How to Read Your Water Meter and Monitor Water Usage

We had a client call us up last week asking for instructions on how to read her water meter to check if she had a leak, which had us thinking how many people actually know how to read their water meter correctly?

Your water meter is more than just a device used for billing—it’s a valuable tool that can help you track water consumption, detect leaks, and even troubleshoot plumbing issues before they become costly problems. As plumbers, we often see homeowners hit with unexpectedly high water bills, only to discover an unnoticed leak has been running for months. By understanding how to read your water meter and monitor usage, you can stay in control of your water costs and avoid unnecessary repairs.

There are several reasons why you might want to check your water meter:

• Monitor your water usage – Keep track of how much water your household is consuming.
• Detect hidden leaks – An unexpected increase in water usage could indicate a leak.
• Verify your water bill – Ensure the reading on your bill matches your actual usage.
• Provide an accurate reading – If required, you can submit a manual reading to your water provider.

Your water meter is usually found at the front of your property, often just inside the front fence near a garden tap. If you live in an apartment or unit, it may be located in a shared service area or inside a utility cupboard. If you can’t locate your meter, check your water provider’s website or log into their online portal for more information. McCarthy Plumbing Group’s domestic clients reside in the Greater Western Water catchment area.

1. Mechanical/Odometer Water Meters

Traditional mechanical meters are still common in many homes. These meters have black and red numbers on a dial:

• Black Numbers – Represent kilolitres (1 kL = 1,000 litres). These are used for billing.
• Red Numbers – Represent individual litres, useful for tracking finer details of water usage.
• Meter Number – Located on the front of the meter, this should match the number on your water bill.

Example: If your meter reads 005467.120, it means 5,467 kilolitres and 120 litres have been used.

2. Digital Water Meters

Digital water meters use ultrasonic technology to measure water usage and often display additional data. The two most common brands are Sagemcom and Huizhong meters.

Sagemcom Digital Water Meters

Sagemcom meters are usually green, with a sleek digital display and the word Siconia printed on them. How do you read a Sagemcom Meter?

1 – Open the lid and locate the badge number below the button. This should match the meter number on your bill.

2 – Activate the display by tapping the button. The screen will show various data points.

3 – Find the reading – The underlined numbers represent kilolitres (kL) used. The numbers to the right of the decimal represent litres.

Example: The meter display shows 685.234, it means 685 kL have been used.

Huizhong Digital Water Meters

Huizhong meters are typically white or blue, often marked with IP68, indicating they are built for harsh conditions. How do you read a Huizhong Meter?

1 – Open the cover by pressing down on the top and lifting the tab.

2 – Match the badge number to the one on your bill.

3 – Activate the display by holding your thumb over the light-sensitive area. The screen will change every few seconds.

4 – Find the ‘kL’ screen – This displays the kilolitres used. Ignore numbers after the decimal.

Example: The meter display shows 538.654. That means 538 kL have been.

Tracking your water usage can help detect unusual spikes that may indicate a water leak. If you want to save money and determine if you have a water leak before you call your plumber, follow these instructions:

Day 1 – Write down your meter reading at a specific time.

Day 2 – Take another reading at the same time the next day. The difference between the two readings is your household’s daily water usage.

Showers: 9–15 litres per minute

Toilets: 4.5–9 litres per flush

Dishwashers/Washing Machines: 20–100 litres per cycle

Keep a log for 24 hours and if your daily usage seems high compared to your household habits, it’s time to check for leaks.

A silent leak can waste thousands of litres of water and drive up your bill. Now that you know how to read your water meter, here’s a simple test to take to check if you have a water leak:

1 – Turn off all taps and appliances that use water.

2 – Take a meter reading.

3 – Wait 30 minutes without using any water.

4 – Check the meter again.

If the numbers have changed, you may have a water leak.

Common household leaks include:

• Dripping taps – Even a slow drip can waste 20,000 litres per year.
• Leaking toilets – A running toilet can waste 9,000 litres per year.
• Irrigation leaks – Underground pipes may be leaking without visible signs.
• Hot water system leaks – Pressure Reducing Valves (PRV’s) sometimes fail, leading to continuous water loss. Read more about PRV’s here.

If you suspect a leak, call us today on 03 9931 0905 to inspect and repair the issue before it gets worse.

We’ve previously discussed ways in which you can save on your water bill in the article here. Have a read for our top 20 tips on minimising water usage and reducing your water bill.

Your water meter is a powerful tool that can help you track consumption, detect leaks, and save money on your water bill. By taking just a few minutes each month to check your meter, you can stay ahead of any plumbing issues before they become expensive problems.

If you’re unsure how to read your meter or need help diagnosing a leak, McCarthy Plumbing Group can assist in keeping your home’s water system running efficiently.