Metering requirements for plumbers

Who can install the meter depends on the size of the meter and where it is being installed.

• We install all 20 mm to 50 mm light duty meters, except those within multi-level properties. This includes locked and tagged connections. We'll install the meter within 10 working days of the application being submitted.
• Other than us or our contractors, only a plumber licensed through Building Commission NSW can install a meter. They can install 50 mm heavy duty meters or larger.

To learn more, read our Water meters policy or our Water meter installation guide.

Multi-level buildings

We don't install meters inside multi-level properties. However, we will install the main meter. Find out more about meters in multi-level buildings.

Please apply for a meter 3 weeks before you need water on-site. Call us on 13 20 92 8am–5:30pm Monday to Friday (except public holidays) if you need to use water straight away.

Applications for 20 mm meters on a new connection are charged a fee for a smart meter, which includes installation (since 1 October 2025). The process of applying and installing is the same. If you're applying for a larger meter, this is usually free of charge.

• If we're installing the meter, we'll do it within 10 working days.
• If you're installing the meter, you can collect it once you have the connection approval letter from Sydney Water Tap in.
• If the meter is larger than 50 mm light duty, we can deliver it to a licensed plumber at the property. Call us on 13 20 92 8am–5:30pm Monday to Friday (except public holidays) to arrange delivery.

You can collect a meter if you're either a licensed plumber or the plumber's authorised representative. Authorisation must be in writing, on the plumber's letterhead, and include the licence number and the specific property details. You can collect the meter from:

Skilltech
Unit S/10–16 South Street
Rydalmere

Skilltech is open 8:30am–4pm Monday to Friday (except public holidays). You must show the connection approval letter from Sydney Water Tap in. We don't supply meters for inside multi-level buildings, only the main meter.

After the meter has been collected, it must be installed within 2 days.

We need you to install the meter:

• between 300 mm and 1,000 mm inside the front property boundary
• between 300 mm and 600 mm from the left or right property boundary
• parallel to the closest side boundary
• 300 mm from the ground.

If you're installing meters close together, we need 300 mm between them.

Please don't install the meter:

• more than 1.5 metres above the ground
• in an area that we can't access, such as inside a house or unit, in a ceiling space or under a kitchen sink.

Doing this might stop us reading or replacing the meter.

When you're installing a water service, you need to allow the right space for the meter. If the property needs a separate backflow containment device, you'll need to allow enough space for that too.

If you can't install the meter where we need it, email meter​maintenance@​​sydneywater.​​com.au and tell us where you propose to install it. We need you to:

• tell us the property address
• tell us the account number, if you have it
• attach a drawing or diagram of the proposed position
• explain why you need to put it in another position and explain how we'll access it regularly.

We'll let you know within 7 days if your proposal is suitable.

You can only disconnect a meter if you have our approval to disconnect the water service. You might do this because:

• the property is going to be vacant permanently or for a long time
• a fire has damaged the property
• you're installing a self-sufficient drinking water supply
• you're installing a larger meter.