Optimal Placement of Water Meters in Plumbing Systems: Before or After the Pump?

Placing a water meter correctly within your plumbing system is crucial for accurate tracking of water usage and ensuring proper system function. This article will guide you through the essentials of placing a water meter before or after the water pump, along with considerations such as pump type, pipe size, and maintenance accessibility.

Before the Water Pump

The typical usage for placing a water meter before the pump involves measuring the total water flow into the pump. This setup is ideal for applications requiring an overall understanding of water usage, essential for billing purposes and system performance monitoring.

Advantages of Placing the Meter Before the Pump

Accurate total water flow measurement Simple billing and tracking of overall water usage No pressure restrictions to the meter itself, ensuring no interference with pump performance

After the Water Pump

For applications requiring precise tracking of water delivered to the system, placing the meter after the pump is the best choice. This setup allows for monitoring water usage after it has been pressurized and distributed, crucial for ensuring accurate usage tracking in critical systems.

Advantages of Placing the Meter After the Pump

Accurate measurement of water delivered to the system or specific application Helps in troubleshooting issues related to water distribution Ensures no pump performance is hindered by the meter's presence

Considerations for Meter Placement

Type of Pump

For variable speed pumps, it's recommended to place the meter after the pump for more accurate readings of water being delivered to the end use. This is especially important where precise control over water flow is necessary.

Pipe Size and Type

Ensure that the meter is compatible with the pipe size and type to avoid measurement inaccuracies. A mismatch can lead to under or over-measurement, impacting the reliability of your system's performance data.

Maintenance

Accessibility for maintenance and potential repairs should be a key consideration when deciding on meter placement. Placing the meter where it can be easily accessed can save time and reduce downtime during maintenance.

The Best Placement: After the Expansion Tank

Whether you're using a jet pump, a submersible pump, or another type of pump, the pressure side is all plumbing before the pressure relief valve installed on the system. The relief valve is typically on the supply side or incoming flow side of the expansion tank or atmospheric tank. It's important to ensure that the relief valve can handle a potential pressure build-up caused by a malfunctioning pressure switch, which can cause the system to relieve full flow between 75psi-100psi. This helps prevent a dangerous situation where the system could potentially fail.

Always install the meter downstream of this pressure relief valve to avoid any possible pressure build-up issues. By following this best practice, you can ensure the smooth operation and safety of your water system.