The installation of the water meter box, which is also called a meter vault, is under the jurisdiction of the local water utility or municipality. All of them we know of in warmer climates like ours want the boxes positioned with the top of the box flush with the surrounding ground.

    The box is usually installed by the utility early in the construction work and, if the developer or landscaping contractor changes the ground level significantly, it should be reset. If not, the hole it sits in becomes a trip hazard. Plus, soil and grass gradually migrate over the lid and make it difficult to find to shut off the water in an emergency. 

     Here’s one we saw today that was installed before the developer regraded the front yard of a new home. It is about 5” below ground level, and the landscaper even laid sod over the top of the box—making it tough for us to locate it.

Also see Why is my water meter box full of water?

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Here’s links to a collection of our other blog posts about PLUMBING PIPES:

• How can I protect my pipes to keep them from bursting during a hard winter freeze in North Florida?

• Can galvanized steel pipe still be used for new water lines in a house? 

• How can I tell if I have cast iron pipes in my house? 

• Why can't a sanitary tee be used for a horizontal-to-horizontal drain pipe connection? 

• What is the difference between green and white sewer drain pipes?

• Is a washing machine drain hose required to be secured at the standpipe?

• What are the abandoned pipes sticking out of the wall in my house?  

• What are the code requirements for plumbing vent terminations?

• What are the code requirements for layout of drain piping under sinks?

• What causes a gurgling sound when a bathtub or sink drains? 

• Why is there a flexible accordion pipe under the sink? 

• What is the difference between PVC and ABS plumbing pipe?

• What is the difference between water service pipe and water supply pipe? 

• What are the pipes on my roof? 

• How can I find out what type of water pipe runs underground from the water meter to the house (service pipe)?

• What is a P-trap?

• Why is old galvanized steel water pipe a problem for homebuyers?

• What does polybutylene pipe look like? Why is it a problem? 

• Which water pipes are an insurance problem and possibly uninsurable?

• Can you connect CPVC pipe directly to a gas water heater?  

     Visit our PLUMBING page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.