I have just gone through the process of installing a water meter and hooking up to the new city sewer line.
I have not had a water meter in my house before. As I understand it, we are required to install a water meter when we hook up to the new sewer lines.
There will be a lot of people going through the same experience as me in the near future. I thought it might be helpful to let people know what I was required to do and what my costs were.
Maybe they can be better prepared than I was for the amount of work and expense involved in “hooking up to the new city sewer lines.”
I had the misconception that you just had to stick a water meter in your water supply line and run a new sewer line. I discovered that there are some further requirements. The water meter must be installed horizontally. You must also install a pressure reducing/regulating valve, a double check valve assembly, the actual water meter, a second shut-off valve and a thermal pressure relief tank. My sprinkler system had to be reconfigured to feed the sprinkler system after the water meter.
With some much-appreciated advice from the staff at Irly Bird, and Inspector Stan, I was able to complete the entire project myself and did not incur any contractor costs.
You may have to hire a plumber and possibly a machine to dig your trench. I purchased all my equipment and supplies locally.
District fees: plumbing permit – $60, water inspection fees – $60, water meter – $200.
You will also need: dual check valve – $32.36, pressure reducing/ regulating valve – $54.50, second shut-off valve – $10, copper pipe, fittings, solder, etc. – $90.41, thermal expansion tank – $80.34, four inch sewer pipe and fittings – $380.18, more fittings, glue, etc. – $109.69, five cubic yards of sand – $130.00. Total: $1,207.48.
Hope this helps you to plan for your hook-up.
Mike Coulter
