What happens if my water meter is buried?
It's common to find the water meter has disappeared under a garden bed, new turf, mulch or paving. But the meter belongs to Sydney Water, and they need to be able to read it, check it and replace it. A buried meter can mean estimated bills, problems when the meter is due for replacement, and trouble finding the main valve when you need it. Here's what the rules say and how it's fixed.
What the rules say
- Sydney Water's meter policy asks for a 300 mm clear space around the meter so it can be read, inspected and replaced.
- The pipes either side of the meter are meant to sit about 300 mm above the ground.
- Keep the area around the meter clear for regular reading.
Problems a buried meter causes
Estimated bills
If the reader can't get to the meter, your usage may be estimated and you may get a card asking for your own reading.
Can't turn off the water
The main shut-off valve sits beside the meter. If it's buried, you can't reach it in a hurry. See our water shut-off guide.
Corrosion
Soil and water around the meter and fittings speed up corrosion and leaks.
Meter replacement
When Sydney Water replaces meters, a buried one may need to be uncovered and raised first.
How we fix it
Often it's just a matter of digging it out and clearing the space around it. If the ground level has been raised, we raise the meter assembly on new risers to the right height, replace corroded fittings and old galvanised pipe either side, and fit a new quarter-turn valve if the old one has seized. You get a fixed price before any work starts. Our water meter guide covers the other rules.
In southern Eastern Suburbs homes
In Matraville, Maroubra and Botany we regularly find meters buried under front gardens, turf or driveways that were added years after the meter went in. Sandy soil also drifts over low meters over time.
Why locals call us
- Local to Matraville and the southern Eastern Suburbs
- Free on-site quotes, with a fixed price before any work starts
- Lifetime labour warranty on our workmanship
- 100+ five-star Google reviews
- Licensed plumbers and gasfitters (Lic. 398171C)
Common questions
Can my water meter be buried?
No. Sydney Water needs it accessible, with about 300 mm of clear space around it.
What happens if the meter reader can't find my meter?
Your bill may be estimated, and Sydney Water may ask you to send in your own reading.
Can I raise my water meter myself?
No. Work on the meter connection must be done by a licensed plumber.
How high should my water meter be?
Sydney Water's policy has the pipes either side of the meter sitting around 300 mm above the ground.
Related help: water meter guide, water meter clearance, moving a water meter and water shut-off guide. Local pages: Matraville, Maroubra, Botany and Pagewood.