Water meter reading access in Exeter
Professional water meter reading access services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
30 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
Can't access your water meter? Cover stuck, buried, or broken? I'll sort it out quickly - clear the chamber, fix or replace the cover, make readings easy.
When Your Water Meter's Impossible To Read
The water company sends estimated bills because neither you nor they can actually access the meter. The cover's buried, stuck shut, or full of mud and water. Or you've no idea where the meter even is.
💡 Pro tip: Estimated water bills are almost always higher than actual usage. Getting regular accurate readings can save you £100-200 a year. Worth sorting meter access properly.
Common Water Meter Problems
These are ridiculously common in Devon:
| ✅ Good Access | ❌ Problem Access |
|---|---|
| Cover visible and opens easily | Cover buried under soil/gravel |
| Meter chamber dry and clear | Full of water and mud |
| Meter readable | Can't see meter at all |
| Proper cover fitted | Broken cover or missing |
What You Get
🔧 The Full Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Locate meter | Find where it actually is (sometimes not obvious) |
| Clear chamber | Dig out, pump out water, clean it properly |
| Fix/replace cover | Repair existing or fit new accessible cover |
| Test | Make sure you can actually read the meter easily |
📦 You're Left With
- Easy access to your meter
- Clear view of readings
- Proper cover fitted
- No more estimated bills
Pricing Guide
| Issue | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Clear buried cover | 20-30 mins | £60 |
| Replace broken cover | 30-45 mins | £60-£85 |
| Clear flooded chamber | 30-45 mins | £60-£85 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. New meter cover included if needed (standard size).
Perfect For...
✅ Estimated bills - water company can't read meter
✅ Buried cover - soil/gravel built up over it
✅ Broken cover - cracked, smashed, or missing
✅ Flooded chamber - full of water, can't see meter
Why Choose Us for Water meter reading access in Exeter?
Easy access for readings
No more estimated bills
Fixed or replaced meter cover
Clear meter chamber
What to Expect
Step 1: Find The Meter
If you're not sure where it is, I'll locate it - usually in the pavement outside your property, or sometimes just inside your boundary. Metal detector helps if it's buried.
Step 2: Clear The Chamber
Dig out soil/gravel that's covered it, pump or bail out standing water, clear mud and debris. Get it down to a proper clean chamber again.
Step 3: Fix/Replace Cover
If the cover's salvageable, clean it up and make sure it opens properly. If it's broken or missing, fit a new one - proper water meter cover that seals but opens easily.
Step 4: Test Access
Make sure you can actually lift the cover, see the meter, and take a reading easily. Job done.
🔧 DIY Tips
This is actually one of the more DIY-friendly jobs if you don't mind getting dirty:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Spade or trowel
- Bucket
- Hose or bucket of water (for cleaning)
- Possibly a pump if chamber's really flooded
- New meter cover if current one's broken (available online or builders merchants)
🔩 How to do it
- Locate your meter (check water company records if not obvious)
- Dig out any soil/gravel covering the lid
- Pry open the cover (might be stuck with dirt/rust)
- Bail or pump out any standing water
- Clear mud and debris from chamber
- Clean or replace the cover
- Make sure you can read the meter easily
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Breaking the cover trying to force it open
- Not clearing enough - it'll just fill in again
- Fitting wrong type of cover
- Not improving drainage (chamber fills with water again)
💡 Pro trick: Once you've cleared the meter chamber, put a layer of gravel in the bottom (improves drainage), then mark the cover location clearly - spray paint on fence, plant marker nearby, whatever helps you find it again in 6 months.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🔧 Where is my water meter? Usually in the pavement directly outside your property, or just inside your boundary near the property line. Older properties might not have one at all (you're on unmetered water). Check with your water company if you're not sure.
Reading frequency - you should read your meter at least every 6 months to submit accurate readings. More often if you're trying to track water usage or check for leaks.
Meter covers come in various sizes and types. Standard small round ones for single properties, large rectangular ones for commercial or shared meters. I'll match what you had or fit something better.
Standing water in chamber? This is common in Devon's heavy clay soils - water has nowhere to drain. Some chambers have drainage holes that get blocked. Others just need better sealing covers. I'll advise what'll work best for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I access my water meter?
Usually the cover's buried under soil/gravel, stuck shut, broken, or there's so much water/mud in the chamber you can't see the meter. Sometimes people have paved or tarmacked over it without realizing. All fixable.
Is the water meter my responsibility or the water company's?
The meter itself belongs to the water company. But the chamber and cover on your property is usually your responsibility to maintain. If you can't access it for readings, you'll get estimated bills (always higher than actual usage).
Can you fit a new meter cover?
Yes - if the old one's broken or missing, I can fit a replacement. There are various types (small round, large rectangular, etc.) - I'll match what you had or fit something more accessible.
What if the meter chamber's full of water?
I'll clear it out, check the drainage, and advise if it needs better drainage or a new cover that seals better. Standing water in meter chambers is common in Devon's clay soils.
How long does it take?
Usually 30 minutes for a simple access fix - clear out the chamber, fix or replace the cover. Longer if significant work needed (like raising the chamber if it's been buried by soil buildup).
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