Why Reading a Water Submeter Matters

If you're a property owner, manager, or tenant using a submetering system, learning how to read a water submeter is essential. Water submeters track individual unit consumption within a building, allowing for accurate billing and encouraging conservation. Whether you’re trying to verify usage, detect leaks, or understand your monthly charges, knowing how to read your submeter empowers you with knowledge and control.

At Submtr, we help multi-family property owners and tenants make water usage transparent and fair. If you need personalized help, contact us anytime at info@submtr.com.

Types of Water Submeters and Their Displays

Water submeters come in a variety of models, but most fall into two categories: analog (dial) meters and digital meters. While the display style may vary, the information provided is essentially the same—total water usage in either cubic meters (m³), gallons, or liters.

Analog Submeters

Analog meters typically feature a series of rotating dials or a mechanical display with a row of numbers. To read one:

1. Locate the register – This is usually at the top of the meter.

2. Read from left to right – The numbers represent total usage. For example, 001235 means 1,235 gallons or liters, depending on the unit.

3. Ignore the red dials – These usually represent fractional readings and are not used for billing purposes.

Digital Submeters

Digital meters display readings on an LCD screen. These are the easiest to read, as they often provide clear numerical values along with units of measurement.

1. Wake up the screen – Some digital meters require a tap or button press to display the reading.

2. Record the numbers – Read the value as shown, typically in gallons or cubic meters.

3. Check for any alerts – Some models will display leak warnings or usage anomalies.

Tracking Usage Over Time

To effectively manage your water usage, it's helpful to check your submeter regularly. Simply record the reading at the same time each week or month. Subtract the previous reading from the current one to calculate how much water you've used during that period.

This method helps identify abnormal spikes in usage, which could signal a leak or inefficient appliance. At Submtr, we recommend monthly readings to ensure accuracy and spot trends early.

When to Contact a Professional

If your submeter reading seems unusually high or the device appears faulty, it’s time to get support. A certified technician can inspect the meter for issues, recalibrate it, or suggest a replacement if needed. Submtr provides full-service submetering support, from installation to monitoring and maintenance.

For help reading your submeter or setting up an automated system, email info@submtr.com for expert assistance.

Take Control of Your Water Usage with Submtr

Understanding how to read your water submeter is a small but powerful step toward smarter utility management. With clear readings and regular tracking, you can reduce waste, lower costs, and promote fairness in multi-tenant billing.

Need help? Contact Submtr, water meters for sale, today at info@submtr.com to learn more about our easy-to-use submetering solutions.