Sub metering water on a triplex

[Andrew Erickson]

I am looking at a triplex in South Jersey. It has a single water meter for the whole property. It currently costs about $250/mo for water which is crazy high in that neighborhood. I’d like to start charging it to each unit.

What’s the best way to do that? Is it easy to install a meter for each unit? Does the city have to get involved? I’d love if there was some 3rd party tech that you could slap in there and figure out which unit is consuming so much water.

[Marc Winter]

You'll be best served by contacting the local water utility or a licensed plumber to find out what is required.  

In my area, the water company wants a separate direct water main hookup for each meter.  That means a hookup to the service's street main, new main to your property, and meter with backflow preventers inside.  Plus you'll have to make sure all lines separated and are fed only by the proper meter.

Other than that, you'll submeter and have to take readings.  Tenants can often challenge those readings, so be advised.

Good luck.