Information for plumbers
We're rolling out digital meters across Melbourne's south east. Here is what you need to know as a plumber.
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What's happening with digital water meters
We’re rolling out digital meters across Melbourne’s south east over the next few years. Digital water meters record your water use more regularly and help identify potential leaks, which if fixed quickly, save water and money.
What you need to know about digital water meters
Digital meters are installed and activated by South East Water or a contractor directly appointed by South East Water.
Unlike analogue meters, digital meters are more granular and show water use over a 24-hour period. The data is uploaded directly to South East Water and customers can view their usage at mySouthEastWater.
- Usage on the mySouthEastWater is shown in litres (L)
- Bills are calculated in kilolitres (Kl), there are 1,000 litres in a kilolitre
- Usage data is refreshed daily, usually by 9am with the previous day’s usage
- Digital recycled water meters are purple, the same as analogue recycled meters. They are shown separately on mySouthEastWater
If there are any issues or concerns about a meter, please contact call 132 812.
How to help customers identify leaks
Digital meters can detect continuously flowing water, and we alert customers that they may have a leak. We suggest customers check for leaks before contacting a plumber but if they’re unable to find the source you may need to assist in finding the cause of the continuously flowing water.
Pre-diagnostic leak detection steps
Please follow this process before logging a suspected meter fault.
1. Conduct a Kilopascals (KPA) pressure test
The KPA test can detect leaks even when flow is not visible.
How to perform a KPA test:
- Connect a KPA tester to the front garden tap.
- Ensure all fixtures , fittings and appliances are off (toilets, showers, washing machines, garden systems, evaporative coolers etc.).
- Open the garden tap to charge up the KPA tester.
- Once the tester is charged, isolate the water meter by turning the stop tap off.
- Monitor pressure for at least 10 minutes.
- If pressure drops, there is a leak is present on the property.
- If pressure is stable, it’s likely there is no leak is likely present.
If the digital meter still registers flow during this period, please report the case to South East Water by calling our faults and emergency team on 13 28 12.
2. If you suspect a leak, check common leak areas thoroughly and work with the customer to fix it.
Leaks aren’t always easy to see, and continuously flowing water may not always be a leak. These are the most common culprits.
- Toilets (including cistern seals and valves)
- Hot water units and relief valves
- Solar hot water systems
- Evaporative cooling systems
- Irrigation valves and solenoids
- Garden taps and hidden pipework
Even minor issues can turn into larger ones, so we recommend fixing any leaks promptly quickly to save water and money.
Important: Please don’t attempt to interrogate or adjust any part of the digital meter. These are sealed devices and are monitored by South East Water. If no leak is found and the digital meter continues to register usage, please contact South East Water on 13 28 12 for further investigation.