Net Water Meter and Pit

[Joseph Skoler]

I'm gut renovating a large house with 3 guest houses and the 3/4" water main from the town isn't going to cut it.

I asked about increasing the main water line size and the town is perfectly willing to do it, but they say that because it is an upgrade, I would need to pay for the new compound meter and meter pit.

For a 2" meters and pit, my cost is $5,500. And I will be digging the whole (I have a machine for that).

Does that sound reasonable? Is a concrete pit and 2" compound meter really that costly?

Thank you!

 

[Reach4]

I think a 2 inch compound meter is overkill. I suspect you asked them how much a 2 inch meter would cost, rather than what meter you should use to accomplish the job.

I would think a 1 inch meter, which can then be piped to a 2 inch pipe to distribute around the estate.
People might use a 5/8 meter to drive a 1 inch supply pipe.

https://www.greenvillewater.com/engineering/development-services/meter-capacity-chart/
http://austintexas.gov/sites/defaul...ater_Works_Association_Meter_Sizing_Table.pdf

I am not a pro.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Jeff H Young]

I think a 2 inch compound meter is overkill. I suspect you asked them how much a 2 inch meter would cost, rather than what meter you should use to accomplish the job.

I would think a 1 inch meter, which can then be piped to a 2 inch pipe to distribute around the estate.
People might use a 5/8 meter to drive a 1 inch supply pipe.

https://www.greenvillewater.com/engineering/development-services/meter-capacity-chart/
http://austintexas.gov/sites/defaul...ater_Works_Association_Meter_Sizing_Table.pdf

I am not a pro.

So thats 4 houses . Without cracking books a large house and 3 guest houses dosent mean a whole lot , you gotta determine reasonable use . besides the 5500 bill for a 2 inch meter and pit etc. 1 1/2 or 2 inch main sounds good , 2 inch meter sounds oversize to me. one inch might be a bit small should be available in 1 1/2" if apropriate. Another point is some places spanking home owner just for having a big meter so your bill might go way up just because of having a bigger meter.
Some variables the pressure? length of runs ? are they just little one bed one bath guest house? what about the big house? Water department might be competent and willing to help you OP decide.
Basicaly agreeing with reach 4 but my points are meant for the OP as well

 

[Joseph Skoler]

I think a 2 inch compound meter is overkill. I suspect you asked them how much a 2 inch meter would cost, rather than what meter you should use to accomplish the job.

I would think a 1 inch meter, which can then be piped to a 2 inch pipe to distribute around the estate.
People might use a 5/8 meter to drive a 1 inch supply pipe.

https://www.greenvillewater.com/engineering/development-services/meter-capacity-chart/
http://austintexas.gov/sites/defaul...ater_Works_Association_Meter_Sizing_Table.pdf

I am not a pro.

Good intuition.

I did indeed come to them with 2" in mind from knowing every so slightly more than nothing about my GPM needs and the generally low pressure delivered by the town water pipes (mid-30's PSI).

 

[Joseph Skoler]

So thats 4 houses . Without cracking books a large house and 3 guest houses dosent mean a whole lot , you gotta determine reasonable use . besides the 5500 bill for a 2 inch meter and pit etc. 1 1/2 or 2 inch main sounds good , 2 inch meter sounds oversize to me. one inch might be a bit small should be available in 1 1/2" if apropriate. Another point is some places spanking home owner just for having a big meter so your bill might go way up just because of having a bigger meter.
Some variables the pressure? length of runs ? are they just little one bed one bath guest house? what about the big house? Water department might be competent and willing to help you OP decide.
Basicaly agreeing with reach 4 but my points are meant for the OP as well

So, the main house will have 5 toilets, 5 bathroom sinks, 1 kicthen sink, 1 dishwasher, 1 laundry machine, 3 bathtubs, and a hose bib for lawn watering.

Each of the 3 cottages will have a toilet, bath sink, kitchen sink.

Town pressure is in the low-30's PSI.

Distance from meter (which will be within 10 feet of the town main water line) and main house is approximately 120'

Distance from main house to 3 cottages is about 100'

Does 1.5" sound sufficient?

Thanks!

 

[Jeff H Young]

I think 1 1/2 meter big enough, the pressure is low. Think id want 2 inch from meter to main house or until your teeing off to guest homes. dont know how much differance costs would be between an 1 1/2 and a 2 inch meter If they let you buy the meter shop it . With the smaller meter it might not require compound meter which might make it less pricey. Im just going with gut but you should have someone work the numbers.