How to Install Water Submeter Systems: A Step-By-Step Guide

Managing water use in a multifamily building can be frustrating. When everyone shares one water meter, it is hard to know who is using what. This often leads to unfair bills and tenant complaints. For example, in a recent incident in Los Angeles, tenants in apartments where the RUBS system is used were charged over $200 a month, despite the initial quoted estimate being $50.

Without the right property management software or tools, leaks go unnoticed, overuse continues, and property managers are left guessing.

This is where water submetering can help. It gives you a clear view of how much water each unit is using, detects leaks, and helps you avoid costly repairs due to water damage.

In this guide, you will learn the steps to install a water submeter system. Whether you are just starting to explore the idea of utility submetering or are ready to move forward, this article will help you understand what to expect, how it works, and how to set it up the right way.

Benefits of Water Submetering Systems

Water submetering is a system that measures water use in individual units, like apartments or condos, instead of the whole building. This helps property managers figure out who is using how much water.

With these systems, each unit has its own meter or meters. Let's discuss the benefits that make water submeters a worthy investment for property managers and owners.

Helps Determine Who Is Responsible for Water Use

When everyone shares the same water bill, it’s hard to know who is using more or less. A submetering system helps determine which unit uses more water. This allows for fair billing, where residents only pay for what they use. That means no one ends up covering the cost of someone else’s high usage.

Makes Meter Reading Simple and Quick

With submetering, you don’t have to go unit to unit once in a blue moon with a clipboard to monitor each unit's water usage. Many systems automatically send data to your system. This means less work for the property manager and fewer mistakes in meter reading.

Encourages Residents to Use Less Water

When people know their water use is being tracked, they start to care more about their consumption. When residents know their water use is being tracked, they tend to use less water.

This awareness can lead to better habits, like turning off the tap when brushing teeth or not overstaying in the shower. Over time, it adds up and can help the whole building save water.

Helps Evaluate Leaks and Other Problems Faster

If one unit suddenly uses a lot more water, the system can notify you. That gives you the chance to check for water leaks or broken fixtures right away. It also lets you fix the problem before it gets worse or wastes more water.

Adds Value to Your Property

Installing submetering shows you care about fairness and efficiency. It’s also a smart idea if you want to attract residents who care about their bills. Plus, if you ever want to sell, having a submetering system in place can make the property more appealing to buyers.

Takes the Worry Out of Billing

You don’t have to worry about splitting costs or hearing complaints about unfair bills. Submetering gives you clear data. You just send the bill based on each unit’s use. That makes your job as a property manager easier and less stressful.

Helps Manage Long-Term Costs

Over time, you can use water data to evaluate trends and spot water waste. This helps you make smart decisions about building systems, repairs, and upgrades. Additionally, you can find other factors that may be increasing water use and fix them before they become expensive.

How to Install Water Submeter Systems

Installing a water submeter system takes some planning, but it can be done smoothly if you follow the right steps.

Here’s a simple breakdown of how the process usually goes:

1. Check the Plumbing Setup

Start by looking at the building’s water lines. Check if there are any plumbing issues that need to be fixed first before installing a submetering system.

If the plumbing isn’t separated by unit, you may need to make changes before you can add submeters. This is why it's a good idea to work with a plumber or metering expert early on.

2. Choose the Right Meters

Pick a submetering system that matches your building’s setup. Some submeters work better in vertical pipe layouts, while others fit horizontal ones.

Look for meters that give accurate readings and last a long time. You want something that can handle the environment and make meter reading easy.

3. Plan the Installation

Before installing anything, create a plan. Decide where the meters will go and how you’ll access them later for readings or repairs. If the building is older, you may need to work around tight spaces or old pipes. 

Your plan should also include how to test the system once it’s installed. Many meter installations may require in-wall work, while others can be completed smoothly with minimal disruption to tenants.

4. Notify Residents

Let your residents know what’s happening. Tell them why the system is being installed, how long it will take, and how it may affect them during the process. Clear communication helps avoid confusion and keeps everyone on the same page.

5. Install the Meters

A licensed plumber or qualified technician should handle the actual installation. This part involves cutting into the water supply lines and connecting each submeter. It’s important to do this right to avoid leaks or bad readings.

6. Test and Calibrate

Once the meters are in place, test the system. Make sure each meter works and shows accurate numbers and calibrate if needed. This step is important so you can trust the data you get from the meters.

7. Set Up Ongoing Maintenance

After installation, you’ll want a plan to keep things running smoothly. Check the meters now and then to catch any problems early. Good maintenance helps you avoid surprise issues and keeps billing fair.

Install Unit-Level Submetering With DrizzleX

Since most multifamily buildings in the U.S. don’t come with submetering, DrizzleX introduced micrometers.

A micrometer tracks water use at the fixture itself, measuring every drop. When you combine all micrometers in a unit, you get a full submetering system. Here's how it works:

Smart Micrometers for Every Fixture

DrizzleX uses easy-to-install IoT-based micrometers that attach directly to water fixtures. These micrometers fit on sinks, showers, toilets, bathtubs, washing machines, and even outdoor hose bibs and sprinkler systems.

Each one is built to match the shape and function of the fixture. For example, the bathtub micrometer fits inside the spout, so you won’t even see it after installation.

These smart micrometers measure water flow in real time and send the data to your DrizzleX cloud gateway. You can place the gateway almost anywhere on your property, either indoors or outside. Most buildings only need one.

Fast Installation With No Plumbing Work

Installing DrizzleX is fast and does not require cutting pipes or opening walls. A typical apartment takes about 15 minutes to install. Seven micrometers go into each unit. One each for the kitchen and bathroom sinks, both hot and cold, along with the shower, bathtub, and toilet.

Once installed, the micrometers begin sending real-time water data to your dashboard. From there, you can see how much water each fixture uses, track overuse, and receive alerts if there is a leak.

Alerts, Billing, and Full Visibility

DrizzleX gives you more than just data. You get full visibility into your property’s water usage along with tools to act on it. If a leak or water overuse is detected, you receive an instant alert. You can also generate bills based on each unit’s actual usage.

If a tenant is using too much water, you can send them an email notification and help them understand what is going on. The system helps you spot patterns in waste across specific units or fixtures.

This also gives you a chance to educate your tenants about their water use. Most people do not realize how much they use until they see the numbers.

Low Maintenance and Long Battery Life

Each micrometer is built to last. With DrizzleX’s patent-pending technology, the batteries can run for up to ten years. There is no need for ongoing maintenance, and the cloud gateway handles the data automatically.

If you want more control over water use in your building, DrizzleX gives you a clear and simple solution. You do not need to open walls or change your whole plumbing system. Just install, connect, and start seeing every drop.

If you are interested, you can get a free consultation with us.

How DrizzleX Supports Water Submetering

DrizzleX is a smart water submetering system that helps you track and manage water use in every unit. It’s built for multi-tenant properties where hidden leaks and waste can drive up your water bills.

By installing DrizzleX, you can measure water use at the fixture or unit level, find waste quickly, and reduce your water bill by 25–45% or more. Most properties see a full return on their investment in just nine months.

Cut water waste and lower your utility bills with DrizzleX, a smart way to bill based on real usage. Get a quote today!

Accurate Water Usage Reports

DrizzleX gives you detailed water usage reports for each apartment. These reports show you exactly how much water is used and where. You can use this data to talk with tenants about their water habits and show them the real numbers. Most people have no idea they’re using too much water—until they see the report.

Real-Time Leak Detection

Submeters from DrizzleX catch leaks that traditional inspections miss. Silent leaks like running toilets or dripping pipes don’t show up until your water bill spikes. DrizzleX helps you catch these early. It monitors water flow in each unit and alerts you when it finds something unusual.

Email Alerts With Fixture-Level Detail

When DrizzleX spots a problem, you get an email alert with all the key details. It tells you the exact apartment and fixture where the leak is happening, how many gallons are being lost, how much it could cost you, and suggestions to fix it. This helps you act fast and avoid bigger bills.

Fair Billing Through Submetering

DrizzleX also lets you bill tenants based on their actual water use. This is where water submetering really pays off. When tenants know they’re being billed fairly for what they use, they’re more likely to cut back on waste. You can generate water bills from real data, so there’s no guesswork, just fair, clear billing.

FAQs About How to Install Water Submeter Systems

Is it easy to install a submeter?

Yes, especially with DrizzleX. Their water submetering system works with existing plumbing and can be installed horizontally, even in older buildings. Submeter installation is quick, with minimal changes to your water supply. The system supports proper installation, usage data tracking, and helps you monitor actual water usage per unit. It’s a smart setup that makes sense for any property.

How to add a water submeter?

Start by assessing your site, plumbing, and access points. DrizzleX helps you pick the right water submeter, then handles the project from valve setup to installation. Their team installs submeters, tests the system, and sets up usage data communication. Once installed, you can bill tenants fairly, detect leaks, and reduce water waste.

How much does it cost to install a submeter?

Submeter installation cost depends on plumbing, building age, and access. DrizzleX offers a full system that avoids expensive piping work. Their team handles everything, setup, support, and compliance with local laws. While pricing varies, the benefits, fair bills, leak detection, and tracking consumption all make it a smart investment.

What is the disadvantage of a submeter?

If you skip proper planning, install the wrong water submeter, or ignore local regulations, you risk bad usage data, unfair bills, or upset tenants. Older buildings with hard-to-reach plumbing can also be tricky. But DrizzleX makes the process easy, supporting your water submetering project from setup to communication and helping avoid costly mistakes.