A digital device that uses wireless technology to take more accurate readings is called a “digital water meter”. They display consumption data and relay the information to the service provider online.
It enables users to track their water consumption at any given time. In addition, it detects leaks to fix them, thus resulting in minimal water wastage quickly. The smart meter is gradually eradicating the traditional methods of water evaluation.
Regardless of the immense benefits of a digital water meter, it relies on several technologies to automate the collection and analysis of the meter data, which sometimes fails to work. To answer why your water meter is not working, stick with us for detailed guidelines in this particular piece.
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How Do Smart Water Meters Work?
Before diving into why the digital water meter is not working, it is essential to understand how it operates.
For a start, digital water meters use wireless connections which take readings remotely and offer data 24/7. The name digital matches perfectly because they collect water consumption data with a timestamp and through an automated control system, then share it with a water supplier or municipality.
Communication is one-way to the utility (Automated Meter Reading, AMR) or two-way communication between the utility and the consumer (Advanced Metering Infrastructure, AMI)
Thumbs up to the meter’s acute sensitivity, Smart meters are programmed to detect leaks, including the tiniest leaks. You can troubleshoot the leaking issues if your digital meter doesn’t drop to “0” in the set time frame per the algorithm they follow.
Digital Water Meter Not Working
The digital water meter system depends on multiple technologies to automate the collection and analysis of data. It comprises a water meter with a data feeder to capture the information, communication technology to transmit the data captured, and a server to process the data.
The system uses various communication technologies to address the different transmission goals. A direct wire connection offers reliable, attractive, and top bandwidth connectivity. However, wireless technologies are available like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LoRa, etc.
In cases where your digital water meter isn’t working, the problem would occur due to many factors such as:
- Weak communication signals in your area
- Power cabling challenges if you’re in a confined and remote location.
- The limited network reaches, especially if you install your meter in the basements or locations with a weak signal. Also, the device may not be compatible, posing a challenge if the current technology doesn’t support such.
- Utilities install devices with durable batteries if you are in an area with no grid power. Still, due to the higher frequency of data collection and transfer, high energy consumption becomes a challenge resulting in a short life span of the batteries. Therefore, low battery levels may cause your digital water meter not to function as it should.
Overall, your digital water meter would malfunction due to failure in the technology systems. To troubleshoot the problems, you must look mainly at the communication systems to identify the cause.
What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Smart Meters?
Detects early water leaks
It helps you detect leaks on time, which in turn helps save drinking water supplies and lessen the customer’s bill. They can pick up on the minor water leaks that will go unnoticed with the regular meters.
Conserve water
Digital water meters assist users in being updated on the quantity of water they consume and alert them of any irregularities in their water usage. The device also detects leaks and notifies you of excessive water consumption before the problem gets out of control and can fix it.
Prevent Scams and Tampering
With manual reading, it is a risk as people may pretend to be agents from the Water Company and end up stealing from you. Smart water meters, you will never experience such as the electronic readings sent online.
Accurate Readings
Contrary to regular meters, digital water meters provide accurate readings, unlike standard meters, which means you will pay only for the exact amount of water used.
Improves Customer Service
Smart water meters are handy for utility companies as they can notify their clients of any issue ahead of the billing period, thus reducing customer claims and complaints against the company.
Durable
Digital water meters have a longer lifespan than mechanical water meters because they have moving parts to make them wear over time. They can go up to 15 years, depending on the battery life.
Disadvantages of Using Smart Water Meters
Law Signal Affects Performance
Bright meter water communicates via mobile networks. A location with a low mobile signal affects data transfer to service the provider. A delay can also occur in accessing data for the utility companies and users.
Not all Service Provider Support Digital Water Meters
Smart meters are not acceptable by all utility companies and municipalities as it is not globally acceptable.
Don’t Directly Reduce Water Bills
The primary purpose of having a smart meter is to help you curb water wastage. Using it doesn’t reduce water costs, but the concept of being informed of your consumption can help you reduce water usage and consumption.
Costly
The cost of investing in a smart water meter is high and a significant barrier. Some providers are partnering to upgrade traditional meters from distribution networks to other technologies required to collect, store, and convey data.
How Do You Activate and Read the Digital Display?
To activate the digital water meter, you need light. Therefore, shine a flashlight on it. The display interchanges between the meter read and the flow rate. The meter reads the gallons or cubic feet used, whereas the flow rate equates to the number of gallons per gallon/cubic feet per minute flowing through the water meter.
Some digital meters enable historical water usage review. A feature which assists track water use trends like when leaks occur
How to Detect a Leak Problem for a Digital Display Meter
Monitor the flow rate screen for at least ten flashes; if the number is more significant than zero on any flashes, you have a consistent leak. You will have to use isolation or visual inspection methods for tiny leaks.
The digital water meters are simple, with no dial to interpret. The display tells you the number of gallons or cubic feet of water you’ve consumed. If it reaches a point it stops working, it would be due to numerous factors as already discussed above. It is best to involve a professional to troubleshoot any underlying issue. We hope this article was helpful.