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Method Statement 3.14 - Meter Installation

Document Information

Field Value
Document Reference MS 3.14
Issue Number 2
Issue Date 1 June 2026
Next Review 1 June 2027
Prepared By Sean Ashton
Approved By Aaron Mason, Director
Task No Task PPE to be worn Plant required Reference is made to the Team Pack
3.14 Meter Installation As defined by on-site risk assessment Works vehicle and hand tools. Directional drilling rig, Waste water bowser, pipe trailer and pump. N/A

Hazards

  • Manual Handling
  • Stored Energy in the Pipe
  • Noise
  • Dust
  • Defective Plant and Equipment
  • Towing Techniques
  • Incorrect Loading
  • Insufficient Space

Environmental Impacts

  • Noise
  • Dust
  • Light From Night working

Customer Impacts

  • Noise
  • Dust
  • Access

Training Required

As Per specific contract training matrix

Additional Plant and Equipment

  • Winch/Tractor Winch
  • Pipe Bursting/Slip Lining Rig
  • Mechanical Excavator

Permits Required

As Per specific contract specifications and Client requirements.

COSHH Assessment Required

  • 2 Stroke Oil
  • Diesel/Petrol
  • Line Marker Spray
  • Lubricating Spray

Sequence of Operations and Control Methods

Pre-Installation Planning

  • Review all relevant drawings and specifications for meter location and type
  • Confirm meter size, type and specification matches design requirements
  • Verify customer notification has been completed for any planned interruption
  • Check all required materials are available including meter, fittings, and sealing compounds
  • Ensure meter has been tested and calibrated with valid certification

Site Setup and Safety

  • Arrive on site and park vehicles in safe location
  • Set up traffic management and barriers in accordance with Chapter 8 requirements
  • Complete site-specific risk assessment and Permit to Dig documentation
  • Use CAT and Genny to locate and mark all services in work area
  • Set up appropriate signage and customer information notices

Service Location and Excavation

  • Hand dig trial holes to locate existing service pipe
  • Carefully expose pipework maintaining minimum 500mm clearance
  • Support exposed services with appropriate supports at maximum 1m intervals
  • If excavation exceeds 1.2m depth, install trench support system
  • Ensure excavation is sufficient size to allow safe working around meter location

Isolation and Depressurization

  • Locate and operate upstream isolation valve following Network procedures
  • Confirm isolation is effective using pressure gauge
  • Open downstream tap or valve to depressurize and drain section
  • Allow sufficient time for complete drainage before proceeding
  • Place warning notices on isolation valves

Meter Installation - Domestic

  • Clean pipe ends thoroughly removing any debris or corrosion
  • Check meter flow direction arrow matches intended flow
  • Install meter with appropriate unions or couplings ensuring correct alignment
  • Fit isolation valves either side of meter if not already present
  • Ensure meter is adequately supported and not under stress
  • Install meter box or chamber ensuring adequate access for reading

Meter Installation - Commercial/Large Meters

  • Verify meter manifold/bypass arrangement if specified
  • Install strainer upstream of meter to prevent debris damage
  • Fit pressure test points before and after meter if required
  • Install non-return valve downstream if specified
  • Ensure straight pipe lengths upstream (10x diameter) and downstream (5x diameter)
  • Check all gaskets and seals are correctly positioned
  • Tighten flange bolts in diagonal sequence to manufacturer's torque specifications

Commissioning and Testing

  • Slowly open upstream valve checking for leaks
  • Gradually fill meter and pipework removing air through test cock
  • Once full, open downstream valve to establish flow
  • Check all joints and connections for leaks
  • Verify meter operation by running water and checking register movement
  • Record initial meter reading and serial number
  • Test remote reading equipment if fitted

Water Quality Procedures

  • Spray/swab all fittings with chlorine solution (50mg/l) before installation
  • Flush pipework thoroughly until water runs clear
  • Take water sample for bacteriological analysis if required
  • Continue flushing until chlorine residual matches supply main
  • Do not leave meter in service until water quality confirmed satisfactory

Final Checks and Reinstatement

  • Photograph completed installation for records
  • Complete meter installation certificate with all details:
    • Location and address
    • Meter serial number
    • Initial reading
    • Size and type
    • Date and time of installation
  • Backfill excavation in 150mm layers with appropriate material
  • Compact each layer to prevent settlement
  • Reinstate surface to original specification
  • Remove all equipment and excess materials from site

Documentation

  • Complete and submit meter installation record
  • Update network records with meter location
  • Provide customer with meter details and reading
  • Submit any water quality test results
  • File calibration certificate with installation records

Special Considerations

For Internal Meters:

  • Ensure adequate ventilation during work
  • Protect customer property with dust sheets
  • Maintain cleanliness and minimize disruption
  • Ensure meter remains accessible for reading
  • Check compliance with Water Regulations for location

For Boundary Box Installations:

  • Ensure cover is at correct finished ground level
  • Box must be secured to prevent movement
  • Install with adequate drainage to prevent flooding
  • Mark location clearly for future access

For AMR/Smart Meters:

  • Test signal strength before finalizing location
  • Program meter with correct customer details
  • Verify remote reading functioning correctly
  • Record all electronic ID numbers
  • Provide customer with any required information

Quality Checks

  • Meter correctly sized for application
  • Flow direction correct
  • No stress on pipework or meter
  • All joints watertight
  • Meter register clearly visible and readable
  • Remote reading (if fitted) operational
  • Water quality satisfactory
  • Customer supply restored