A Handy Guide to Water Sub-Meters for Landlords
- DrizzleX
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
Water bills can be a headache for landlords. Without a system that tracks how much water each tenant uses, costs can quickly get out of control.
Some tenants may use more water than others, but everyone ends up paying the same amount. This setup isn’t fair, and it gives tenants less reason to cut back on water use.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything about water sub meters for landlords. We’ll cover what they are, the benefits, and more. Read on to learn more!
What is Water Submetering?
Water submetering is a system that tracks how much water each unit in a building uses. Instead of splitting the total water bill equally, tenants are charged based on their actual usage.
Most older apartment buildings don’t have submetering systems. This means landlords often rely on a single meter that tracks the building’s total water use.
As a result, water costs are shared among tenants, even if some use far more than others. This then results in dissatisfaction among tenants due to them feeling the billing costs they pay are unfair.
To fix this, landlords can add meters or micrometers to track usage more accurately.
Understanding Meters, Submeters, and Micrometers
Many people confuse these terms, but they mean different things:
A meter is the main device that measures water. It can track water for the whole building or for individual units, depending on where it’s installed.
A submeter is a system that tracks water use at the unit level. Submetering helps landlords bill tenants based on their actual usage.
A micrometer is a small device that measures water flow at individual fixtures like sinks, toilets, and showers. Since most older buildings lack submetering systems, micrometers are often the best solution for tracking water use and detecting leaks. The combined data from all micrometers in a unit creates a submetering system.
Key Benefits of Water Submetering
Water submetering offers several advantages for landlords. Below are the benefits, explained in detail.
Fair Billing System
When there’s only one meter for the whole building, landlords often split the water bill equally. This may seem easy, but it’s not always fair. Tenants who use less water end up paying for those who use more, which can cause frustration.
Submetering solves this by charging tenants for their exact water use. This way, responsible tenants don’t pay for their neighbors' habits and can even encourage them to save water. It’s fairer and helps reduce billing disputes.
Lower Costs for Landlords
Without submetering, landlords often pay extra when tenant payments don’t cover the full water bill. This can get expensive in larger buildings.
Submeters or micrometers fix this by tracking individual usage. Tenants pay for what they use, so landlords avoid covering unpaid costs. This can save hundreds of dollars each month by reducing waste.
Leak Detection and Prevention
Leaks are hard to spot in large properties, but submetering helps. If water use suddenly jumps, it could mean a leak, like a running toilet or burst pipe.
Micrometers track usage at specific fixtures, making it easier to find leaks. Catching leaks early can prevent damage and reduce water waste.
Better Tenant Relationships
Submetering creates a clear and fair billing system. When tenants see their actual usage, they’re more likely to trust the process.
Clear billing means fewer complaints and better relationships with tenants.
How to Get Started with Water Submetering with DrizzleX
DrizzleX offers a smart and easy solution for landlords who want to track water usage and improve billing accuracy.
Their IoT-based micrometers provide detailed insights into water use at each fixture without major plumbing changes. Here’s how you can get started with DrizzleX:
Step 1: Understand How DrizzleX Micrometers Work
DrizzleX micrometers are installed directly on individual water fixtures like sinks, showers, toilets, and washing machines. They are also placed on fixtures in common areas such as laundry rooms, hose bibs, and sprinkler systems.
Each micrometer accurately measures water flow and sends the data to the DrizzleX cloud gateway using a dedicated frequency. Once installed, landlords can track real-time water usage on the DrizzleX dashboard.
With this system, you’ll receive live alerts for leaks, excessive usage, or other water-related issues.
Step 2: Plan Your Installation
A typical 1 bedroom apartment requires about seven micrometers.
The setup is quick, with each apartment typically equipped in about 15 minutes. There's no need for plumbing work, so pipes remain intact, and walls won't need to be opened.
The process is simple, fast, and causes minimal disruption, so it’s convenient for both property managers and tenants.
For larger properties, micrometers can also be added to common areas for complete water tracking.
Step 3: Install the Cloud Gateway and the Micrometers
The cloud gateway collects data from all micrometers in the building and transmits it to the DrizzleX dashboard.
This device can be installed almost anywhere on the property, either indoors or outdoors. Most properties need only one gateway to cover the entire building.
The next part is installing the micrometers, which is a quick and easy process. A typical apartment needs seven micrometers—one on each water fixture. That includes the kitchen sink (hot and cold), bathroom sink (hot and cold), shower, bathtub, and toilet.
It only takes about 15 minutes to install all of them in one unit. And there’s no plumbing work involved. You don’t need to cut any pipes or open up any walls. The micrometers are designed to fit right onto the existing fixtures.
Once installed, they automatically connect to the cloud gateway. You’ll start getting water usage data right away; no extra steps needed.
Step 4: Access Real-Time Data on the DrizzleX Dashboard
Once your system is installed, you’ll gain access to the DrizzleX dashboard, which offers valuable insights into your building’s water usage. This platform allows you to:
Track usage for each fixture in real time
Receive alerts for leaks or excessive water use
Create tenant billing based on precise water data
Send e-mail notifications to tenants about overuse or potential leaks
With this data, landlords can quickly spot problems, improve billing accuracy, and reduce waste.
Step 5: Manage Maintenance and Billing
DrizzleX’s system makes maintenance easier by notifying landlords when water usage patterns suggest a leak or excessive consumption.
The dashboard also simplifies billing by providing clear data on how much water each tenant has used.
How DrizzleX Can Help You Introduce Water Submetering to Your Property
DrizzleX makes managing water usage simple. It helps you catch hidden leaks like running toilets and dripping faucets, which can waste thousands of gallons of water each year. DrizzleX also alerts you when tenants are using too much water so you can fix the issue before your water bill spikes.
Buildings that use DrizzleX usually cut their water bills by 25-45%. Most landlords recover the full cost of DrizzleX within about 9 months, thanks to these savings.
Usage Reports
The Water Consumption Insights Report shows detailed water usage data. Many tenants don't realize how much water they waste. This report gives you clear numbers to help explain costs, encourage better habits, and even bill tenants for their accurate consumption.
Leak Detection
Leaks can be hard to spot. While obvious leaks may show during inspections, hidden leaks often go unnoticed until your water bill rises. DrizzleX tracks water flow to help you find leaks quickly. It shows where the leak is and how much water has been lost.
Email Notifications
When DrizzleX detects a major leak that can cost you more than $500/month,, it sends an email with details. The email tells you which apartment or fixture is leaking, how much water has been wasted, and the possible costs if left unfixed. It also suggests steps to fix the issue.
Billing
DrizzleX helps you bill tenants based on their actual water use. Since people tend to use less water when they pay for it, this can help reduce waste. The system creates accurate bills to help you manage costs.
Want to reduce your water bills and spot leaks before they get expensive? Get a quote today and see how much you could save.
FAQs About Water Sub Meters for Landlords
Is submetering legal?
Yes, water submetering systems are legal in the U.S., but the specifics can change depending on your state or city. Some places support it and have clear guidelines for it, while others might have limits or special requirements.
Property managers should always check local laws before installing any water submetering systems. This helps avoid problems and keeps things fair for tenants.
How much does it cost to install a sub meter?
Water submeter installation costs can vary based on factors like property size, number of units, and system complexity. On average, property owners may spend a few hundred to several thousand dollars to install water submeters.
While upfront costs can be significant, the long-term savings on water bills often make it worthwhile for property managers seeking to reduce utility costs.
What is the purpose of a water submeter?
A water submeter tracks how much water each unit or tenant uses. It gives property managers accurate data so they can bill tenants based on actual usage. This applies to both residential and commercial properties, helping everyone stay aware of their water habits. In commercial buildings especially, this kind of monitoring can make a noticeable difference in monthly costs. For property owners, it means better control over utility expenses and a boost in overall property value.
How do landlords know how much water you use?
Landlords who install water submeters can monitor usage directly for each unit. These water meter devices measure exactly how much water a tenant consumes, allowing property managers to track individual water usage data. This method offers a fair way to divide water costs and helps tenants stay aware of their consumption habits.
