How to Unfreeze Your Water Meter
People living in areas where winters are severe know first hand how easily a water meter can freeze. Assuming that the freeze did not damage the meter in any way, taking steps to unfreeze the meter will restore full service in a short period of time. There is a relatively simple process that can help homeowners that can help thaw out a frozen meter without having to call the water company. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- A helper (this is a two person job)
- Tools to open the chamber around the water meter
- Thin paper, such as sheets of newspaper, tissue paper, or toilet paper
- Lighter or matches
- Wrench or tool to shut off water supply if necessary
Instructions
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1
Remove the cover from the water meter. Depending on the setup in your community, this may involved using a wrench to remove the covering plate, or simply a metal stick or dowel to insert into an opening and lift the plate away from the reservoir chamber.
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2
Determine if the problem is a frozen water meter or simply frozen pipes. If the water meter appears to be functioning, then the pipes are the issue. Take steps to help unfreeze the pipes and leave the water meter alone.
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3
If the pipes are fine and the water meter is the origin of the issue, take one sheet of thin paper and light the surface. Drop the burning paper into the reservoir where the meter is housed.
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4
Have your helper positioned in the home, watching an open faucet. The helper is to alert you the moment that water begins to flow through the pipes again. Repeat lighting a single sheet of the thin paper and drop it into the reservoir until the water flow is restored.
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5
Remove any residue of the burned paper from around the water meter, and place the cover back into position. This will help protect the meter from direct exposure to the cold from wind or other surface elements.
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Tips & Warnings
Check with the water company before performing this type of procedure. Some water meters today are digital devices that can be damaged irreparably by the introduction of a direct heat source.
In the event that it becomes apparent that the water meter is cracked as the water begins to flow again, use a wrench to shut off the water and call your water company immediately.
