Looking for Water Meter Protection Solution

ihbh on 19/04/2024 - 16:06

See attached photo of driveway. https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/22732/111929/driveway.…

There is a water meter around 30cm to the right of the driveway, which ends at the right hand side of the garage. https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/22732/111930/water_met…

My tenants have asked if they water meter can be moved elsewhere because they've hit it once and paid for it to be replaced themselves.

I've never had this problem in over two decades but want to be helpful. The two quotes to move the water meter by plumbers was ~$2k is not reasonable, especially if I have to pay. Given cost of living pressures, I don't want the tenants to have to pay either or go halves.

  1. Has anyone used a steel box cover for the water meter? I assume it will have to have a clear sign on top for the Sydney Water meter reader to be able to find the meter. Obviously if they hit it hard, it will take out box and meter. Cost ~$100?

  2. Move the letter box to the left more so they can err on the opposite side of the water meter.

Any other ideas (driving course, etc.)?

They are good long term tenants, which is a win-win for both of us.

Home & Garden

Comments

  • ihbh on 19/04/2024 - 16:12
    +4

    Just thought of something obvious: hammer tall wooden stake or tomato stake between driveway and water meter to improve visibility/awareness.

    • nobro25 on 21/04/2024 - 10:07
      +1

      BYDA (Before you Dig Australia) make sure you make an enquiry before you stake anything into the ground. You don't want to be damaging any utilities or assets. Especially NBN they can cost a lot.

      • ihbh on 21/04/2024 - 10:13
        +1

        Good idea to check. That's why I mentioned a tomato stake - it's very shallow. But still worth checking.

      • kiitos on 21/04/2024 - 16:16
        +5

        I find it doesn't give a map of lines within the property's boundaries, just the area around it?

      • Euphemistic on 22/04/2024 - 07:06

        Its highly likely that all services run in the same area. Water, power, sewer, gas and comms in the same original trench, or at least using the same area. Its the perfect spot for it all becasue its 'oht of the way'

        BYDA wont givs you in proprty locations, but ahould give the street connection point, which is usually not hard to determine which way it runs to the house from. Ie normally a fairly straight line from boundary to meter.

    • RTX9090Ti on 22/04/2024 - 16:47

      Just stack some bricks around it and high enough. The car will hit the bricks first and the driver will feel it and stop, unless he's a dumba**

  • CodeXD on 19/04/2024 - 16:12
    +25

    Tell them to move the bins closer to the water meter as marker.

    • ihbh on 19/04/2024 - 16:13
      +1

      Genius.

    • [Deactivated] on 19/04/2024 - 16:19
      +7

      Ah yes, the beautiful streetscape of rose hedges and rubbish bins.

  • AustriaBargain on 19/04/2024 - 16:13
    +5

    Put a curved bollard thing over it? Or a big rock on either side. They shouldn't be parking on the grass anyway really.

    • richadam on 22/04/2024 - 11:14

      They shouldn't be parking on the grass anyway really.

      No-one said they were? They probably just reversed out on a weird angle…

      • AustriaBargain on 22/04/2024 - 12:05

        Reversed out of a 90 degree driveway and garage at a weird angle? There's only one angle you should be reversing out at…

        • richadam on 22/04/2024 - 12:08

          Could have been rearranging the cars in the double garage. Hard to tell/assume that they were just parking on the grass etc.

  • Stewardo on 19/04/2024 - 16:13

    I’d hammer in a couple of hardwood stakes away from the line of pipes. Then buy a plastic water meter cover, that is big enough to cover water meters and stakes.
    Whole job $50

  • redforever on 19/04/2024 - 16:13
    +4

    Maybe look at installing bollards around the meter. Not sure if this resolves your tenant's issues as they will just be hitting the bollards instead of the water meter.

    • Sye on 19/04/2024 - 16:20
      +28

      they will just be hitting the bollards instead of the water meter.

      Solution to that is to install bollards to protect the bollards.

      • theHMASfriendship on 19/04/2024 - 20:30
        +4

        But what if they hit those bollards

      • chrismelba on 22/04/2024 - 15:07
        +1

        Just don't paint them yellow! I've found from previous jobs that the yellow paint attracts forklifts and they get all dinged up.

  • Duckie2hh on 19/04/2024 - 16:21
    +2

    Box it up with one of these…
    https://www.bunnings.com.au/pope-rectangle-valve-box_p312113…

    • mrvaluepack on 21/04/2024 - 06:56

      Its a plastic underground box that'll just get crushed if its above ground.

  • jv on 19/04/2024 - 16:29
    -1

    My tenants have asked if they water meter can be moved elsewhere because they've hit it once

    Tell then not to drink & drive.

  • beltdrive on 19/04/2024 - 16:31

    tennis ball hanging from an upside down L support structure (think hangman), between the meter and the driveway

  • jv on 19/04/2024 - 16:32
    -3

    Garden gnome?

  • AndyC1 on 19/04/2024 - 16:52
    +4

    I have seen them put in a steel cage. Much cheaper that 2K.
    Go to an industrial area and have a look at a few places to see that they do as it may give you some pointers on what can be done.

    • Sye on 19/04/2024 - 17:00
      +30

      Putting the tenants in a steel cage sounds a bit extreme, but should stop them from running over the water meter.

      • AndyC1 on 19/04/2024 - 17:00
        +1

        The car in the steel cage is even better.

  • GordonD on 19/04/2024 - 17:09

    I'd protect the water meter with garbage bins. Wheelie bins have two valuable characteristics. They're tall, so that are visible over the all but the tallest vehicles window lines. And they are soft, so if you bump into them you hear it without any damage being done to the car.

    • dylanando on 20/04/2024 - 19:31

      what happens on bin day :'(

      • kiitos on 20/04/2024 - 23:38

        Probably, the bin will go out after the car is parked, and brought in before the car leaves.

        • Euphemistic on 21/04/2024 - 07:51

          Not in my part of town. Bins are done in middle of the day, after everyone has left for work. Bins are brought in after everyone has got back home.

  • CheapandUsed on 19/04/2024 - 17:29
    +2

    Maybe some bright yellow gas meter bollards?

    https://calxgroup.com.au/shop/gas-meter-bollard-114mm-x-1300…

    Every driveway on our street has the gas meter right up close to it like your water meter, absolutely stupid installation location.

    Edit: that same shop seems the metal hoop version although technically it's a bike rack https://calxgroup.com.au/shop/bike-hoop-rack-stainless-steel…

  • thatonethere on 19/04/2024 - 18:17
    +4

    Two large boulders either side

    • SuperLate on 21/04/2024 - 00:34
      +1

      This. Easy job, not expensive and durable.

    • JakeyJooJoo on 22/04/2024 - 09:21

      Best answer.

  • Agarwal on 19/04/2024 - 19:16
    +2

    Put some garden edging on the side of your driveway

  • Iwantthebestprice on 19/04/2024 - 20:19
    +1

    I was thinking a couple small boulders should do the trick

  • dtc on 19/04/2024 - 20:24
    -2

    There are utility company approved valve boxes for this exact purpose, just buy one and forget all the weird suggestions https://www.galvinengineering.com.au/ci-meter-box-stop-cock-…

    Or put some rocks around it

    • Euphemistic on 19/04/2024 - 20:47
      +1

      The things youve linked are for valves etc under the ground.

      Need a solid steel cage above ground. Mounted to concrete to stop it moving easily.

  • AngoraFish on 19/04/2024 - 21:30
    +8

    You don't need to move the meter, which is obviously going to cost a bit because trenching and all that. All you actually need to do is drop the meter below ground level, so worst case they drive over the top.

    You'll need something like this https://www.reece.com.au/product/water-meter-box-with-lid-la…

    This box is not vehicle trafficable, but the tenants can always top with a concrete tile.

    Get a smart meter and the water corporation only needs to find it once every 10 years to change the battery. https://www.sydneywater.com.au/accounts-billing/reading-your…

    • Grunntt on 20/04/2024 - 09:20

      Get a smart meter and the water corporation only needs to find it once every 10 years to change the battery.

      Sydney Water is a bit short on detail on these - does anyone know if you get access to the live data so it can be monitored similar to how I monitor my solar panels performance?

    • Euphemistic on 20/04/2024 - 19:07

      All you actually need to do is drop the meter below ground level

      That's still moving the meter and will require either a lot of dirt, or a similar payment from a plumber.

      • AngoraFish on 20/04/2024 - 21:56
        +4

        Not in my experience. Dig a hole around the existing meter with a shovel, cut the pipes each end, drop in plastic pit to the hole, re-attach meter, backfill and lightly compact.

        If you want to save half an hour of labour costs dig a 500mm deep hole yourself before the plumber arrives and backfill after they've gone.

        I've organised more than a couple of in ground water meters over the years.

        • OZKap on 21/04/2024 - 23:33
          +2

          I believe we paid $300 for the plumbers to drop our water meter underground, with then doing the digging. Much nicer than having a tripping hazard in the front yard.

    • JediNite77 on 22/04/2024 - 07:34
      +1

      The box from Reece is what we have got in our property and never had an issue. In saying that it is in an area that does not get much vehicle traffic.

  • Coops1 on 20/04/2024 - 07:27
    -1

    Why on earth would they have installed a meter there in the first place…..

    • Nugs on 20/04/2024 - 08:15

      Meter is probably older than house? Subdivision or redeveloped?
      Or just plain stupid planning
      .

  • HelpMeiCantSee on 20/04/2024 - 08:03
    +8

    Slap in an old tyre around it. Truck tyre if you want extra toughness. Hell, I’m sure I have more than one hanging around. Could also do a tractor tyre cut in half and placed/buried over it but not obstructing it.

    • Euphemistic on 20/04/2024 - 08:21
      +3

      Paint it pink and cut the tread right and youve got the traditional lawn flamingo.

  • DingoBilly on 20/04/2024 - 09:26

    Lol not sure why this is a you problem.

    It's the equivalent of them asking you to move the mailbox because it's too close to the driveway. If they're bad at driving it's on them. It looks pretty easy to avoid.

    Otherwise if they really want I'd say the cost is purely on them as there's no functional reason to move it.

    • Euphemistic on 20/04/2024 - 19:08
      -1

      there's no functional reason to move it.

      Gonna have to disagree with you there. If its easy to run it over …

      • banana365 on 21/04/2024 - 14:36

        It's a similar distance from the driveway that lampposts can be from the road. They know it's there. It's not jumping out at them. It's even easier to avoid than it is to run over.

        • Euphemistic on 21/04/2024 - 16:02

          Not saying i would move it, but there is a functional reason to move it. If it was a moveable object, you would move it. If you have to pay to move it, not so much.

          Lamp posts are much taller and easier to spot while in a driver seat.

          • banana365 on 21/04/2024 - 23:17

            @Euphemistic: Yes, but lampposts are "new" information whenever you drive down a road. If someone is surprised by an object that has always been there at the side of the driveway where they're renting then they're not really making an effort.

            • Euphemistic on 22/04/2024 - 07:02

              @banana365: A lamppost beside your driveway, or in your own street is not 'new information'

              Youre giving people a lot more credit for their driving skills than they deserve.

  • knasty on 20/04/2024 - 10:34

    A little bit of sloped concrete kerb between the driveway and the meter would do the job. No more than 1 bag of concrete would be needed.

  • Indomietable on 20/04/2024 - 14:03

    I picked up free bricks from marketplace + $10 mortar from Bunnings and I made a box that protect the meter.

  • 82norm on 20/04/2024 - 18:39

    Tell them to learn how to drive FFS.

  • kaleidoscope on 20/04/2024 - 19:44

    Just install couple of bollards, which will be cheaper and more sturdier. I wouldn’t bother move the meter elsewhere.

  • utsc on 20/04/2024 - 20:17

    Move it underground
    https://www.watercorporation.com.au/Developing-and-building/…

  • Bitplay33 on 20/04/2024 - 20:27

    A bit of landscaping. Build a swale or mound and then the meter will be below ground level.Prevent the car wheel from falling into the hole with a cage or frame. Or subset the meter below ground level.

  • pufffdragon on 20/04/2024 - 20:37
    +8

    That driveway is wide enough to park a large truck. And even then, you'd have to be an idiot to still hit it.

    • ihbh on 21/04/2024 - 09:38

      That's what I thought but they might park two cars next to each other.

  • Lichen6420 on 20/04/2024 - 21:16
    +1

    Put a u-bollard in,

    https://www.enforcergroup.com.au/u-bars/in-ground/u-bar-boll….

    A shovel and a couple of bags of rapid set and your good to go.

  • megawatt101 on 20/04/2024 - 21:55
    +6

    Advise the local authority (council or water utility) that OWNS and maintains the meter, that THEIR property is a serious tripping hazard, and as such, any personal injuries caused by the meters will result in legal action to pursue damages.
    Worked a treat here in Qld a few yrs ago. My neighbour and I had ours put underground by the council in a few days.
    Worth a try.

    • ihbh on 21/04/2024 - 09:40

      Thanks, will give this a try first.

  • 82norm on 21/04/2024 - 08:46
    +1

    Hire a lollipop person to direct reversing drivers.

  • Mrgreenz on 21/04/2024 - 10:02

    Form up a concrete collar with a couple bags of post mix and a bit of reo. Taper the external edges and key it slightly into the grass

    https://www.cadia.com.au/product-group/37442-finishing-colla…

    Like this, but bigger

  • superuser on 21/04/2024 - 10:53

    Skills and awareness issues.
    Find a new tenant.

  • THICKnSLOW on 21/04/2024 - 10:54
    +1

    Erect a scarecrow in front of the meter

  • ttt888 on 21/04/2024 - 10:58

    Omg looking at your photo cheap solutions are aplenty.

    Tenants once again acting like since this is rented I suddenly go dumb or just get landlord to pay for it.

    Imagine if tenant own this house he would just put a nice stake beside it.

  • MorriJ on 21/04/2024 - 11:10

    Stake small bollards either side for reinforcement and then cut a car/truck tyre in half and install over the top. Paint tyre and put reflective tape on it.

  • BartholemewH on 21/04/2024 - 12:49
    +1

    Politely decline.

  • Dollar General on 21/04/2024 - 14:40
    +2

    Be better for society if you wrapped their car in bubble wrap as clearly they shouldn’t be driving

  • dealbreaker on 21/04/2024 - 22:06

    I would buy a sleeper from bunnings install a perimeter box around the meter, 100mm under ground 100mm above ground maybe 300mm away from it, they will feel the bump of driving over the sleeper and hopefully stop before crushing the water meter. 1.8mx50mmx200mm sleeper is less than $14 at bunnings.

  • MaXcon on 22/04/2024 - 07:38
    +4

    Add a raised garden to 'bury' it? Mine

    • uzz30 on 22/04/2024 - 16:50
      +1

      +1 - For a much nicer aesthictic build a garden bed with a border along the strip. It looks nicer than dead grass and also removed the trip / kick toe hazzard.

  • Mintee on 22/04/2024 - 14:09

    Some water services allow you to move it up to 600mm left or right. The only fee you need to pay is for the application which was approx $200 all up for me. The water authority came and moved it at no cost afterwards. Id see if you can get it moved more to the border (to the right more) and its all legit.

  • Drakesy on 22/04/2024 - 15:17
    -1

    Just put a cone on it and say happy for you to pay :)

    This is one of the few times i'll side with the landlord.

  • Widget on 24/04/2024 - 00:42
    +2

    They want you to move the water meter because they can't reverse properly?

    Get a two rocks and put them to either side of the meter. Make sure to bury them maybe 50% so if hit it doesn't slide (easily).

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