As commercial plumbers, we’ve been working with apartment blocks, buildings and townhouses in Brisbane for over a decade and something we continue to see is townhouses without separate water metering!
Up until 2008, new townhouse complexes were able to install single water meters. Thankfully since then, for the benefit of owners and tenants, all new builds are required to be sub-metered.
What are Sub-Meters?
Water sub-meters are installed to allow individual townhouse owners to measure their own water usage and to be charged accordingly.
When a townhouse complex only has a single (master) water meter, the costs are distributed evenly which is (in most cases) unfair. A single resident or couple are likely to use far less water than a family of 4 or a bunch of housemates in the neighbouring townhouse!
The Top 3 Benefits of Sub-Meters for your Townhouse
If you’re considering sub-metering your townhouse complex there are many benefits for both you and your tenants.
1. Correct Billing
As we’ve just mentioned, with sub-meters installed each tenant will be charged for their own water consumption, rather than an equal share of the water bill regardless of their usage.
Did you know that if your rental property is sub-metered, you could be eligible to charge for water consumption. If you have a single meter, you won’t be able to do this.
2. Water Saving
Your tenants will be able to see their water usage and adjust accordingly. Studies have shown that tenants are reducing water usage by 15% – 30% after sub-meters are installed.
3. Detect Leaks
When you can clearly see the water usage in different areas of your complex, you may be able to identify leaks that are wasting water (and money). For example a leak in a common area that may not be noticed by tenants can be picked up if sub-metering has been installed.
How can I install Sub-Metered Systems in my Townhouse?
If your complex was built before 2008, it’s likely that you’ll have a single meter installed at your property. And to get the benefits above, you should be installing sub-meters to save money and make your complex more efficient!
Check out some of our latest case studies to get an idea of how we’ve helped properties in the past:
Water meter installation for a strata community of 25 houses in Fitzgibbon completed within 5 days
Installation of cold water sub-meters to QUU specifications in Coorparoo, completed within 2 days