How To Install a Smart Water Submeter: Step-by-step Guide

Installing a water submeter allows individual water consumption to be measured in multifamily or multi-use properties to help achieve better tenant billing, usage monitoring, leak detection, and to meet diverse water conservation goals, but the process can be complex. Unlike utility master meters that measure total property water consumption, water submeters are installed downstream of a master meter to measure usage for individual apartments, tenants, or zones.

The process generally involves selecting the correct submeter type, choosing an appropriate installation location, turning off the water supply, and installing the meter according to the direction of water flow. Once the meter is in place, it’s essential to test for leaks and verify meter readings.

Although the process sounds simple, it can be quite complex depending on factors such as plumbing systems and layouts, the submeters chosen, and local laws and regulations. This water meter installation guide covers all the essentials: the tools you’ll need, the installation process, different submeter types, installation costs, comparisons of different setups, and frequently asked questions.

When do you need to install a water submeter?

There are several situations where water submeter installation becomes necessary or highly beneficial, ranging from meeting local requirements to upgrading outdated infrastructure. While many properties already have water submeters in place, these may be inaccurate, outdated, or insufficient for today’s needs. Some properties have no metering at all, requiring installation from scratch.

Common reasons for installing a water submeter include:

• New home builds or major renovations: Many local building codes require a water submeter for new construction or significant renovations either at the whole-building level or for each unit. Even where not legally required, installing a meter during construction is often the most cost-effective time to do it.
• Submetering: Increasingly, states and municipalities encourage or require submetering in multifamily and shared buildings so each unit is billed based on its actual usage. This promotes fairness, improves conservation, and enables more accurate billing.
• Upgrading from analog to smart meters: Older mechanical water submeters can lose accuracy over time, require frequent maintenance, and lack features like leak detection. Replacing them with smart water submeters improves accuracy, reduces maintenance costs, and provides advanced data capabilities.
• Infrastructure upgrades: When upgrading plumbing systems or installing integrated utility monitoring platforms, new compatible water submeters are often required to support future-proof operations.

Tools & Materials For Water Submeter Installation

Water submeter installation requires a range of tools and materials that vary depending on the type of submeter, the existing plumbing infrastructure, and the specific submeter brand. There is no universal toolkit. As such, procedures can differ, but typical installations rely on standard plumbing tools.

Some smart or clamp-on systems may require additional setup equipment. Generally, manufacturers’ installation guidelines specify which tools are required, and following them ensures compatibility. Many providers will offer detailed instructions, alongside additional resources such as installation videos.

For example, if you are installing one of our Axioma Metering QALCOSONIC ultrasonic smart water submeters, you can refer to the included materials as well as this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MD-EU-suqQ. Resources such as these provide guidance specific to your water submeters and are commonly available from manufacturers.

However, in general, water submeter installation requires these essential tools:

• Pipe cutter: Necessary for safely cutting the pipes.
• Adjustable wrench/pipe wrench/torque wrench: These tools are essential for securing the fittings
• Measuring tape and markers: When cutting the pipes, it’s essential to measure the length correctly to ensure that the cuttings are the right size and no pipe is wasted
• Deburring tools/utility knives: Burrs can negatively impact measurement, so it’s important to have tools to deal with them.
• Bucket/towels: Water submeter installation result in leaking water, so it’s important to have materials and tools at hand to deal with it.
• Sealant/thread seal tape: In some cases, sealant and thread seal tape may be necessary to ensure tight seals.
• Pipe fittings and adapters: After cutting the pipe it may become necessary to to fit new pipe and adapters.
• Isolation valves: Some installations may require additional isolation valves to help prevent undesirable water flow.
• Safety glasses & work gloves: Safety equipment is important when cutting pipes and working with potentially dangerous materials, e.g. hot water

Installing a smart water submeter often requires additional tools and equipment, such as:

• Smartphones or tablets: Some smart systems may require additional setup utilizing apps or web portals.
• Gateways and communications hardware: Depending on whether you are installing a full submetering system in addition to individual submeters, you may need additional hardware such as gateways and hubs. Your provider should provide the necessary equipment as part of the system. 
• Batteries or external power supplies: Some smart submeters rely on batteries, while others require external power sources. Many have internal battery systems, but some don’t.

This list is intended to be an illustrative guideline for installation. However, specific installations will vary in size and scope and may require tools or equipment not listed here, or may instead require only a few of the items listed. Every installation is unique, and the best practice is to work with a licensed professional who can follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and documentation.

Where Should I Install a Water Submeter?

The exact location for your water submeters will vary depending on specific conditions, so it’s always best to seek professional guidance from a licensed plumber. However, in general, water submeters should be installed downstream of the master meter in an accessible location close to where the water supply enters the unit or building being submetered. 

Submeters in multifamily housing, such as apartments, are typically installed indoors, but mobile home parks may require outdoor installations. 

Water Submeter Installation Basics

Water submeter installation is generally handled by a licensed plumber or professional installer in private submetering systems. Exact processes vary depending on specific setup conditions, the type of submeter, and the manufacturer’s specifications.

Water submeters are installed downstream of the utility-owned master meter, and proper installation is essential for accurate measurement, leak prevention, and long-term reliability. This is why it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions. Some jurisdictions may require installation by licensed individuals for compliance with local plumbing and building codes.

In general, this is the basic installation process: 

1. Shut off the water supply: Ensure no water is running and drain the pipes to prevent leaks. In some specific cases, this is unnecessary; always refer to your submeter’s documentation.
2. Locate the installation point: Choose a spot that allows easy access for maintenance and reading. Many water submeters require placement along a straight section of pipe, since valves, elbows, and other sections of pipe can introduce disturbances that reduce measurement accuracy. Manufacturers will generally advise on specific requirements.
3. Prepare the pipe: Measure carefully and mark the sections to be cut, if necessary. Cut the pipe cleanly, remove any burrs, and clean the inside of the pipe.
4. Install gaskets and fittings: Attach the necessary components to connect the meter securely.
5. Fit the submeter: The meter should be fitted in the appropriate place along the pipe. If you’ve cut the pipe, the meter should fit securely and connect to the fittings.
6. Align to water flow direction: Position the meter so the arrow matches the direction of flow. This step is important because water must flow through the meter in the correct orientation, since backwards flow can result in inaccurate readings. Inline water submeters will have an arrow indicating the direction of flow.
7. Confirm correct orientation: Some meters require horizontal or vertical positioning; the Axioma Ultrasonic Smart Water Meter can be installed in any orientation. Check whether your submeter has any specific requirements.
8. Prevent air pockets: Install the meter at a point that ensures the pipe remains full of water during operation.
9. Secure the meter: Tighten all connections to create a watertight seal.
10. Set up smart connectivity: If your submeter is part of a smart submetering system, you need to check that everything is installed correctly, that any software is running and that the submeter can communicate with the associated infrastructure.
11. Restore the water supply: If you’ve had to shut off the water, at this point, you can switch it back on to test the installation.
12. Test the installation: After the setup is complete, it’s important to test the submeter to confirm the installation was successful.

Following these steps helps ensure the meter operates accurately from day one and remains reliable over its service life.

How to Install Different Types of Submeters?

Not every type of water submeter can be installed in exactly the same way. Some implementations will be extremely simple, while others will be much more complex. Complexity depends on numerous factors, including whether the device is mounted inside or over the pipe, or connected to a smart monitoring system and its associated infrastructure.  

Every type of water submeter is designed to do the same thing, but the way they achieve it differs. Water submeters can generally be grouped into inline meters and clamp-on (also known as non-invasive) submeters. Each type may also include smart communication features, which do affect installation. Differences in installation typically arise from how the meter interfaces with the plumbing system itself. 

This section of the guide will cover installation nuances and differences among submeter types.

How to Install Inline Mechanical Water Submeters?

Mechanical submeters are a common option for many water submetering scenarios, such as apartment buildings, condominiums, multifamily housing, and commercial tenant spaces. Mechanical water submeters are installed directly in the pipe and measure flow using internal moving components, such as a turbine or piston mechanism.

Typical installation steps are as follows:

• Shut off the water: You will need to cut the pipe to install inline mechanical water submeters, so it’s important to ensure that the water is shut off during installation. Locate the nearest isolation valve, shut off the supply, and open downstream fixtures to relieve pressure.
• Choose the installation location: In many multifamily setups, this can be difficult, as submeters must be installed in accessible locations for maintenance, replacement, inspections, and meter readings. Additionally, mechanical meters typically require sufficiently long straight sections of pipe, as bends and valves can disturb the water flow and cause inaccurate measurements. It’s also important to avoid locations where the meter is exposed to excessive vibrations or physical impacts, freezing or boiling temperatures, and standing water (unless the meter is specifically rated for these challenges).
• Prepare the pipe: Measure the pipe carefully and mark it so that, when cut, the meter and its piping fit cleanly. Any and all burrs should be removed, and debris should be flushed if necessary, because shavings or debris can interfere with measurements or damage internal mechanical components.
• Install the submeter: Every inline submeter has a direction arrow, and the arrow must match the direction of water flow through the pipe. Installing it backwards can cause inaccurate results and, in some cases, prevent flow from being registered. The inlet and outlet pipes should be aligned, as misalignment can place stress on the meter body and fittings, increasing the risk of leaks or structural damage.
• Tighten connections: All connections should be tightened sufficiently, but avoid overtightening, as this can damage housings and threaded connections. Many manufacturers produce specific guidance on torque limits to help avoid overtightening.
• Restore the water supply: At this point, the water supply can be turned back on to test the installation. 
• Test the installation: Check for leaks by inspecting unions, adapters, threaded joints, and the surrounding pipe for any signs of water egress. If there are no leaks, check whether the submeter is registering water flow and updating its display.

How to Install a Smart Inline Water Submeter?

Installing a smart inline water submeter follows the same processes as a traditional mechanical inline submeter, but with several additional considerations that typically only arise after the physical installation. This is because smart submeters utilize various communications features that require additional infrastructure or configurations. As such, the above guidelines are also applicable here. In addition to those, smart inline water submeters require:

• Device activation: Many smart submeters require device activation. Some devices come with internal batteries, whereas others require external power. Typically, devices need to be switched on and prepared for installation. This can involve activating batteries, installing power lines, and powering up communications modules.
• System installation: If the submeter installation is part of a larger submetering system, the associated infrastructure must be in place before a smart submeter can be properly installed and commissioned. This means that any additional infrastructure, such as wireless gateways or wired connections, must also be properly installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s and provider’s specifications.
• Connect to the platform: Smart submeters must connect to the platform. They do this via various methods, such as radio frequency, cellular, wired communications, or proprietary systems. Whichever method is required, meters must be connected to the system so that they can collect readings, generate reports, and trigger leak alerts. Many smart submeters come with setup apps or documentation designed to make this process easy.
• Verify connections and communications: Once the smart submeters are connected to the system, verify that they communicate properly with it. You should confirm that any meter readings are successfully delivered to the platform, appear in the software with adequate timestamping, and that remote readings match the local display. Until communication is verified, commissioning is not complete.

How to Install a Clamp-on (Non-invasive) Water Submeter?

Clamp-on meters are often used as an alternative to inline water submeters when cutting into pipes is undesirable or impractical. Non-invasive water submeter installation is significantly different from inline installation, requiring fewer steps because pipes do not need to be cut, and the water supply often does not need to be switched off.

In this case, the steps required for a clamp-on (non-invasive) water submeter installation look more like this:

• Choose the installation location: Clamp-on submeters still require suitable locations that are accessible for maintenance, inspection, and meter-reading purposes, even if they are smart systems. Manufacturer’s guidelines should specific suitable conditions.
• Prepare the pipe: Although the pipe does not need to be cut, it often needs to be cleaned, and any pipe insulation should be removed to ensure a smooth sensor contact area. Proper sensor contact is required for accurate measurements.
• Apply the acoustic couplant: After the pipe is cleaned and prepared, ensure the couplant is applied to the pipe so it sits between the transducer and the pipe wall. Without acoustic couplant, clamp-on ultrasonic meters fail to receive reliable signals. This is one of the most common field-failure points for ultrasonic clamp-on meters, so this step is essential for reliable operation.
• Position the sensors: Sensor placement depends on pipe diameter, material, and manufacturer’s specifications, so it’s important to refer back to these as incorrect placement can reduce measurement accuracy.
• System configuration: This step differs significantly from other meter types, which often do not require it at all. Clamp-on submeters typically require entering various metrics such as pipe diameter and wall thickness, pipe material, and fluid characteristics. These parameters enable the sensors to accurately calculate flow.
• Test the system: If properly configured, the system should register water flow.

Clamp-on water submeters can also be smart or remote-reading submeters. In this case, the steps are the same, but submeters must be activated, connected to the communications system and platform, and verified:

• Device activation: Devices must be powered on and ready for pairing and communication.
• Configuration: Meters should be linked to communications systems and other submetering platforms to ensure proper function. The precise processes differ between manufacturers.
• Verify connection and communication: Once the submeter has connected to the platform, it should be tested to ensure it communicates with the system and that its readings appear correctly timestamped in the software.

Water Submeter Installation Cost

There is no single, simple installation cost because pricing depends on multiple interrelated factors specific to each installation. These factors include the type of water submeter being installed, whether the installation is a new build or a retrofit, the accessibility of the plumbing system, labor rates, the number of units being metered, and whether software commissioning or other smart submetering infrastructure is required. Additionally, rates and conditions can vary by location.

Water submeter costs typically range from $75 per unit to around $200 it depends on the state, property and other factors.

If we take an example 200-unit multifamily project in California, we can estimate that hardware costs for a traditional mechanical smart submeter setup are as follows:

• Meter hardware: $185 per unit (hot + cold meters)
• Transceivers: $80 per submeter (2 per unit)
• Repeaters: $400 each (6 necessary, total cost: $2400)
• Remote meter displays: $125 per unit
• Gateway: $2100

This leaves a total of $98,500 for hardware in this hypothetical 200-unit multifamily apartment building in California. 

For ultrasonic smart meter hardware in the same building, you could expect to pay:

• Meter: $175 twice per unit
• Transceivers: $0
• Repeaters: $0
• Remote meter displays: $0
• Gateways: $1500 (2 required: $3000)

This leaves a total cost of $73,000 dollars in the ultrasonic smart submeter setup. 

However, labor costs add to the overall costs. In our mechanical submeter example, the property owner could expect to pay $54,400 in associated installation costs. In our ultrasonic installation, the property owner could expect to pay $30,400 in associated installation costs. Our examples suggest that labor costs can account for a substantial portion of the overall costs, at approximately 30% of the total project cost.

Retrofit scenarios can raise costs substantially, but it’s difficult to provide a figure because the specific retrofit conditions determine how much more complex the installation will be, and therefore exactly which additional components are required, or how much additional labor time is necessary. 

However, the specific numbers discussed are illustrative only. Specific implementations will be subject to local labor costs, hardware costs, installation complexity, and other factors specific to your installation.

Mainlink’s smart water submeter setup

Users of Mainlink’s water submetering solution get the Axilink Lite mobile app, which is an essential tool for installing our water submeter. The Axilink Lite app allows you to check whether the submeter is active, connected to the network, and transmitting data to the meter data management platform (if applicable) – all with a simple scan. The Axilink Lite mobile app is simple and easy to use, and it works only with Axioma Metering water submeters and Mainlink’s submetering solution platform.

Getting the app ready for setup is easy! All you need to do is:

1. Download the mobile app: The app is available from Google Play or the Apple App Store and is compatible with Android and iOS operating systems.
2. Open the app: Once the meter is installed and the network deployment is ready, open the app.
3. Scan the meter: The app will use NFC technology to scan the meter using a single button click. The app will read the data and determine whether your installation was successful or if there were any problems.
4. Check the light: The Axilink Lite app uses an easy green or yellow light system to indicate success or failure. A green light means the installation and setup was successful. A yellow light points to a failure in some specific area, e.g. radio and network connectivity issues, or a connection loss to the Mainlink cloud platform.

The Axilink Lite app gives you the confidence to know whether your installation was successful. It works offline and is platform-independent. Its intuitive, user-friendly design makes it suitable for all levels of expertise.

Compliance with local regulations

Ensuring smart water submeter compliance is essential to avoid penalties and maintain uninterrupted service. In the U.S., regulations can apply at multiple levels national, state, regional, and local and may also include specific building code requirements. For example, some states, such as California, require water submeters to be easily accessible for readings, whether through a physical device, an in-home display, or a mobile app. Other rules may set tolerances for meter calibration, mandate reporting formats, or define data security standards.

Water submeter regulations in the U.S.  vary significantly by location. Most jurisdictions require meters to deliver accurate, reliable measurements, while others add requirements for cybersecurity, data privacy, and remote reading capabilities. When choosing a smart water submeter, confirm that it meets all applicable standards. Reputable providers should verify compliance at the national and state level, and local municipalities can advise on community-specific rules.

Who Should Install a Water Submeter?

Water submeter installation is not always a do-it-yourself task. In many cases, installation should be handled by a qualified professional to ensure accuracy, compliance, and long-term reliability.

Situations where professional installation is recommended or required include:

• Regulatory requirements: Some states, municipalities, or utilities mandate that only certified technicians install or replace submeters. This ensures the work meets all applicable codes and utility standards.
• Complex systems: Large, multi-unit, or commercial properties often have intricate plumbing layouts that require specialized tools and expertise to integrate a submeter safely and correctly.
• Meter replacement: Removing older meters can involve corroded fittings, confined spaces, or fragile pipes. A professional can deinstall the unit without damaging the system and dispose of it according to local regulations.
• Safety considerations: Incorrect handling of valves and pressurized lines can cause injury or water system damage – risks that trained installers are equipped to understand, avoid, and respond to where appropriate.

For most property owners, working with an experienced installer often arranged through the water utility or a licensed contractor ensures the job is completed to the correct standard and that the meter operates accurately from day one.

Water Submeter Installation Compared With Traditional Water Meter Setups

Water submeters differ from traditional water meter setups because they are typically installed privately by property owners, whereas traditional water meters are installed and owned by the utility provider. Water submetering is intended to measure water consumption for individual units or tenants, or in some industrial contexts, specific machines or zones. Ownership models and installation are very different.

The following table shows the key differences between water submeters and traditional water meters:

Water Submeters	Traditional Water Meters
Installed by submetering company/the property owner/manager or	Installed by the utility
Measures individual units	Measures the entire property
Common in apartments and commercial buildings	Used for utility billing in all property types, including single-family residential and multifamily contexts
Usually installed by plumbers or contractors	Usually installed by municipalities or utility providers
Can support tenant billing, leak monitoring, and other advanced functionalities	Intended to measure total property water consumption

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need permission to install a water submeter?

Whether you need permission depends on your situation. Factors include who owns your property, who manages the building, and who is responsible for the existing meters. In some cases, you can arrange installation directly, while in others you may need approval from a landlord, homeowners’ association, or utility provider. Some jurisdictions regulate the installation of water submeters and associated infrastructure, so it’s important to check local laws.

How much does a water submeter installation cost?

Costs for water submeter installation vary widely depending on factors such as the size of the meter, region, installation complexity, and whether you need a new water connection. Due to regulations, local conditions, and choices by submetering companies, prices differ by state. For example,  in California, the Axioma Metering ultrasonic smart water submeter could cost around $75 per unit. In a typical 200-unit apartment building in CA, installing our Mainlink and Axioma Metering system and meters can cost around $103,000 compared with a traditional setup that can cost around $152,900.

Will installing a water submeter lower my water bills?

Installing a water submeter does not guarantee lower bills. Savings may occur if your previous meter was inaccurate or if more precise readings encourage reduced water usage. In some cases, providers offer discounted tariffs to smart meter users, but these benefits depend on individual circumstances and local policies. Studies have shown that submetered properties consume less water, but this isn’t guaranteed.

How long does the installation take?

Installation time depends on the size and complexity of the property. Some can be completed within 30 minutes, while others may take longer. Large, complex properties with many units will take much longer than smaller properties with fewer units, and retrofits often take more time than new builds.

Are there any disadvantages of installing water submeters?

Some users may face higher costs if their previous flat-rate billing underestimated actual usage. Bills will also vary from month to month based on consumption, making them less predictable than fixed charges.

Will maintenance be required after installing a water submeter?

In most cases, installing an ultrasonic water submeter greatly reduces maintenance needs. Mainlink’s Axioma ultrasonic model has no moving parts, ensuring long-term accuracy and reliability without the need for ongoing servicing after installation. However, maintenance needs vary, and some types of water submeter, such as mechanical submeters, require more maintenance than others.