How to read your water meter.
Sometimes East Gippsland Water are unable to access your water meter due to a locked gate or dog. If our meter reader visited your property and was not able to read your meter, or you received an estimated meter read on your latest bill, you can submit your meter reading by emailing egw@egwater.vic.gov.au or calling us on 1800 671 841.
Some meters may look different from this diagram but are likely to be similar. All meters record the same information. The black numbers on the white background are kilolitres (some meters may display up to six digits) and the white numbers on the red background are litres.
When you contact East Gippsland Water with the meter reading, you may be asked to also provide us with your meter number.
Need more help?
Click the link to watch the video on how to read your water meter.
Check for leaks.
Firstly, let’s verify if you have a water leak.
1. Find your water meter
Your water meter is outside and usually near the front gate or fence of your property. If you’re not sure where your meter is, contact East Gippsland Water on 1800 671 841 for further information. Once you’ve found your meter, make a note of the numbers.
If possible, it is suggested to take a photo.
2. Stop using any water
Turn off all taps and appliances, except for the stop tap next to the water meter and toilets within the house.
3. Wait for two hours
Make sure non one uses any water during that time.
4. Check the water meter again
If the numbers on your water meter have changed or the wheel has moved, you may have a water leak. Repeat the test again, just to make sure.
Need more help?
Click the link to watch a video on how to read your water meter.
I have a leak. How can I find it?
Leaks aren’t always easy to locate. Below are a list of common areas for inspection.
Toilets
A leaky toilet can really add up. A trickle can add more than $425 a year to your bill, while a big leak could add $3,000 or more. A good way to check if your toilet is leaking is the paper test:
- Please a piece of paper at the back of the toilet bowl
- Make sure the back of the toilet pan is dry (best to wait 30 minutes after the last flush).
- Leave it there for a few minutes (make sure no one uses the toilet during this time).
- If the paper is wet or torn, you may have a leak.
Taps
Dripping taps might not seem like a big deal, but they can waste up to 20,000 litres of water per year or 55 litres a day—that’s roughly $20 extra each bill.
If you notice a tap dripping, the most likely cause is a worn washer, which you may be able to replace yourself.
Irrigation systems
Unexplained wet patches in your garden can indicate a fault or leak with your irrigation system.
Evaporative coolers
These are generally located on rooftops. It’s normal for a small amount of water to drip from the pipe when in use. But if you see water running down the roof even when the system is turned off, or a wet patch appears on an internal ceiling or wall, you may have a leak.
Hot water units
The most common problem with hot water systems is that the Pressure Temperature Relief Valve (PTRV) can malfunction and release water.
As hot water services are generally located on the side of a house (where people normally don’t walk) these leaks can go undetected for ages. To check for a leak, simply find your hot water unit and see if there is water running out of the pipe.
Faulty automatic top-ups for your water tank or swimming pool
These can malfunction and overflow without you even knowing it. It’s a good idea to check these regularly to make sure they’re working properly and not wasting precious water.
If you have identified a water leak and are unable to repair/replace yourself, please engage a suitably qualified plumber to complete the repair on your behalf.
For more information, please contact East Gippsland Water on 1800 671 841 or via email at egw@egwater.vic.gov.au
Outside your property.
East Gippsland Water are responsible for the meter and the pipes from the street to the meter. If the leak is on our side, let us know as soon as you can and we’ll get it sorted.
Inside the property.
If you’re the owner of the property and have identified a water leak and are unable to repair/replace yourself, please engage a suitably qualified licensed plumber to complete the repair on your behalf.
If you are a tenant of the property, contact your agent or rental provider as soon as possible.
Click the link to watch a video on how to detect a water leak.