What is a water meter?
A water meter is a device which measures the amount of water supplied to your home. There is no direct charge to you for the fitting of the water meter and installers. GMC|Sierra, working on behalf of Irish Water, are responsible for the installation of water meters in the Dublin City, Midlands and North West Region. The meter will be placed in a meter box, which will be fitted underground on publicly accessible land.
Irish Water and GMC|Sierra will minimise disruption during the installation process.
What should I expect during the install?
You do not need to be at home while your meter box or water meter is being installed. However, if you are at home, installers working on behalf of Irish Water will knock on your door to let you know that they will be working outside.
The installation process will cause some disruption to the public road or footpath outside your home. This is unavoidable but we’ll endeavour to keep disruption to a minimum and make sure that you have safe pedestrian access to and from your home while all work is being carried out.
If it turns out that it is not possible to fit a water meter on the date advised, then we may need to make another visit, or we will re-assess the situation at a later date.
Can I use water during the install?
While the meter box is being fitted, which may take up to two hours, your water supply will be interrupted intermittently throughout this period.
While your water supply is off, please:
- Don’t use the kitchen cold water tap, or any other tap that is fed directly off the mains, as this could cause the sink to overflow if it is left on when supply is restored
- Don’t drink water from your hot water tap
- Don’t use household appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers, which rely on a constant supply of water
- Don’t use other devices running on mains water pressure
While your water supply is off, typically you can:
- use other cold water or hot water taps in your usual way, i.e. a bathroom tap to wash your hands. However, please note that only water from a mains water tap should be used for drinking.
- flush the toilet
After the meter has been fitted, and the water supply has been restored, run the cold tap in the kitchen for a few minutes to ensure any residue is flushed out.
Can I use my central heating if the water is off?
During the short time your water supply is interrupted most central heating systems can be used. However, if you are unsure please refer to your manufacturer’s guide or check with a heating professional.
Irish Water staff and installers here at GMC|Sierra are trained to always identify who they are and who they are representing.
We will always present our identity card and our meter installers will never ask to enter your home.
Stay Safe Guide
This Stay Safe Guide, provided by Irish Water, is a series of sensible steps everyone should follow when dealing with people calling to their home:
- Always look through a window or door viewer before opening the door
- Only open your door after connecting a door chain lock or placing your foot behind the door
- Switch on outside lights when it is dark
- Request and examine identity cards
- Always think ‘safety’ – do not leave strangers alone on your doorstep while you go into another room.
- Always close the door if you need to do this. Do not leave strangers alone in your home
- Take precautions – if you are unsure or suspicious please refuse access
