Installing an irrigation meter to lower your monthly water bill in Mooresville

Homeowners in Mooresville often see their summer water bills spike when they run their sprinkler systems. The reason is simple. Most residential properties have a single water meter that tracks all water usage including what flows through your sprinklers. The problem is that your sewer bill is calculated based on your total water consumption. That means you are paying sewer charges on water that never enters the sewer system because it goes straight into your lawn. Mooresville Public Utilities Water & Sewer.

The solution is to install a dedicated irrigation meter also known as a secondary or split meter. This separate meter only measures water used for outdoor irrigation. Since that water does not return to the sewer system you are no longer charged sewer fees on it. The result is a lower monthly bill especially during the peak watering months. Is a Tankless Water Heater Worth It for Your Ballantyne Home?.

Mooresville Public Utilities allows qualified properties to install a second meter and offers a sewer credit on the water that passes through it. The process involves applying for a permit installing the meter and backflow preventer and having the system inspected. When done correctly the savings can offset the installation cost in just a few watering seasons. Signs You Need a Main Water Line Replacement in Pineville.

Call (980) 342-9933 today to schedule your inspection.

Why Mooresville homeowners need a dedicated irrigation meter

Mooresville has separate charges for water and sewer service. The sewer charge is typically fifty to seventy percent of your total utility bill. That means every gallon of water used outdoors during the summer is costing you extra in sewer fees you never actually use. Common Sewer Line Issues for Historic Dilworth Properties and How to Fix Them.

For example if your household uses ten thousand gallons per month and half of that goes to irrigation you are paying sewer charges on five thousand gallons that never enter the wastewater system. Over a three month watering season that can add up to hundreds of dollars in unnecessary fees.

A dedicated irrigation meter solves this by isolating outdoor water use. The meter is installed on the main line before it splits to your home and irrigation system. Only the water flowing through this secondary meter is billed for sewer. The rest of your indoor usage continues on the primary meter as usual.

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The Mooresville Public Utilities process

Installing a secondary meter in Mooresville requires approval from Mooresville Public Utilities. The first step is submitting an application that includes your property details and a description of your irrigation system. The town will review your request and determine if your property qualifies.

Once approved you will need to obtain an Iredell County plumbing permit. The installation must be performed by a licensed plumber in North Carolina. After the meter and backflow preventer are installed the town will schedule an inspection to verify proper setup and compliance with local codes. North Carolina State Board of Plumbing Examiners.

Mooresville requires a reduced pressure zone backflow preventer on all secondary meters to protect the potable water supply. This device stops contaminated water from flowing back into the main system. The RPZ must be tested annually by a certified tester and the results submitted to the town.

Call (980) 342-9933 today to schedule your inspection.

Our installation process and backflow prevention

The installation begins by locating the main water line where it enters your property. We tap into the line and install a saddle valve or tee to create a branch for the new meter. The secondary meter is then mounted in an underground meter box near the property line for easy access by utility crews.

Next we install the RPZ backflow preventer. This device is critical for preventing cross contamination. It contains two check valves and a relief valve that activate if pressure drops or reverses. The assembly is tested at installation and must be retested every year to remain in compliance with Mooresville regulations.

After installation we pressure test the entire system to check for leaks. We also label all components clearly and provide you with documentation for your records. The town will then inspect the work before activating the meter and applying the sewer credit to your account.

Call (980) 342-9933 today to schedule your inspection.

Mooresville plumbing codes and compliance

All irrigation meter installations in Mooresville must comply with the North Carolina State Plumbing Code and any local amendments from Iredell County. The code requires that secondary meters be installed by a licensed plumber and that all work be permitted through the county building department.

The backflow preventer must meet the standards of the American Water Works Association and be listed by an approved testing laboratory. It must also be installed at least twelve inches above grade and protected from freezing. The meter box must be durable UV resistant and fitted with a locking lid to prevent tampering.

Mooresville follows the cross connection control program outlined in NC Plumbing Code Section 606. This program requires annual testing of all RPZ assemblies to ensure they are functioning properly. Failure to test or repair a defective assembly can result in water service disconnection. Gas Line Repair & Installation.

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Cost versus savings is an irrigation meter worth it

The total cost of installing a secondary meter in Mooresville typically ranges from one thousand five hundred to two thousand five hundred dollars. This includes the meter itself the RPZ backflow preventer permit fees and professional installation. The exact price depends on the distance from the main line to the meter location and any trenching required. Professional Toilet Repair and Installation Services in Matthews.

The savings come from eliminating sewer charges on outdoor water use. Mooresville sewer rates are currently around five dollars per one thousand gallons. If your irrigation system uses five thousand gallons per month during the summer you could save twenty five dollars per month or three hundred dollars per watering season.

Over a five year period those savings can total fifteen hundred dollars. That means the system can pay for itself in as little as two to three years depending on your water usage and local rates. The savings continue every year after that making it a smart long term investment.

Call (980) 342-9933 today to schedule your inspection.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the town take to inspect the meter?

Mooresville Public Utilities typically schedules inspections within five to seven business days after installation is complete. The inspection itself takes about thirty minutes. If the system passes you can expect the meter to be activated and the sewer credit applied within one billing cycle.

Where does the meter go on my property?

The secondary meter is usually installed near the property line close to where the main water line enters. This location allows utility crews to read the meter without entering your yard. The exact spot depends on your landscaping and the path of the main line but it is always placed in an accessible underground box.

Do I need to maintain the meter myself?

The meter itself is maintained by Mooresville Public Utilities. However you are responsible for protecting the meter box from damage and ensuring the backflow preventer is tested annually. If the RPZ fails the test you must have it repaired or replaced by a certified tester before the town will continue sewer credits.

Can I install the meter myself to save money?

No. North Carolina law requires that all secondary meter installations be performed by a licensed plumber. DIY installation is not permitted and will result in failed inspection and potential fines. Professional installation ensures compliance with local codes and protects your water supply.

Will I still get a water bill for the irrigation meter?

Yes. You will receive a water bill for the usage on the secondary meter but you will not be charged sewer fees on that portion. Your primary meter will continue to bill for all indoor water use including the sewer charge. The two bills are combined on your monthly statement.

What happens in winter when I do not use the irrigation system?

The secondary meter continues to record zero usage during the off season so there are no sewer charges for that period. Some homeowners choose to have the system winterized and the meter capped to prevent freezing. This is optional but can extend the life of the components.

Is the sewer credit automatic?

No. The sewer credit is applied only after the town verifies that the secondary meter and backflow preventer are installed and functioning correctly. You must also keep up with annual RPZ testing to maintain the credit. If testing lapses the town may remove the credit until compliance is restored.

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Additional considerations for Mooresville properties

Mooresville has a mix of older homes and new construction many with large yards that require significant irrigation. If your property has a well established landscape or a large lawn the savings from a secondary meter can be even greater. The town also offers a winter sewer averaging program that can further reduce your bill if you limit outdoor water use during the averaging period.

Homeowners associations in Mooresville often have strict landscaping requirements. A dedicated irrigation meter can help you meet those requirements without inflating your utility costs. Some HOAs even require backflow preventers as part of their irrigation guidelines making the installation a compliance step as well as a cost saving measure.

If you are building a new home in Mooresville consider installing a secondary meter during construction. It is often easier and less expensive to run the line before landscaping is in place. Planning ahead can save you time and money while ensuring your irrigation system is set up for maximum efficiency from day one.

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Making the decision

Deciding whether to install a secondary irrigation meter comes down to your water usage patterns and long term plans. If you have a large yard and use thousands of gallons per month for irrigation the savings can be substantial. If your irrigation needs are minimal the payback period may be longer.

Consider your local climate as well. Mooresville has hot humid summers that often require frequent watering. A drought can increase usage even more. In those conditions a secondary meter can provide even greater relief on your monthly bill.

Talk to a licensed plumber who understands Mooresville utilities and local codes. They can evaluate your property and provide a clear picture of the costs and potential savings. With the right information you can make a decision that saves you money and keeps your landscape healthy for years to come.

Call (980) 342-9933 today to schedule your inspection.