Frequently Asked Questions about Prepaid Water Meters
Welcome to our prepaid water meters faqs page where we answer all your prepaid water metering questions. If you have any questions not covered here please feel free to get in touch with us. We would be happy to answer your questions.
Our sub prepaid water meters work on the same basis and systems as the sub prepaid electricity meters. Once the credit on the meter is exhausted, the flow of water stops or allows only a trickle of water to flow. Our water meters can either be wall-mounted or in the ground, depending on how your pipes run. We can do the installation or you can get your plumber to do the installation.
For more information on how it works or if your question was not answered here, please go to our page: How prepaid sub-meters work (Click here).
The advantages of prepaid water meters include making water billing easier to manage and making water usage transparent. For landlords the biggest benefit is the fact that water is paid for in advance of usage. This means as a Landlord you will not have to worry about unpaid water bills. For tenants, water meters make it easier to see how much water is actually being used and this can aid monthly utilities budgeting.
Prepaid water meters vary in price based on the water metering device chosen. The cost of a prepaid water meter for residential usage will vary from those used for industrial or commercial use. The cost of a prepaid water meter is typically from R 2000 upwards. The installation cost of a prepaid water meter can also vary from installer to installer and may also vary depending on the property on which it is being installed. A water meter installation cost of between R 1000 – R 2000 will probably cover most installations. The cost of prepaid water itself compared to municipal rates is no different.
Yes, you can purchase the prepaid water meters and get your own plumber to do the installation.
No, unfortunately you can’t. A prepaid water meter is not a DIY device that just anyone can install. It is important that a trained installer installs your prepaid water meter to ensure it is done safely and functions correctly and is done in accordance with the relevant regulations.
No. You are still going to receive a utility bill from the council or municipality. If you want your water bill to fall away and you are the only user on the property, then contact your local municipality directly. Our prepaid water meters are prepaid sub-meters and are not a replacement for your council meter. Ideal for multiple dwellings (flats, cottages, complexes, shops, factories etc), landlords and body corporates that want to collect water from their tenants in advance of use.
Yes, we can install more than one prepaid water meter per property. Our meters are installed on a sub-metering basis. This means that your council water meter or bulk meter stays in place and our prepaid meters, meter each unit or sub-unit on the property, such as cottages, flats, complexes, shops or factories.
Yes, we stock several prepaid water meters. To view our types of prepaid water meters click here.
No they don’t. You should not notice any difference in water pressure after having a prepaid water meter installed. If you find your water pressure is low then there may be a number of other causes including leaking pipes, municipal water maintenance or load shedding.
If you have tenants and are now installing prepaid water meters, all you have to do is call us to arrange purchase and/or installation, fill in your application form and give us copies of 3 months of your council bills. We can generally install within 48 hours once we have all the paperwork. You will need to inform your tenant, so he is prepared to buy his first purchase of water.
We set the rate per the council bills, so the landlord will recover his utility costs. See our handy water and electricity calculator tool to work out how much you are paying per kL.
Yes. We are available Monday – Friday between 08H00 – 16H00. New customers will receive full instruction when their prepaid water meters are installed. When buying water it is automatic (not human-operated) hence you can operate the meters 24/7/365 without any support.
We install prepaid water meters all over Johannesburg, Pretoria, Sandton, Randburg, Roodepoort, Krugersdorp, Alberton, Bedfordview, Edenvale, Germiston, Kempton Park, Boksburg, Benoni, Springs, Brakpan, and Midrand in Gauteng, South Africa. Other areas may be considered on request.
Yes, you may purchase our water meters and we will courier them to you. You can then get your own installer to do the prepaid water meter installation.
Private prepaid water meters and submeters are the same things. A body corporate or landlords with rental properties have the option to install sub-meters or private prepaid meters that are owned and managed by the landlord or body corporate.
A homeowner who wants a prepaid meter for their primary dwelling does not have this option and will have to apply for a council prepaid meter with the local Municipality or Eskom.
Click here for more information on the difference between private prepaid meters and council meters.