Water is a valuable commodity. Those who are conscious of their use of this resource, and those who are on a tight budget, are careful how much water they use. Water meters record the amount of water entering a home or business. Sometimes, it is necessary to mount the meter outside of residences or businesses. When this is requisite, utility companies install water meter pits.
Characteristics
A water meter pit is a cylindrical container comprised of two major components:
1. A chamber, pit or vault
2. A lid or top hatch
The former contains the meter; the latter provides easy access by the utility company. Service people use a pit key to remove the lid and gain entry without requiring the owner to be present. This makes it simpler to check the meter and perform any repairs.
Water meter pits are available in a wide range of sizes. They are manufactured according to the set specifications of meter pits for the county, city or state. They also come in various materials including:
• Concrete – once a favorite, it has a major fault. It crumbles over time
• Brick – models of this type are still found in many older cities
• Metal – steel has always been popular. It may corrode unless properly treated with a sacrificial coating. It then becomes very durable and reliable
• High-density polyethylene (HDPE) – these find favor because they do not corrode or rust and are highly durable
• PVC – this is durable and not subject to corrosive elements
No matter what the material, the purpose a water meter pit is to provide a safe housing for the meter and easy access to it by invested individuals.
Water Meter Pits
A water meter pit is a favorite of American utility companies. They use them for several reasons. By installing water meter pits, water departments are able to facilitate access to a resident or business owner’s meter for quick monitoring and easy repairs.
