What is the most common type of residential water meter?

The positive displacement meter is the most common type of residential water meter because of its simplicity and effectiveness in measuring water flow. This type of meter operates on the principle of displacing water with a mechanism that moves in response to the flow, typically using a series of gears or pistons. Each unit of water that passes through the meter directly translates into a specific measurement, ensuring accurate readings for billing purposes.

In residential settings, accuracy and reliability are paramount, and positive displacement meters offer both. They are generally more cost-effective for residential applications compared to more complex meter types. Their design also makes them less susceptible to issues that might affect other types of meters, such as turbulence or pressure fluctuations inherent in larger systems.

Understanding that different applications require different types of meters sheds light on why alternatives like turbine, electromagnetic, and ultrasonic meters are typically used in commercial or industrial settings or for larger flow measurements. These meters often require specific conditions for proper operation and may not provide the same level of precision or reliability at low flow rates, which is crucial in residential use.