallons of water a day that I cannot account for. If I had a leak of this size someone would know it as I live on the top floor. I suspect the expansion tank (required by state code) is the culprit. When I turn off the shut off valve between the main line and the hot water tank/expansion tank, the meter stops completely. Anyone else had this issue or know of a fix?

**TheEplumber** · 12-19-2011, 06:00 PM

Have you checked the T&P line on the water heater? Or could a neighbor be using your hot water?

Bondo · 12-19-2011, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Still, the water is starting and stopping again and again. By my estimates, the meter is reading between 50-70 gallons of water a day that I cannot account for. If I had a leak of this size someone would know it as I live on the top floor.

Ayuh,.... Turn off the valve between the main, 'n the Meter....

Then wait, 'n see who complains about a Lack of water, 1st,.......

It Ain't the expansion tank,... It holds water, not consumes it....

Is there a check valve just before or just after the Meter,..??

Billy_Bob · 12-19-2011, 06:38 PM

Leave the hot water valve off except when you need to use it. If a neighbor has something connected to your hot water, then they will complain that it is not working. Then your condo will know what to fix!

fswood95 · 12-20-2011, 09:35 AM

After a little more digging, I think I found the answer. A check valve should have been installed after the meter. Here is the article I found from Pennsylvania American Water.

http://www.amwater.com/files/Cross%2...s%20-%20PA.pdf

Billy_Bob · 12-20-2011, 11:55 AM

A check valve would keep water from flowing backwards out the meter. This could happen if the main water pressure dropped because a lot of people were using it.

And your expansion tank in that case would provide pressure for the continued backflow.

Then when people stopped using water, the pressure would go back up and refill the expansion tank.

A pressure gauge and watching would help to diagnose that.

And the question would be if the meter moves backwards when water going out?