Thank you for visiting our FAQ page.

This page is dedicated to Water Meter Installation Projects only!

If you any questions referring to other jobs such as Meter Testing, please call our main office at 952-826-9178.

If you have any questions that are not listed below that have to do with Water Meter Installation Projects, please call our appointment line at 763-274-9109. Thank you!

How long does the installation take?

The installation process takes anywhere from 10-45 mins depending on if your meter is easily accessible, both valves are in working condition, or if you have a larger size meter (commercial meters take longer then residential meters).

When will the installer arrive?

Our appointments are scheduled in 2-hour windows. When scheduling your appointment your scheduled time is the start of the window. Example if you select 2:30pm for your appointment, the installer will be there any time between 2:30pm-4:30pm. Once the installer arrives the installation can take anywhere from 10+mins to complete (see above question about installation time).

What appointment times do you offer?

our standard appointment windows are Monday-Thursday 8am-10am, 10am-12pm, 12:30pm-2:30pm, 2:30pm-4;30pm and 4:30pm-6:30pm. If these times do not work for you or your business, please call our appointment line at 763-274-9109

Where is my meter located?

In most cases for residential customers, your water meter is going to be located in your basement utility room. Typically, next to your water heater or softener. It can also be behind a false wall, or in a crawl space. If you are unable to locate your meter before installation, the installer can help you look for it when they arrive, or we can send someone out to help locate before your appointment. It is important to know where your meter is located to check your shut off valves are in working condition.

I have two meters at my location. How do i schedule appointments for both?

If you have 2 meters at your location, you only need to schedule one appointment for both! Please indicate when scheduling online that you have 2 meters at your location in the notes section. If you are scheduling different locations (example your house and your business or other family members home) its easiest to schedule with our appointment line, please call 763-274-9109 and they will help you schedule multiple locations!

MY Valves are not working or leaking. What do i need to do now?

After assessing your water shut off valves and they are not working (will not turn) or leaking, you will need to have these replaced before the installation. In most cases the valves are the homeowner’s responsibility. To repair/replace defective valves, you can schedule a plumber or make the repairs yourself. If you feel the valves are not defective (might leak, but still work), you can operate them yourself during the time of the installation. If your needing to replace the valve before the meter, you will need to schedule a curb-stop with your city (please contact your City Works to set up)

Why is my meter being replaced?

Water meters and their registers often lose accuracy as they age; therefore, they must be replaced every 15 to 20 years. The new system will also include automatic meter reading technology that will save time, prevent recording errors and potentially allow water line leaks to be identified earlier by the analysis of the data that is collected.

What is my reasonability as a homeowner?

It is the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain the water pipes and valves within their homes. Old valves may need to be replaced in order for the new meter to be installed. The below image shows a typical meter setup, with a gate valve (green handles) both before and after the water meter. Homeowners need to test both these valves by shutting one off at a time and testing to see if the home still has water. Both valves need to work in order for the water meter to be replaced. Sometimes, as the valves age, they fail and will not close. A licensed plumber will need to replace any non-operating valves. All new valves need to be ball valves. West Des Moines Meter Techs are not plumbers and cannot replace the valves.