Step 1: Locate the Meter
Start by finding your water meter. Most meters are located outside in a concrete box near the curb labeled "water," often under a removable cover. In some buildings, especially apartments or places with indoor plumbing setups, the meter might be found in a basement, utility room, or closet.
Step 2: Identify the Meter Type
Determine if your meter is analog or digital. Analog meters usually have a series of dials or a single large dial with a needle, while digital meters display numbers on a small screen. Knowing the type will help you read it correctly.
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(Analog water meter)
Step 3: Read the Numbers or Dials
For digital meters, simply read the displayed numbers as they appear from left to right. Analog meters require you to read each dial, moving from left to right. Each dial represents a different place value (e.g., tens, hundreds), so record each number in sequence.
Step 4: Ignore the Final Digits (If Applicable)
Most meters measure in units of cubic feet or gallons, with extra digits indicating partial units. These partial units—often shown in red or after a decimal point—can be ignored if you’re looking for whole-unit readings.
Step 5: Calculate Usage
If you want to determine how much water you’ve used, subtract the previous reading from the current reading. This difference will show the amount of water consumed over the period between readings, typically measured in cubic feet or gallons.